Rory McIlroy’s arrival at TPC Sawgrass postponed due to back spasms

PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. — Defending Players champion Rory McIlroy is postponing his arrival at TPC Sawgrass until Wednesday after withdrawing from the Arnold Palmer Invitational on Saturday due to back spasms.

“The back is proving to be a bit more stubborn than we anticipated,” McIlroy stated in a message to the Golf Channel on Monday afternoon. “Therefore, I will remain at home today and tomorrow to continue treatment in South Florida, with the intention of traveling to Ponte Vedra on Wednesday at some point.”

McIlroy, who was 4-under par heading into the weekend at Bay Hill, withdrew from the event 30 minutes prior to his Saturday tee time. This marks only the third occasion in his career that McIlroy has had to exit a tournament due to a health concern.

“While warming up in the gym this morning, I experienced a slight twinge in my back. As I began hitting balls on the range before the round, it intensified and turned into muscle spasms in my lower back,” McIlroy explained in a statement to the PGA Tour on Saturday.

The five-time major champion and grand slam winner is not only aiming to defend his 2025 Players’ title this week, but he also has the opportunity to achieve his third victory at the Players (McIlroy previously won this event in 2019). Jack Nicklaus remains the only player to have won three times at TPC Sawgrass.

The timing of this setback is less than ideal as the major championship season is approaching next month, with McIlroy set to return to Augusta National as the defending champion. Thus far this year, McIlroy has recorded four top-15 finishes in six starts, including two top-five finishes.