Rory McIlroy’s Open withdrawal a huge blow, says Graeme McDowell

Graeme McDowell is not surprised world No. 1 Rory McIlroy has withdrawn from next week’s Open Championship at St Andrews.

McIlroy yesterday confirmed he will not tee up next week in the defence of the famed Claret Jug as he continues to recover from a ruptured ligament in his left ankle, the legacy of a friendly football match last weekend.

McDowell was contesting a Pro-Am ahead of the start of today’s Scottish Open when he learnt of McIlroy’s withdrawal from golf’s oldest Major.