Rory McIlroy has a chance at more golf history this week at The Players Championship if he’s able to tee it up at TPC Sawgrass. But there’s still some question as to whether the defending tournament champion will be able to play the PGA Tour event many call golf’s “fifth major.”
McIlroy couldn’t finish the Arnold Palmer Invitational last weekend, withdrawing due to a back injury. He has since endured complications as he attempts to recover in time to compete in The Players Championship, beginning with first-round action on Thursday, March 12.
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McIlroy could join Jack Nicklaus as the only golfers in history to win the event three times. World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler can achieve the same feat after back-to-back wins at The Players prior to McIlroy’s 2025 victory.
Here’s the latest update on McIlroy’s back injury and his status ahead of the start of the 2026 Players Championship:
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Is Rory McIlroy still in 2026 Players Championship?
Yes, McIlroy is still listed as in the field at The Players Championship, as of 4 p.m. ET on Wednesday, March 11. He was spotted at TPC Sawgrass for the first time this week on Wednesday afternoon, less than 24 hours before he’s scheduled to tee off in the first round of the 2026 Players Championship.
“It’s better than it was. I hit up until a 6-iron on the range there and it felt OK,” McIlroy told reporters after his practice session on Wednesday when asked about the condition of his back and whether he’s still planning to play in The Players Championship.
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“We’ll see. I’m taking it sort of hour-by-hour, but it feels better. That’s all I can say. I couldn’t stand to address the ball on Saturday morning at Bay Hill and it’s obviously better than that. Probably a game-time decision, but all indications are pointing in the right direction.”
Rory McIlroy injury update
McIlroy withdrew from the Arnold Palmer Invitational prior to the third round on March 7, citing back spasms that occurred after feeling a “twinge” during warmups. After initially sounding optimistic about returning in time for The Players, McIlroy told The Golf Channel that he was delaying his arrival at TPC Sawgrass from Monday to Wednesday.
“The back is being a bit more stubborn than we thought, so I’m staying at home … to continue treatment in South Florida with the hope to travel to Ponte Vedra on Wednesday at some point,” McIlroy said.
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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Rory McIlroy back injury update for The Players Championship 2026
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