Mickelson and Spieth defend McIlroy

"You can’t live your life in fear. You have to enjoy the moment. I didn’t feel like anything he (McIlroy) was doing was unnecessary risk."

Phil Mickelson and Jordan Spieth have backed Rory McIlroy’s decision to play football shortly before the defence of his Open title, revealing they have done far more dangerous things.

McIlroy is a major doubt for next week’s Open at St Andrews after rupturing an ankle ligament during a kickabout with friends last week, a decision which has been criticised in some quarters.