McIlroy out of Open, increasing Spieth’s chances of Grand Slam

British and Rory McIlroy fans will be devastated to hear the news that the Northern Irish star has pulled out of the upcoming 2015 Open Championship that starts on July 16th.

The 26-year-old, therefore, will be unable to defend his title, to be held at St Andrews this year, after injuring his ankle playing football.

McIlroy previously wrote on Instagram: “Total rupture of left ATFL (ankle ligament) and associated joint capsule damage in a soccer kickabout with friends. Continuing to assess extent of injury and treatment plan day by day. Rehab already started.”

After much consideration, I have decided not to play in the Open Championship at St. Andrews. I’m… https://t.co/G6nYJPcD9e

— Rory Mcilroy (@McIlroyRory) July 8, 2015

While it is bad news for his supporters, McIlroy’s contemporaries will be quietly more confident of success here, with Jordan Spieth in particular now the firm favourite at 9/2.

The young American, 21, is golf’s newest star and the closest competitor to McIlroy it seems, after snatching the first two Majors this year (The Masters and US Open). He is on course now to claim the Grand Slam, which is winning all four Majors in a year.

Spieth will likely be the Northern Irishman’s rivals for many years to come, and now has a great chance of catching up to just one Major behind him, with a five-year advantage.

Coral are offering great odds on the Texas-born starlet finishing in the top five in all four Majors in 2015 at 4/1, and 6/4 for the top 10.