Rory McIlroy ruptures ligament in ankle while playing soccer

LONDON — Rory McIlroy was on crutches Monday with an ankle injury from playing soccer, leaving in doubt the prospects of golf’s No. 1 player defending his British Open title next week at St. Andrews.

Just as excitement was building toward a potential clash at the Old Course between McIlroy and Jordan Spieth, McIlroy posted a jarring photo on Instagram showing him on crutches with a walking boot on this left ankle. The 26-year-old from Northern Ireland said it was a “total rupture” of an ankle ligament and the joint capsule that happened while he was playing soccer with friends.

Sean O’Flaherty, his chief spokesman, said McIlroy has withdrawn from the Scottish Open this week at Gullane. O’Flaherty said they would not know until later in the week the extent of the injury and whether McIlroy would be able to tee it up July 16 at St. Andrews.

Ben Hogan in 1954 was the last British Open champion who did not play the following year.

McIlroy had been the joint favorite along with Spieth. They have won the last four majors — the first time in nearly a century that two players in their 20s have shared four successive majors — and Spieth is headed to St. Andrews as only the fourth player with a chance at the Grand Slam.

Players were shocked to hear the news.

“Unlucky, obviously,” Luke Donald said in a telephone interview. “I would never say, ‘Don’t play football or don’t do these thing.’ You don’t want to live in a bubble. It’s just unlucky timing, especially this time of the year. Golf is exciting with Rory and Jordan. It’s added a bit of spice to the game. It’s a shame if Rory were to miss the Open, which it looks like he might.”

Sergio Garcia, a runner-up to McIlroy at Royal Liverpool last year, tweeted, “So sad to hear about (at)Rory McIlroy injury on his ankle. We will all miss you (at)TheOpen next week my friend. Fast and healthy recovery.”

McIlroy referred to his ATFL, which is the anterior talofibular ligament and the one most commonly sprained. The left ankle is crucial in a golf swing as weight transfers to that side of the body (for right-handers) in generating power.

“That’s a big blow to the Open if he misses it,” former Ryder Cup captain Sam Torrance said from Wimbledon.

McIlroy won the Open last year at Royal Liverpool by going wire-to-wire and taking a six-shot lead into the final round. He also won the PGA Championship, joining Jack Nicklaus, Tiger Woods and Bobby Jones as the only players in the last century with four majors at age 25 or younger.

The injury brought to mind Woods winning the 2008 U.S. Open at Torrey Pines with a stress fracture and shredded knee ligaments in his left leg. Woods knew about the injury a month before the U.S. Open and was determined to play, mainly because he was a six-time PGA Tour at Torrey Pines.

No one saw this injury to McIlroy coming, however. Along with potentially missing the British Open, McIlroy faces a busy time of the year as defending champion of the World Golf Championship at Firestone and the PGA Championship, followed by the FedEx Cup in America and the Race to Dubai in Europe.

Shane Lowry of Ireland told the Irish Times that he heard about the injury on Saturday.

“It’s not ideal for him because he’s wearing that boot and he’s going to have everyone in the media on his back now,” Lowry said. “But should he be playing football? I don’t know. He likes playing football, and he likes playing football with his mates. What’s wrong with that? … People think because you’re good at something you should just do that and focus on that, but that’s not what life is about.”

McIlroy has an affinity with the Old Course. It’s where he secured his European Tour card in 2007 as an 18-year-old at the Dunhill Links with a third-place finish. He also tied the major championship record of 63 when the British Open was held at St. Andrews in 2010, though McIlroy followed with an 80 in the wind. He tied for third at St. Andrews five years ago.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Sports

X
Vote for The Herald’s Prep Athlete of the Week for May 6-12

The Athlete of the Week nominees for May 6-12. Voting closes at… Continue reading

How the Seahawks’ Mike Macdonald has NFL offenses guessing

Seattle’s new head coach has defenses around the league following his lead.

X
Prep roundup for Monday, May 13

Prep roundup for Monday, May 13: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Marysville youth gymnasts excel at regionals

Four gymnasts from AGAMarysville Gymnastics Academy took home Region 2 awards.

Mountlake Terrace teammates dogpile on pitcher Owen Meek after his complete game victory against Edmonds-Woodway in the Class 3A District 1 baseball championship Saturday, May 11, 2024, at Funko Field in Everett, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Mountlake Terrace claims Class 3A district baseball title

The Hawks defeat Edmonds-Woodway 9-3 to avenge their loss in last year’s district championship game.

The Shorewood boys soccer team poses for a photo after winning the Class 3A District 1 trophy Saturday at Shoreline Stadium. The Stormrays topped Edmonds-Woodway 2-1. (Taras McCurdie / The Herald)
Shorewood repeats as 3A district boys soccer champ

Isaak Abraham’s difference-making cameo appearance helps the Stormrays top Edmonds-Woodway 2-1.

Washington Wolfpack kicker Melissa Strother became the first female to score a point in Arena Football League history, but the Wolfpack fell 34-21 to the West Texas Desert Hawks on Sunday at Angel of the Winds Arena (Photo courtesy of Jim Matson, Inside Arena)
Wolfpack make history, but fall 34-21 to West Texas

Washington kicker Melissa Strother became the first woman to score a point in AFL history.

Mariners review: Rodriguez homers, Castillo deals

Plus the Twins end Seattle’s historic pitching stretch, and reliever Matt Brash’s season is done.

X
Prep roundup for Saturday, May 11

Prep roundup for Saturday, May 11: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Defenseman Landon DuPont, who the Everett Silvertips selected first overall in Thursday’s WHL prospects draft, is considered a generational talent. (Photo courtesy of the WHL)
Patterson: Tips fans, get ready for the Landon DuPont show

Everett is getting a generational talent who will make nights at Angel of the Winds Arena must-see viewing.

Arlington’s Peyton Aanstad pitches to Marysville Getchell’s Parker Johnson in the Class 3A District 1 softball tournament Friday at Phil Johnson Fields in Everett. The Chargers won the loser-out game 7-2 (Evan Wiederspohn / The Herald)
Emme Witter powers Marysville Getchell past Arlington

The Chargers are one of four teams that stayed alive at the Class 3A District 1 softball tournament.

X
Prep roundup for Friday, May 10

Prep roundup for Friday, May 10: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.