Showing up as the defending champion at TPC Sawgrass, Rory McIlroy knew he had to adjust his expectations. After all, he was still dealing with the back injury that forced him to withdraw from the Arnold Palmer Invitational just last week.

Rory McIlroy withdrew from the 2026 Arnold Palmer Invitational just before the start of his third round on Saturday. McIlroy, who shot a 4-under 68 on Friday to move himself into the top 10 of the leaderboard, cited a back injury as the reason for his departure.

PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. (AP) — Rory McIlroy arrived at The Players Championship on Wednesday afternoon just under 24 hours before his tee time, saying his back felt better but that it would be a last-minute decision whether he can defend his title.

Rory McIlroy dismisses the idea that TGL causes back injuries, despite several players, including himself, having issues.

Live updates from Friday's second round of the 2026 Players Championship at TPC Sawgrass, including the latest news, leaderboard updates and more.

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — Rory McIlroy withdrew from the third round of the Arnold Palmer Invitational on Saturday when he felt muscle spasms in his back that were not going away. The spasms were not thought be to serious enough to keep him out of The Players Championship next week where McIlroy is the defending champion.

A fatal shooting near TPC Sawgrass caused major disruption at The Players Championship as fans were temporarily blocked from entering the tournament. Authorities confirmed two deaths and later arrested the suspect after a chase.

Rory McIlroy had to battle hard out on the course at TPC Sawgrass to make the cut for Round 3 of the Players Championship. That is a far cry from last time out, when the golfer emerged victorious