Rory McIlroy has withdrawn from the Arnold Palmer Invitational after experiencing a back spasm, casting doubt on his ability to defend his title at The Players Championship this week and compete in the Masters next month at Augusta National.
The world number two made the decision to pull out before the third round at Bay Hill on Saturday, marking his first PGA Tour event withdrawal since 2013. Although the injury did not appear severe, McIlroy opted for caution, choosing to return home for treatment rather than risk further aggravation.
In a statement, McIlroy explained, “While warming up in the gym this morning, I felt a small twinge in my back. As I started hitting balls on the range before the round, it worsened and developed into muscle spasms in my lower back. Unfortunately, I’m not able to continue and have to withdraw.” His manager, Sean O’Flaherty, confirmed that McIlroy would undergo treatment and more information would follow.
McIlroy, now 36, has a long history of diligently working on his fitness and core strength, a commitment that began over 15 years ago after a significant “wake-up call.” Recalling past struggles, he noted, “It got really bad at the start of 2010… The doctor said to me, ‘Look, if you don’t start taking care of yourself or getting stronger, you can seriously jeopardise how long your career is’. That was a wake-up call for me.” He added that such a warning from a specialist about a potentially shortened career was a “pretty scary proposition.” McIlroy continues to train with performance coach Ro Sharma, who was present at Bay Hill when the decision to withdraw was made.
He attributes his fitness regimen not only to extending his career but also to enhancing his overall golf game. McIlroy believes that “all the greatest athletes in sports have shown incredible longevity in their careers, and that’s something that I’m continuing to try to do.”
Meanwhile, Jon Rahm has finally secured a victory, ending his 18-month drought with a three-shot win at LIV Golf Hong Kong. Rahm expressed immense relief, stating it felt like “a big weight off my shoulder.” He closed the tournament with a six-under 64, finishing 23-under at Hong Kong Golf Club, ahead of Belgium’s Thomas Detry. This marks his first win since LIV Golf Chicago in September 2024.
The Spanish golfer remains in conflict with the DP World Tour over unpaid fines, leaving his Ryder Cup future uncertain, especially after declining a deal accepted by eight other LIV Golf players. Regarding his recent act of arranging a charter flight to assist seven LIV Golf colleagues stranded in the Middle East due to grounded flights during a war, Rahm dismissed any notion of it being karma for his win. “It was never about karma,” he stated, “It was simply about luckily getting those boys out of a dangerous situation.” Rahm earned $4 million for his victory.
Other notable results include Graeme McDowell, who shot a 66 to tie for eighth at 14-under, earning his first world rankings points since November 2025 and a cheque for $411,667. Tom McKibbin finished 24th after a closing 71, taking home $185,000, while Dustin Johnson’s 4Aces team secured the $3 million team title.
In LPGA action in China, Leona Maguire tied for 18th at one under after a final round 76 at the Blue Bay on Hainan Island. She finished 10 strokes behind South Korea’s Mi Hyang Lee, who won her third LPGA title. LPGA rookie Lauren Walsh placed 75th. On the LET in Sydney, Aine Donegan tied for 32nd. On the DP World Tour, England’s Dan Bradbury claimed his second Joburg Open title since 2022 with a final round 65, winning by one shot.
