British Open likely to flourish even if McIlroy sits it out

Jun 21, 2015; University Place, WA, USA; Rory McIlroy hits his tee shot on the 15th tee in the final round of the 2015 U.S. Open golf tournament at Chambers Bay. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

LONDON (Reuters) - The ankle ligament injury sustained by world number one Rory McIlroy may have golf fretting about his participation at the British Open but there is little doubt the sport is bigger than one player - no matter how talented.

McIlroy, who has begun his recovery process, wearing a surgical boot on his left leg, will undergo further tests before deciding whether he has a chance of defending his Open title next week.