World number one Rory McIlroy briefly hinted at his frustration at missing this week’s Open as he attempted to cheer up disappointed fans.
The 2014 champion was forced to withdraw from the event at St Andrews, which begins on Thursday, after rupturing an ankle ligament playing football with friends last week.
But while the Northern Irishman focuses on his rehab, he has offered to give away 10 pairs of headphones to his supporters via his Facebook page.
Within the message promoting his offer, McIlroy mentioned his feelings on being unable to defend the Claret Jug.
He wrote: “Very disappointed to miss this year’s Open Championship but not all’s lost… I want to cheer my fans up by giving away 10 pairs of these Open Championship custom coloured Bose headphones.”
McIlroy, 26, has said he does not intend to return to action until he is “100 per cent healthy and 100 per cent competitive”.