Golf’s top-ranked player Rory McIlroy is unlikely to defend his British Open title after rupturing an ankle ligament in a soccer match with friends.
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Early Monday morning, Rory McIlroy announced that he ruptured and ankle ligament playing soccer over the weekend, leaving his status for the Open in question.
He has already started rehab but the extent of the injury will not be fully known for a few days.
SHANE Lowry today defended Rory McIlroy’s decision to play football even though the ankle injury he suffered could rule the world number one out of The Open Championship at St Andrews. There’s a wide range of severity with the injury beyond just the basic information McIlroy provided on Instagram.
He posted a photograph to Instagram with his leg in a boot as he balanced on crutches. The fact the injury is to the left ankle is also significant for a right-handed player as that joint bears most of the pressure through the swing.
The 2015 Open Championship from St. Andrews will take place from Thursday, July 16 through Sunday, July 19.
He was due to play in the Scottish Open this week as part of his preparations for the Open.
McIlroy won the Open past year at Royal Liverpool by going wire-to-wire and taking a six-shot lead into the final round. “I see no reason why I can’t now draw a line and have a good five-year period at The Open”, he told Derek Lawrenson of the Daily Mail.
Double major victor Jordan Speith crosses the Atlantic Ocean chasing his third consecutive major title, and his chances would be boosted by the absence of McIlroy.
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McIlroy was out of contention to win at the majors won by Spieth this year.
