Rory McIlroy will not defend his title at the British Open.

The world's No. 1 player announced Wednesday he has withdrawn from the tournament due to a ruptured ligament in his left ankle.

"After much consideration, I have decided not to play in the Open Championship at St. Andrews," McIlroy released via his Instagram account. "I'm taking a long term view of this injury and, although rehab is progressing well, I want to come back to tournament play when I feel 100 percent healthy and 100 percent competitive. Thank you for all your support and best wishes. I hope to be back on the course as soon as I can..."

McIlroy suffered the injury while playing soccer with some friends on Saturday. He will be the first player to not defend his British Open title since Ben Hogan in 1954.

The British Open starts on July 16.

The PGA Tour heads to Illinois this week for the John Deere Classic, which will serve as a final tune-up before the Open Championship in two weeks.

Last year, Brian Harman carded four straight rounds in the 60s, including a 5- under 66 on the final day to win by a shot over 2012 champion Zach Johnson. Harman finished the week at 22-under-par 262.

Harman is back in the field this week looking to successfully defend his title after finishing in third at the Travelers Championship two weeks ago.

Also in the field looking to get one final event in prior to the Open Championship is Masters and U.S. Open champion Jordan Spieth, who picked up his first career victory on the PGA Tour at this event in 2013.

Spieth is having a year for the ages and in two weeks he hopes to become the first player ever to win the first three major championships of the season.