Rory McIlroy has been forced to withdraw ahead of the third round of the Arnold Palmer Invitational due to muscle spasms in his back. Photograph: Orlando Ramirez/Getty ImagesRory McIlroy is confident of defending his Players Championship title from Thursday despite withdrawing from the Arnold Palmer Invitational 35 minutes before his third round on Saturday. I wish the Arnold Palmer Invitational a great finish and look forward to being back next year.”After a fine 68 on Friday, McIlroy had been four under par and in the mix at this PGA Tour stop in Florida. Rather than pursue a second Arnold Palmer Invitational win, McIlroy headed across the state to his home in West Palm Beach, where he will rest and take further medical advice before his planned arrival at Sawgrass, in the north of Florida, at the start of the week. McIlroy is due to undertake a Players press conference on Wednesday morning, when a fitness update will now be the key theme.

Source: The Irish Times March 07, 2026 22:25 UTC