Rory McIlroy is recovering well from the ankle injury which has prevented him from defending his Open title this week, although no date has been set for his return.
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McIlroy suffered a total rupture of the ATFL ligament in his left ankle, amounting to a very nasty rolling over of the joint, while playing soccer with friends on July 4.
Darren Clarke prompted speculation McIlroy could be out for the rest of the season when he accepted an award on McIlroy’s behalf at the Association of Golf Writers’ annual dinner in St Andrews on Tuesday and hinted that Rory was looking forward to seeing everyone again “in January”. “I was taking the piss and everyone took me seriously”.
What is known is that McIlroy – in whatever state of rehab he is in – will lose his top ranking if No. 2 Jordan Spieth prevails Sunday on the Old Course.
To muddy the waters even more, Belfast Live published photos on Wednesday of McIlroy leaving the gym in his home town of Holywood without his walking boot, seemingly suggesting an early return. “He’s positive and happy and looking forward to working through the process of getting back”, he said.
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Much ado ensued, said Rosaforte, who has his finger on the pulse of Rory’s condition and hears that McIlroy will be sidelined for some six to eight weeks. “He’ll definitely be back before then”.
