Rory McIlroy's participation in next week's Players Championship is in doubt as he continues to struggle with a persistent back problem. The world number two withdrew from the Arnold Palmer Invitational on Saturday after experiencing back spasms ahead of his third round at Bay Hill.
The 36-year-old from County Down is taking a few more days to recover before deciding whether he can travel to Sawgrass to defend his title. Golf Channel presenter Todd Lewis revealed a text from McIlroy stating: 'The back is being a bit more stubborn than we thought, so I'm staying at home today and tomorrow to continue treatment in South Florida with the hope to travel to Ponte Vedra on Wednesday at some point.'
McIlroy last faced significant back issues in 2023 but recovered in time to contribute four points for Europe in their Ryder Cup victory in Rome. Before this week, he had only withdrawn mid-competition once in his PGA Tour career, in 2013 at the Cognizant Classic.
He had opened the Arnold Palmer Invitational with rounds of 72 and 68 before the back problem flared up. The four-time major champion will continue treatment in South Florida over the coming days.
