Rory McIlroy looks set to miss the 2015 British Open after rupturing a ligament in his left ankle playing football with friends.
The reigning Open champion took to social media to confirm the extent of his injury, posting an image of himself looking glum on crutches, but insisting his rehab has already begun.
The caption on the photo read: “Total rupture of left ATFL (ankle ligament) and associated joint capsule damage in a soccer kickabout with friends on Saturday. Continuing to assess extent of injury and treatment plan day by day. Rehab already started….. Working hard to get back as soon as I can.”
With the St. Andrews showpiece set to begin on July 16, it seems unlikely that McIlroy will make it back in time to defend the title he won at Hoylake 12 months ago.
It’s been a year of mixed fortunes for the four-time major champion so far, with challenges at the Masters and the recent U.S. Open coming up just short. But missing out on the most illustrious event in golf at such an iconic course would be a bitter disappointment for the Northern Irishman.
At this juncture, although there may be slender hopes he can make it back in time, a McIlroy withdrawal is surely an inevitability. For those set to flock to the Old Course to see him in action, the news will also be a substantial blow, as the dynamic style in whic Rory plays the game makes him one of the biggest draws in the sport.
While they’ll all be keen to wish their fellow pro a speedy recover, the absence of McIlroy will certainly open things up at St. Andrews for other competitors. Paddy Power comically summed up how Jordan Spieth, who has won the first two majors of the year, might be feeling upon hearing the news:
It’s important McIlroy doesn’t rush back from this ankle problem. At times this year he’s looked a little jaded out on course and given just how much strain golf puts on the body, the world no. 1 must ensure he’s fully recovered before he even thinks about picking up a club again.
If that means missing The Open, the upcoming PGA Championship or even the rest of the season, then so be it.
Via- Matt Jones, Bleacher Report