Rory McIlroy records a 2-over 72 at the Players Championship.
PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. — Following considerable uncertainty regarding Rory McIlroy’s participation in the Players Championship due to a back injury incurred last week, he recorded an opening score of 2-over 74 and indicated that rustiness — rather than his back — was the primary concern on Thursday.
“I would say the most discomfort was when the ball was below my feet or during chipping. Just getting down a bit to it,” McIlroy stated. “Honestly, overall, it was fine. I felt a bit tired towards the end of the day, but overall, it was actually quite good.”
After withdrawing from the previous week’s Arnold Palmer Invitational due to back spasms, McIlroy arrived at TPC Sawgrass to defend his title only on Wednesday afternoon. He tested his back by hitting around 30 balls on the driving range (only using a 6-iron) before spending time chipping and putting on the back nine.
McIlroy noted that the lack of his typical pre-tournament preparation was detrimental and compelled him to adjust his expectations.
“It’s strange, I obviously played on Friday; it’s not like I’ve taken a significant amount of time off,” McIlroy remarked. “But I just felt incredibly rusty out there. I’m pleased I managed to complete the round.”
The five-time major champion made just one birdie on Thursday and is currently T-69, trailing the overnight leaders by seven shots after the first round was suspended until Friday. He found only six of 14 fairways and 10 of 18 greens while losing over a stroke to the field in putting. He also mishandled two chips on par 5s that cost him.
“Honestly, I don’t feel like I’m that far off,” McIlroy commented. “No one went particularly low this afternoon, which I anticipated, given the conditions were quite mild [with the rain]. So, if I can go out and post a good score tomorrow, I believe I’ll be right in contention for the weekend.”
On Wednesday, McIlroy mentioned that it was primarily his hip flexors that were problematic due to the back spasms. However, throughout his first round, he did not show any visible signs of discomfort or pain.
McIlroy indicated that some stimulation and treatment might be necessary before his second-round tee time, but he mainly hopes his body continues to improve following Thursday’s round.
“It’s more about allowing everything to settle,” McIlroy explained. “And hopefully, I’ll wake up in the morning feeling just as good, if not better, than I did today.”
