World number one Rory McIlroy will not defend his Bridgestone Invitational title next week, as he continues to recover from a serious ankle injury.
The news comes ahead of the year's final major, the US PGA, at Whistling Straits in just over two weeks time.
In a statement released yesterday, McIlroy said: "Unfortunately, I will not be defending my World Golf Championships-Bridgestone Invitational title.
"Best of luck to all the competitors and I look forward to returning to Firestone in 2016."
The 26-year-old ruptured the anterior talofibular ligament in his left ankle during a kickabout with friends on July 4 and experts predicted a rehabilitation period of approximately three months.
Jordan Spieth poses with the after winning the John Deere. Image Credit: Charles Rex Arbogast / AP/Press Association Images
A return to the course is likely to happen in October or November.
The final major of the year takes place on August 13-16, with American prodigy Jordan Spieth searching for his third major of the year, after claiming both the Masters and the US Open.
In his absence, Spieth has won the John Deere classic and came close to winning the Open Championship in St Andrews two weeks ago.
It is expected that the Texan will replace McIlroy as world number one by the time the US PGA rolls around.
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