Rory McIlroy seems to still not be at 100%.
The reigning Masters Champion withdrew from the Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by Mastercard on Saturday. It was unideal to say the least, but with all due respect to the Arnold Palmer with the Players and Masters on the way, Rory had to play the long game.
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“While warming up in the gym this morning, I felt a small twinge in my back. 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,” he said in a statement. “I was excited to compete this weekend. I wish the Arnold Palmer Invitational a great finish and look forward to being back next year.”
Rory noted that he had a twinge in his back during his Saturday range session, and many assumed that he would be ready to go this week at TPC Sawgrass.
That may still wind up being the case, but Golf Channel reported on Monday that Rory is still at home and that his back is being “more stubborn” than initially thought. The Irishman said he hopes to travel to Ponte Vedra on Wednesday at some point.
McIlroy, also the reigning Players Champion, would theoretically travel to Ponte Vedra on Wednesday before beginning his tournament on Thursday. That would also certainly be unideal, but you have to do what you have to do.
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Rory had been announced to be a part of the marquee group with Xander Schauffele and Hideki Matsuyama on Sunday evening. It goes without saying that if he can’t play that this will change.
It also goes without saying that Rory is entering one of the most important months of his professional golf career. He has already accomplished the Career Grand Slam so we needn’t get carried away, but he is the defending champion at both the Players and Masters. A proper title defense seems like it would be a priority.
We will see what the week brings.
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