Rory McIlroy has pulled out of the Arnold Palmer Invitational after sustaining a back injury whilst preparing for his third round at Bay Hill.
The Northern Irishman withdrew approximately half an hour before his scheduled 17:55 GMT tee time on Saturday, having experienced problems during his warm-up session.
The world number two had been practising on the range alongside New Zealand’s Ryan Fox when the issue arose.
McIlroy, who claimed victory at the $20 million signature event in 2018, was forced to abandon his challenge despite being well-positioned at four-under par heading into the weekend’s play.
Rory McIlroy was set to tee off moments before he made the decision to withdraw from the tournament
|
GETTY
According to Golf Channel’s Todd Lewis, the five-time major champion tweaked something in his lower back whilst working out in the gym before heading to the practice range.
This marks McIlroy’s first withdrawal from a tournament in thirteen years, with his previous departure coming at the 2013 Honda Classic due to toothache.
The 36-year-old had arrived at Bay Hill to prepare for his round but spent only a brief period hitting balls before making the decision to pull out.
Despite the setback, McIlroy offered reassurance to golf journalist Adam Schupak, giving a thumbs-up and telling him he was “all good”.
McIlroy had opened his tournament with a level-par 72 on Thursday before finding his rhythm in the second round.
Rory McIlroy had come in four-under before he made the decision to pull out
|
REUTERS
Friday’s performance proved considerably stronger, with the reigning Masters champion carding a four-under 68 to climb into the top ten.
His second round featured five birdies, including an impressive run on the back nine where he combined four birdies with five pars.
“I played the last 10 holes really, really well,” McIlroy reflected after Friday’s round. “Overall really pleased. Played a very sort of controlled, patient round of golf.”
Rory McIlroy’s second round featured five birdies, including an impressive run on the back nine where he combined four birdies with five pars
|
REUTERS
He sat nine strokes adrift of Daniel Berger, who leads at thirteen-under par.
The withdrawal appears to be a precautionary measure ahead of next week’s Players Championship at TPC Sawgrass, where McIlroy will defend the title he secured last year following a three-hole playoff victory over J.J. Spaun.
McIlroy indicated to Lewis that he felt capable of completing the tournament but opted to protect himself for the forthcoming challenge.
Beyond the Players Championship, attention now turns to Augusta National, where the Northern Irishman will return next month as defending champion having completed the career Grand Slam with his Masters triumph over Justin Rose in a playoff.
