Rory McIlroy won’t play in British Open after injuring ankle

REUTERS

9 years ago

Jun 17, 2015; University Place, WA, USA; Rory McIlroy smiles on the 15th hole during practice rounds on Wednesday at Chambers Bay. (John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports)

Jun 19, 2015; University Place, WA, USA; Rory McIlroy hits his tee shot on the 6th hole in the second round of the 2015 U.S. Open golf tournament at Chambers Bay. (John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports/Reuters Picture Supplied by Action Images)

Jun 21, 2015; University Place, WA, USA; Rory McIlroy lines up a putt on the 14th green in the final round of the 2015 U.S. Open golf tournament at Chambers Bay. (John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports)

Jun 18, 2015; University Place, WA, USA; Rory McIlroy hits his tee shot on the 6th hole in the first round of the 2015 U.S. Open golf tournament at Chambers Bay. (John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports)

Jun 17, 2015; University Place, WA, USA; Rory McIlroy hits out of the bunker on the 15th hole during practice rounds on Wednesday at Chambers Bay. (John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports)

Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland walks up to the 18th green during the final round of the Masters golf tournament at the Augusta National Golf Course in Augusta, Georgia April 12, 2015. (REUTERS/Brian Snyder)

Rory McIlroy hits his tee shot on the twelfth hole during the first round of the WGC – Cadillac Championship golf tournament at TPC Blue Monster at Trump National Doral. (Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports)

Sep 28, 2014; Auchterarder, Perthshire, SCT; European player Rory McIlroy reacts to making birdie and winning the first hole on day three during the 2014 Ryder Cup at Gleneagles Resort – PGA Centenary Course. (Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports)

LONDON — World number one Rory McIlroy will not be fit enough to defend his British Open title after rupturing ankle ligaments playing football with friends, he said on Wednesday.

“After much consideration, I have decided not to play in the Open Championship at St. Andrews,” McIlroy said 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 percent healthy and 100percent competitive.”

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.