McIlroy intending to try and tee it up at The Players
Rory McIlroy is expected to try and tee it up in The Players at TPC Sawgrass on Thursday.
According to Golf Channel, the back injury that forced him to withdraw before his third round at the Arnold Palmer Invitational has improved with treatment each day.
McIlroy, the defending champion, is expected to arrive at the venue today and limit his preparation to some range time.
“This is a muscular issue,” Golf Channel’s Todd Lewis reported. “It is not a structural or skeletal issue.
“But he has been resting and receiving treatment since pulling out of the Arnold Palmer Invitational on Saturday.
“He did tell me yesterday that this tweak of his lower back has been more stubborn than anticipated, so he's decided to stay home today.
“However, he has gotten better each and every day, and the plan for Rory McIlroy is to now have treatment at home in South Florida.
“Then after that treatment, tomorrow morning, he is going to travel to Ponte Vedra Beach, come to the grounds here at the Stadium Course, and start his preps for The Players.
“So his intention is to participate in The Players for 2026 as the defending champion.”
McIlroy’s caddie, Harry Diamond, was out scouting the TPC Sawgrass on Tuesday in preparation for his title defence and his bid to become only the second player after Jack Nicklaus to win The Players three times.
Golf Channel speculated that he would likely limit his preparation to hitting some balls rather than take to the course.
The Co Down man, who is building up to the defence of his Masters title next month, has got time on his side in his fitness race as he does not tee off until 1:42 pm local time (5:42 pm Irish time) on Thursday.
The world number two is drawn with Hideki Matsuyama and Xander Schauffele.
Séamus Power will get the Irish challenge up and running from the 10th at 1:28 pm Irish time alongside Patton Kizzire and Johnny Keefer.
Shane Lowry goes off the first with US Open champion JJ Spaun and former Ryder Cup partner Sepp Straka at 5:18 pm Irish time.
