Rory McIlroy is confident of defending his Players Championship title from Thursday despite withdrawing from the Arnold Palmer Invitational 35 minutes before his third round. The Northern Irishman suffered back spasms and was unwilling to risk appearances at the Players and next month’s Masters by playing at Bay Hill.
“While warming up in the gym this morning, I felt a small twinge in my back,” McIlroy said. “As I started hitting balls on the range before the round, it worsened and developed into muscle spasms in my lower back. Unfortunately, I’m not able to continue and have to withdraw.”
After a fine 68 on Friday, McIlroy had been four under par and in contention. He has since returned to his home in West Palm Beach to rest and seek further medical advice before travelling to Sawgrass. He is due to hold a press conference on Wednesday, where a fitness update will be the key theme.
This is only the second time in McIlroy’s PGA Tour career – and the first since 2013 – that he has withdrawn from an event. He encountered back problems before the 2023 Tour Championship but played, finishing fourth. His exit continued a trend of high-profile departures from Bay Hill, with Justin Thomas, Justin Rose, Shane Lowry and Keegan Bradley among those missing the cut.
Meanwhile, Scottie Scheffler’s hopes of a third Arnold Palmer victory ended on the 18th hole, where he found water from thick rough. The world No 1 denied the course was too tough, saying: “I think we get beaten up but golf’s a game that kind of beats you up anyway.” Viktor Hovland’s 67 left him well placed, while Ryder Cup team-mate Sepp Straka moved to nine under after a 66.
