Rory McIlroy Injures Ankle Playing Soccer, British Open In Doubt

2014 Open champ Rory McIlroy may not be around to defend his title, after rupturing a ligament in his left ankle playing soccer this weekend.

Wrote McIlroy:

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.

The Open begins at St. Andrews on July 16, a week from this Thursday, and it seems like a long shot. One McIlroy rep put the chances of him being ready to play by then at “10 percent.” McIlroy was the listed favorite, so his absence could be a boon to Jordan Spieth in the third leg of a potential Grand Slam.