Rory McIlroy’s Back Injury Update
Editor’s note: Rory McIlroy teed off at 2:12 p.m. ET on Thursday, defending his title alongside Hideki Matsuyama and Xander Schauffele.
PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. – Rory McIlroy stated that he remains a “game-time decision” for his initial round at THE PLAYERS Championship as he navigates recovery from a back injury.
McIlroy made his first appearance on-site for the week on Wednesday afternoon. He practiced by hitting balls for about an hour, starting with a wedge and moving up to a 6-iron. After some media engagements, he took a stroll on the back nine of TPC Sawgrass with a wedge and putter.
“It’s better than it was,” McIlroy mentioned about his back, which was injured while he warmed up for the third round of the Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by Mastercard last week. He withdrew before his Saturday tee time and immediately traveled to see his physiologist in West Palm Beach, Florida.
Since then, McIlroy has attended daily sessions with the physiologist. He noted that it was his first mid-tournament withdrawal in over 13 years. “We’ll see. I’m taking it sort of hour by hour. But it feels better; that’s all I can say,” McIlroy remarked.
He described the injury as stemming from an overextension during his workout, assuring that doctors confirmed he won’t risk further injury by playing. He clarified that he wouldn’t classify the sensation he’s experiencing as pain but more like sensitivity.
As he prepares for Thursday’s tee time, McIlroy plans to test his body again. Notably, he has yet to try striking a driver. Scheduled to tee off at 1:42 p.m. alongside Xander Schauffele and Hideki Matsuyama, McIlroy remains confident about his readiness for the course, having competed in the event since 2009.
