“Rory McIlroy Withdraws From British Open ” CBS Dallas

The last two players prior to Rory to not defend a major title – any major, not just the Open – were Tiger Woods (2008 USA Open) and Payne Stewart (2000 USA Open).

He said getting the call is a weight off his shoulders, sparing him an agonizing wait over the next week.

McIlroy has withdrawn from this week’s Scottish Open at Gullane, while it remains uncertain whether he will be able to defend his British Open title at St Andrews.

The past four British Open champions prepared for the third major of the year by playing the Scottish Open the previous week, perhaps explaining the depth of the field.

On Monday he wrote on Instagram: “Total rupture of left ATFL (ankle ligament) and associated joint capsule damage”. But that day-by-day assessment only confirmed that the injury was not of a minor nature and would require more time to heal, especially given that an early return to the course could actually lead to further complications with the injury in the future. “We all want him back as soon as possible”, the Texan said, adding that McIlroy’s absence would not make winning the tournament any easier. The decision, though, will prompt huge disappointment for the world number one. McIlroy is absolutely correct to wait until he is fully fit before competing again.

“It could be completely different to what Rory is facing, depending on how he recovers”.

Also, Spieth finished off his USA Open win by finishing even par on his last three holes the unconventional way: birdie on the sixteenth, double bogey on the seventeenth, birdie on the eighteenth.

Nichols: As much as he doesn’t like the title, Jordan Spieth is golf’s “Golden Child”.

FILE – In this Friday, May 15, 2015 file photo, Russell Knox watches his tee shot on the 17th hole during the second round of the Wells Fargo Championship golf tournament at Quail Hollow Club in Charlotte, N.C..

“It’s a tough question, middle of the season, before a major championship… hindsight is a wonderful thing”.

McIroy’s announcement will come as music to the ears of Jordan Spieth, now the clear favourite to win around St Andrews’ Old Course next week. With the fun rivalry going on and everything, he’s going to be gutted.

“When you come to a new golf course, I think that what happened past year is a little less relevant to being defending champion”.

HARSH enough that Rory McIlroy’s critics should queue up to kick him while he’s only got one good leg to stand on.