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Rory McIlroy Says He Won't Play In British Open After Ankle Injury

(CBS) Rory McIlroy, the top-ranked golfer in the world, won't compete in the British Open that starts July 16 at The Old Course at St. Andrew's after he ruptured a ligament in his left ankle over the weekend while playing pickup soccer with friends.

McIlroy made the announcement Wednesday morning in a post to Instagram and Twitter.

"After much consideration, I have decided not to play in the Open Championship at St. Andrews," McIlroy said. "I'm taking a long term view of this injury and, although rehab is progressing well, I want to come back to tournament play when I feel 100% healthy and 100% competitive. Thank you for all your support and best wishes. I hope to be back on the course as soon as I can."

McIlroy has a walking boot on his left foot and has referred to a rupture of his ATFL, which is the anterior talofibular ligament. The left ankle is crucial in a golf swing, as weight shifts to that side while generating power.

McIlroy is the defending British Open champion and a five-time major winner. Along with Jordan Spieth, who won this year's Masters and U.S. Open, McIlroy was the favorite at St. Andrew's.

The Associated Press contributed to this story.

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