Rory McIlroy Will Miss Open Championship After Recent Ankle Injury

Rory McIlroy won’t get a chance to defend his Open Championship victory.

The world’s No. 1-ranked golfer announced Wednesday that he will indeed miss next weekend’s British Open after he suffered an ankle injury Saturday while playing soccer with friends. Like he did in announcing the injury, McIlroy announced via his Instagram page he’d miss the Open.

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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 mean time, come on Andy!!!

A post shared by RORY (@rorymcilroy) on Jul 8, 2015 at 8:38am PDT

It’s still unclear at this point just how long McIlroy will be out with what he said Monday is a ruptured left ankle ligament.

McIlroy went wire to wire to win the Open Championship last year at Royal Liverpool Golf Club. McIlroy edged out Rickie Fowler and Sergio Garcia by two strokes with a 17-under finish.

Thumbnail photo via John David Mercer/USA TODAY Sports Images