Rory McIlroy Injury Update: Will He Tee Off in The Players Championship?

In just two days, the tournament some are attempting to brand as the fifth major will tee off from TPC Sawgrass in Ponta Vedra Brach, FL.

The biggest names in the sport like Scottie Scheffler, Brooks Koepka, Xander Schauffele, Rickie Fowler and more will be teeing it off when the first round begins on Thursday. However, there is a major question mark regarding the status of five-time major winner Rory McIlroy, who exited last weekend's Arnold Palmer Invitational with a back injury.

"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,” he said in a statement after withdrawing ahead of the third round. “Unfortunately, I’m not able to continue and have to withdraw. I was excited to compete this weekend. I wish the Arnold Palmer Invitational a great finish and look forward to being back next year."

Will Rory McIlroy Participate in The Players Championship?

In a comment to Golf Channel and NBC reporter Todd Lewis on Monday, McIlroy said, "The back is being a bit more stubborn than we thought so I’m staying at home today and tomorrow to continue treatment here with the hope to travel to Ponte Vedra Wednesday at some point."

While that seemed to suggest McIlroy wasn't close to playing, the latest update is a bit more promising.

Lewis revealed that after some rest and treatment on his back, McIlroy plans to travel to Ponta Vedra Beach on Wednesday. While he hasn't hit balls since the injury, Lewis reported the grand slam winner is "feeling better each day" and if he plays in the tournament he likely won't practice ahead of time.

After rest and treatment on his back @McIlroyRory plans to travel to Ponte Vedra Beach Wednesday to start preps for @THEPLAYERS. McIlroy has not hit balls since pulling out of the @APinv but is feeling better each day. Likely will play The Players without a practice round.

— Todd Lewis (@ToddLewisGC) March 10, 2026

McIlroy is currently scheduled to tee off alongside two-time major champion Xander Schauffele and 2021 Masters champion Hideki Matsuyama at 1:42 p.m. ET.

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