McIlroy To Become First Player In 61 Years Not To Defend British Open Crown

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork/AP) -- Rory McIlroy won't be back to defend his title in the British Open.

The world's No. 1 player announced Wednesday that a ruptured ligament in his left ankle will keep him from St. Andrews to play in the British Open. McIlroy said he injured his ankle while playing soccer with friends in Northern Ireland over the weekend.

He will be the first player to not defend his Open title since Ben Hogan in 1954.

McIlroy said his recovery is going well, but he wants to take a cautious approach. He said he only wants to compete when he is fully healthy. It was not clear how much longer he would be out.

He also is defending champion at the Bridgestone Invitational and PGA Championship over the next five weeks.

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