American golfer Jordan Spieth has said that he hopes Rory McIlroy recovers from injury in time to compete at the Open next week.
McIlroy ruptured his ankle ligaments while playing football with friends but the Northern Irishman is hoping to be able to play at St Andrews.
"For me, it doesn't change anything," Spieth told the Golf Channel. "It's still just as challenging. It's still a major championship and there is a lot of unbelievable talent. I obviously wish he was there.
"It kind of dampens it. 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 number one player in the world for a major championship would be tough."
It looks likely that Spieth will claim McIlroy's world number one spot after the Open.
