World number one Rory McIlroy has confirmed he will not defend his Open Championship title next week.
McIlroy revealed on Monday that he had suffered a ”total rupture” of the anterior talofibular ligament in his left ankle while playing football with friends.
The 26-year-old pulled out of this week’s Scottish Open at Gullane and although he initially did not rule himself out of competing at St Andrews, the four-time Major winner said on today he was taking a “long-term view” of the injury.
“After much consideration, I have decided not to play in the Open Championship at St Andrews,” McIlroy wrote on Instagram.
“I’m taking a long- term view of this injury and, although rehab is progressing well, I want to come back to tournament play when I feel 100% healthy and 100% competitive.
“Thank you for all your support and best wishes. I hope to be back on the course as soon as I can…. In the mean time, come on Andy!!!”
That was a reference to McIlroy’s friend Andy Murray, who could be seen in the Instagram post on television playing his Wimbledon quarter-final as McIlroy watched with his foot in the air, but out of the protective boot he was pictured wearing on Monday.