McIlroy Pulls out of Open Championship


Rory McIlroy has withdrawn from the 2015 Open Championship. The top-ranked player in golf and defending champion in the third major of the year announced he was pulling out on Wednesday, four days after he ruptured a ligament in his left ankle while playing soccer with friends.

The 26-year-old Northern Irishman made the announcement alongside a photo with his foot in an air cast on Instagram. McIlroy was in position to win two straight titles in the championship, which starts July 16 on the Old Course at St. Andrews. He had earlier pulled out of this week's Scottish Open.

"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 all for your support and best wishes. I hope to be back on the course as soon as I can."

The Open released a statement on Twitter that said: "We are naturally very disappointed that Rory will be unable to defend his title at St. Andrews next week. Rory will play in many more Open Championships and our primary concern is for his complete recovery. Everyone associated with the Open wishes Rory the very best as he looks to return to full fitness."

McIlroy's next scheduled start is at the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational, which begins August 6 and he'll be the defending champion. The PGA Championship at Whistling Straits follows a week later. He also won that tournament in 2014.