Rory McIlroy’s withdrawal from the Arnold Palmer Invitational was notable not only because of the injury involved, but because such moments are extremely rare in his PGA Tour career.
The Northern Irishman pulled out of the tournament at Bay Hill last Saturday, before the third round due to a back issue.
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It marked just the second time in 13 years that McIlroy has withdrawn from a PGA Tour event after beginning the competition, underlining how unusual the situation was.
Rory McIlroy keeps 13-year promise regarding withdrawals on PGA Tour
Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images
McIlroy’s exit at Bay Hill stands out because it is only the second withdrawal of his PGA Tour career since 2013.
The previous occasion came at the Honda Classic, now named Cognizant Classic, when the world number one at the time walked off the course during the second round.
The Northern Irishman later admitted the decision was a mistake and publicly said he regretted leaving the tournament in that way, promising it would not happen again.
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More than a decade later, McIlroy’s record largely supports that statement.
Rory McIlroy explains Arnold Palmer Invitational withdrawal
McIlroy later provided more details on his decision. He claimed that the back problem had emerged before he began his third round.
“While warming up in the gym this morning, I felt a small twinge in my back,” the world number two said on an official statement.
The issue worsened as he prepared on the range, and ultimately forced him to withdraw from the event.
“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. I was excited to compete this weekend. I wish the Arnold Palmer Invitational a great finish and look forward to being back next year,” he concluded.
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