Spieth: British Open ‘dampened’ without defending champion McIlroy

Jordan Spieth found out on Monday about Rory McIlroy’s ankle injury just like the rest of us: on social media.

McIlroy ruptured a ligament on the outside of his left ankle while playing soccer with friends on July 4. He’s already withdrawn from this week’s Aberdeen Asset Management Scottish Open and his British Open title defense next week is in doubt.

“I thought it was really unfortunate,” Spieth said, according to Golf Channel, from Zach Johnson’s annual charity golf tournament in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. “Accidents happen, and I just wish for a speedy recovery. We all want him back as soon as possible.”

McIlroy won’t make a decision about competing next week at St. Andrews until the end of this week, at the earliest. Spieth, who is chasing a third major in three tries this year, acknowledged that a missing McIlroy would take away from the championship at the Home of Golf.

“It kind of dampens it,” Spieth said of McIlroy’s absence. “You want the defending champion, much less the best player in the world at the event. You want all fields to be full strength no matter who it is. Losing the No. 1 player in the world for a major championship would be tough.”

However, were McIlroy to miss, Spieth would still look at the prospect of capturing the first three legs of a single-season Grand Slam the same way.

“For me, it doesn’t change anything,” Spieth said. “It’s still just as challenging. It’s still a major championship and there is a lot of unbelievable talent.”

Ryan Ballengee is a Yahoo Sports contributor. Find him on Facebook and Twitter.

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