Rory McIlroy unable to pencil in a return date as he misses out on defending his Open title following an ankle injury

  • Rory McIlroy's return to golf unknown following an ankle injury
  • The world No 1 was pictured leaving a gym after a rehab session
  • Jordan Spieth could leapfrog McIlroy in the rankings if he wins the Open 

By Phil Casey, Press Association Golf Correspondent

Published: 08:18 EST, 15 July 2015 | Updated: 10:46 EST, 15 July 2015

Rory McIlroy is recovering well from the ankle injury which has prevented him from defending his Open title this week, although no date has been set for his return.

McIlroy ruptured an ankle ligament playing football with friends on July 4 and announced four days later he would not compete at St Andrews as he took a 'long-term' view of the injury.

Ryder Cup captain Darren Clarke suggested that meant McIlroy would not return until 'early next year' as he accepted an award on his fellow Northern Irishman's behalf at the Old Course on Tuesday.

Rory McIlroy leaves the gym after his rehabilitation session due to his ankle injury which kept him out the Open

Rory McIlroy leaves the gym after his rehabilitation session due to his ankle injury which kept him out the Open

The Northern Irishman's left ankle was heavily strapped as he walked to his car in County Down

The Northern Irishman's left ankle was heavily strapped as he walked to his car in County Down

But it is understood Clarke's comment was meant as a joke and a spokesman for McIlroy told Press Association Sport: 'There was no basis for Darren's comments. Rory's rehabilitation is progressing well but his return date is not yet known.'

McIlroy, who could be unable to defend the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational on August 6 and the US PGA Championship the following week at Whistling Straits, will be replaced as world No 1 if Masters and US Open champion Jordan Spieth succeeds him as Open champion on Sunday. 

Jordan Spieth could replace McIlroy as world No 1 if he wins the Open at St Andrews

Jordan Spieth could replace McIlroy as world No 1 if he wins the Open at St Andrews

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