Rory McIlroy Ruptures Ankle Ligament Playing Soccer; Status For Open In Question

Rory McIlroy probably will think twice before playing some soccer during golf season next time.

The reigning Open Championship winner is unlikely to defend his title in two weeks at St. Andrew’s after he ruptured an ankle ligament in a “soccer kickabout” Saturday, he announced via Instagram on Monday morning.

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Total rupture of left ATFL (ankle ligament) and associated joint capsule damage in a soccer kickabout with friends on Saturday. Continuing to assess extent of injury and treatment plan day by day. Rehab already started….. Working hard to get back as soon as I can.

A post shared by RORY (@rorymcilroy) on Jul 6, 2015 at 2:53am PDT

The world No. 1 didn’t give any other indication as to how long he might be out of action. McIlroy won the 2014 tournament at Royal Liverpool, where he edged out Rickie Fowler and Sergio Garcia to go wire-to-wire for the win. McIlroy ranks fifth in FedEx cup points this season with two wins under his belt, winning the Wells Fargo Championship and the World Golf Championships Match Play tournament.