It's official  Rory McIlroy will not be playing in the Open championships next week.

McIlroy, who suffered an ankle injury while playing soccer with friends over the weekend, announced he would not defend his Open championship.  McIlroy cited the desire to continue rehab in order to be totally healthy as the reason he will skip the Open next weekend in St. Andrews.

He becomes the first Open champion to not defend his title since Ben Hogan in 1954. Hogan won the 1953 title in Carnoustie.

McIlroy's withdrawal makes Jordan Spieth the big favorite to win next weekend.

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