World number one and defending champion Rory McIlroy will miss next week’s Open after injuring his left ankle.
The Northern Irishman, 26, revealed on Monday he had ruptured an ankle ligament playing football with friends.
Confirming he would not compete at St Andrews, he posted on Instagram: “I’m taking a long-term view of this injury.
“Although rehab is progressing well, I want to come back to tournament play when I feel 100% healthy and 100% competitive.”
The 2015 Open begins on 16 July, and tournament organisers said they were “naturally very disappointed” at McIlroy’s withdrawal.
They added: “Rory will play in many more Opens and our primary concern is for his complete recovery.”
McIlroy, who has won four majors, could also miss the chance to defend his US PGA Championship title in mid-August.
McIlroy ruptured his left ankle ligament on Saturday during a “soccer kickabout with friends”.
On Monday he wrote on Instagram: “Total rupture of left ATFL (ankle ligament) and associated joint capsule damage. 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.”
At the time, McIlroy had not ruled himself out of the Open and an announcement on his condition had not been expected until the weekend.
