The inevitable announcement came on Wednesday when Rory McIlroy took to Instagram and let the world know that he will not play in next week’s Open Championship at hallowed St. Andrews.
“After much consideration I have decided not to play in the Open Championship at St. Andrews,” McIlroy wrote.
It came as absolutely no surprise to anyone, not after seeing McIlroy on crutches and his left ankle in a protective boot.
He injured a ligament in his left ankle during an impromptu soccer outing with his buddies last Saturday. His return is up in the air. He was slated to compete in the WGC Bridgestone on August 6. The season’s final major, the PGA Championship at Whistling Straits, begins August 13.
McIlroy was the odds-on favorite going into St. Andrews. Now the stage is turned over to Jordan Spieth, who is warming up this week at the John Deere Classic.
Crutches or not, McIlroy still has to return the Claret Jug next week.
