Rory McIlroy pulls out of The Open at St Andrews

Rory McIlroy has confirmed that he will not defend his title next week at The Open because of an injury suffered while playing football with his friends.

The world number one revealed on Monday that he had suffered a total rupture of his left ankle ligaments.

In the below photo posted on Instagram this afternoon, McIlroy announced that he would not be able to take part at St Andrews next week, despite rehab "progressing well".

After much consideration, I have decided not to play in the Open Championship at St. Andrews. 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.... In the mean time, come on Andy!!!

A photo posted by Rory McIlroy (@rorymcilroy) on Jul 8, 2015 at 8:38am PDT

In a statement, The Open said that they were "naturally very disappointed", but that their "primary concern" was McIlroy's recovery.

He is the first Open champion to miss the defence of his title since Ben Hogan in 1954.

The Northern Irishman is also the reigning US PGA champion and will hope to be fit for the last Major of the year, which starts at Whistling Straits on August 13.