Rory McIlroy appears to nonetheless not be at 100%.
The reigning Masters Champion withdrew from the Arnold Palmer Invitational offered by Mastercard on Saturday. It was unideal to say the least, however with all due respect to the Arnold Palmer with the Gamers and Masters on the best way, Rory needed to play the lengthy recreation.
“Whereas warming up within the fitness center this morning, I felt a small twinge in my again. As I began hitting balls on the vary earlier than the spherical, it worsened and developed into muscle spasms in my decrease again. Sadly, I’m not capable of proceed and need to withdraw,” he stated in a press release. “I used to be excited to compete this weekend. I want the Arnold Palmer Invitational an important end and stay up for being again subsequent 12 months.”
Rory famous that he had a twinge in his again throughout his Saturday vary session, and lots of assumed that he can be able to go this week at TPC Sawgrass.
Which will nonetheless wind up being the case, however Golf Channel reported on Monday that Rory remains to be at residence and that his again is being “extra cussed” than initially thought. The Irishman stated he hopes to journey to Ponte Vedra on Wednesday in some unspecified time in the future.
McIlroy, additionally the reigning Gamers Champion, would theoretically journey to Ponte Vedra on Wednesday earlier than starting his event on Thursday. That will additionally actually be unideal, however you need to do what you need to do.
Rory had been introduced to be part of the marquee group with Xander Schauffele and Hideki Matsuyama on Sunday night. It goes with out saying that if he can’t play that this may change.
It additionally goes with out saying that Rory is getting into one of the crucial vital months of his skilled golf profession. He has already completed the Profession Grand Slam so we needn’t get carried away, however he’s the defending champion at each the Gamers and Masters. A correct title protection looks as if it will be a precedence.
We’ll see what the week brings.
