Injured McIlroy out of Open Championship

It is unclear where and when McIlroy will be seen in a competitive context again.

“What Scot does not want to play in the Open, let alone an Open at St Andrews.?”

McIlroy had been the betting favorite prior to his injury and at the time of his announcement 36% of all money wagered on Open futures was on McIlroy to win at William Hill.

“After much consideration, I have decided not to play in the Open Championship at St. Andrews”, said McIlroy, who posted a picture of his leg in a protective brace. But I don’t think you can stop living your life.

After winning last year’s British Open and PGA Championship, McIlroy finished T4 at the Masters and then won the World Golf Championships Match Play and the Wells Fargo Championship in May.

When it comes to a Grand Slam championship in his own sport, the world’s No. 1 golfer will be reduced to watching this year.

McIlroy won the Open at Royal Liverpool past year, shooting 66-66 in the first two rounds and going on to beat Rickie Fowler and Sergio Garcia by two shots at 17-under-par 271. “Of more concern though is the fact that he’s not put a timeframe on his recovery, which suggests the rest of his golfing summer is in jeopardy”.

Even when McIlroy’s physical recuperation is complete, he will have to reacquaint himself with matters of basic golfing technicality.

Perhaps more important and certainly more troublesome for me is the likelihood that McIlroy’s injury will have long-term, chronic consequences for his golf game.

Former US Open champion Justin Rose: “I would have been surprised if he was there given the initial diagnosis but it’s a big shame for him and the tournament”.

Spieth, victor at this year’s Masters and US Open, said McIlroy’s absence would dampen the occasion although he will now start the tournament as hot favourite.

Since 1960, there have been just five champions to win back-to-back Claret Jugs: Arnold Palmer, Lee Trevino, Tom Watson, Tiger Woods, and Pádraig Harrington. At the time, he withdrew from the Scottish Open, which begins Thursday, but stated he still held out hope of making the British Open.

McIlroy will be replaced in the field by first-alternate Russell Knox, who’s from Inverness, about three hours north of St. Andrews. “You have to enjoy the moment”, the 45-year-old said. I didn’t feel like anything [McIlroy] was doing was unnecessary risk. “It’s just bad luck and those things happen”.