Rory McIlroy tears ankle ligament playing soccer, putting British Open in doubt

Rory McIlroy, the world’s top-ranked golfer, was having a friendly soccer game with his buddies on Saturday when things went awry.

This year’s British Open begins July 16 at St. Andrews in Scotland and it’s hard to see how McIlroy even attempts to defend his title, even though one of his spokesmen told the BBC he hasn’t made a decision yet. He’s also slated to play in this weekend’s Scottish Open.

McIlroy also is the defending PGA Championship winner, and that tournament begins Aug. 13 at Whistling Straits in Wisconsin.

According to the Guardian, this is at least the second time McIlroy has injured his ankle playing soccer, as he suffered a similar injury in December 2013.

[Medical experts weigh McIlroy’s chances of playing in British Open]