RORY MCILROY’S ABSENCE would “dampen” the Open Championship, Jordan Spieth said.

But the world number two does not believe McIlroy’s injury will make his task at St Andrew’s any easier.

McIlroy is a massive doubt for next week’s Major after he damaged ankle ligaments during a kickabout with his friends.

“For me, it doesn’t change anything,” Speith told The Golf Channel on Monday.

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.”

After his back-to-back wins at the Masters and the US Open, Spieth is bidding for the Claret Jug to continue his pursuit of an unprecedented Grand Slam — a feat no golfer has ever achieved.

“It kind of dampens it,” he said of McIlroy’s possible withdrawal.

“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.”

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