Rory McIlroy won’t defend Open title

• It’s confirmed – Rory McIlroy won’t be at the Open
• Says he is viewing ligament injury as ‘long-term’
• Question marks now on US PGA Championship defence

It may come as little surprise to most but world No.1 Rory McIlroy has confirmed that he will not be taking part in the 144th Open Championship at St Andrews next week.

The news comes just two days after he posted a picture of himself on crutches on Instagram after rupturing ligaments in his left ankle on Saturday during a kickabout with his mates.

And it was the same social media platform he used to tell the world he wouldn’t be defending the Claret Jug at the Home of Golf, displaying a picture with his cast once again while sitting on the sofa watching the tennis.

“I’m taking a long-term view of this injury” – Rory McIlroy

Alongside the picture, the caption read: “After much consideration, I have decided not to play in the Open Championship at St Andrews. 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 meantime, come on Andy!!!”

Although Rory McIlroy confirmed what most of us already expected, especially considering the fact that an injury like his takes anything between six weeks and three months to fully heal, the question marks will now hang over whether he’ll be back in time for the defence of his US PGA Championship at Whistling Straits in five weeks’ time.

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The news is likely to put a significant dent in ticket sales, with Englishman Chris Wood saying that McIlroy’s absence will have an obvious effect on the tournament.

Speaking exclusively to bunkered.co.uk, Wood said: “The absence of the world No.1 is always going to detract from the tournament. It’ll be a huge talking point, particularly next week at St Andrews, because when Rory’s on his game around there he’s very hard to beat.

“One thing it’s probably done is open the field out massively because it’s one of those courses that you need to know.”

McIlroy’s place in the field will be taken by Scot Russell Knox, who is now in line to make his Open Championship debut at St Andrews.

Rory McIlroy :: Out of the Open

Will Rory McIlroy’s absence have an effect on the Open at St Andrews? Leave your thoughts in the ‘Comments’ section below.