It's not major surprise given the seriousness of the injury but it appears that Rory McIlroy look set to miss the rest of 2015 according to Ryder Cup skipper Darren Clarke.

According to reports from St Andrews, the 2011 Open champion let that news slip as he stood in for McIlroy at the annual Association of Golf Writers' dinner in the Old Course Hotel.

Clarke accepted the Golf Writers' Award on behalf of McIlroy, who reported last week that he had suffered a "total rupture of left ATFL (ankle ligament) and associated joint capsule damage in a soccer kickabout with friends."

Mcilroy said she was "continuing to assess extent of injury and treatment plan day by day. Rehab already started..... Working hard to get back as soon as I can."

Just a few days later, McIlroy withdrew from The Open, writing on Instagram: "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!!