Shane Lowry says Rory McIlroy must still get his kicks

Rory McIlroy’s seemingly inevitable absence from next week’s Open Championship and possibly beyond should not deter the four-time major champion from kickabouts with his mates, believes Shane Lowry.

World number one McIlroy’s decision yesterday to post a picture of himself on crutches and wearing a protective ‘moon’ boot over his left ankle sent the golfing community into a flutter just days before the third major championship of the season is played out at St Andrews.

McIlroy was due to defend the Claret Jug he won at Hoylake 12 months ago but an impromptu game of football with his mates on Saturday has also thrown his PGA Championship defence next month into doubt.