American golfer Jordan Spieth is poised to take over the world number 1 ranking in the PGA tour when the WGC Bridgestone Invitational rolls in next week. Current world number 1 Rory McIlroy has just announced that he will be missing the tournament due to an ankle injury he sustained earlier this month.

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"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," said McIlroy in a statement published on the event's official website.

The Northern Irish golfer is the event's defending champion and is one of two qualified golfers who will be missing the event. McIlroy suffered an ankle injury while playing some football with his friends over the 4th of July weekend. Meanwhile, Chris Kirk will also be missing the event due to a broken right hand. He sustained the injury while playing with his kids.

McIlroy spoke about the injury on Instagram three weeks ago. He shared a photo of himself wearing a leg brace and standing with the help of crutches. He explained his injury and said that he's already working hard to get back. Unfortunately, that's probably not soon enough to keep his world number 1 ranking.

 Total rupture of left ATFL (ankle ligament) and associated joint capsule damage in a soccer kickabout with friends on Saturday. Continuing to assess extent of injury and treatment plan day by day. Rehab already started..... Working hard to get back as soon as I can.

A photo posted by Rory McIlroy (@rorymcilroy) on Jul 6, 2015 at 2:53am PDT

Shortly after suffering his injury, McIlroy also announced via the social media platform that he has decided not to participate in The Open Championship. He was also the defending champion at St. Andrews.

After much consideration, I have decided not to play in the Open Championship at St. Andrews. 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% healthy and 100% competitive. Thank you for all your support and best wishes. I hope to be back on the course as soon as I can.... In the mean time, come on Andy!!! A photo posted by Rory McIlroy (@rorymcilroy) on Jul 8, 2015 at 8:38am PDT

Now that he will be missing the WGC Bridgestone Invitational, the top spot will likely be taken over by Spieth. The American has been enjoying a stellar season so far. He won the first two majors of the year and finished only a shot short of the leaders at The British Open.

McIlroy's fate for the rest of the year is still unclear. With his latest announcement, his appearance is now also in doubt for The PGA Championship. The event will take place on August 13-16 in Whistling Straits in Sheboygan, Wisconsin and is the final major of the year.

TagsJordan Spieth, Rory McIlroy, golf, PGA Tour, PGA Championship, WGC Bridgestone Invitational, injury, World Ranking, World number 1