It’s been 61 years since the defending British Open champion did not return to take part in the tournament. Who was it then? Ben Hogan, the American who only played in one British Open, back in 1953 when the tournament was at Carnoustie. Flying to Great Britain was a much tougher task in the 1950s, and Hogan elected not to return.
Who is it now? Rory McIlroy (who happens to make his home in the British Isles). Why isn’t he playing? Because he was playing soccer with some buddies and ruptured a ligament in his left ankle. At first, he thought he would be better in time to play, but then he decided that it wasn’t worth the risk of further injury, spoiling the golf odds for this event.
“We are naturally very disappointed that Rory will be unable to defend his title at St. Andrews next week,” the R&A said in a statement. “Rory will play in many more Open Championships and our primary concern is for his complete recovery.”
Rory McIlroy Soccer Injury Spoils Golf Odds
Will Rory McIlroy’s ankle injury end his season? (via @golf_com) http://t.co/gr5kLVEjih pic.twitter.com/8sfVVxP6fJ
— Sports Illustrated (@SInow) July 10, 2015