Rory McIlroy (back) eyes Wednesday arrival at Players Championship

Field Level Media|published: Tue 10th March, 11:42 2026

Mar 6, 2026; Orlando, Florida, USA; Rory McIlroy plays his shot from the first tee during the second round of the Arnold Palmer Invitational golf tournament. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-Imagn Images

Rory McIlroy is hoping to travel to the Players Championship on Wednesday after experiencing a bit of difficulty with his ailing back.

McIlroy, the world's No. 2 golfer, was forced to withdraw from the Arnold Palmer Invitational ahead of the third round on Saturday after he "tweaked" his lower back.

"The back is being a bit more stubborn than we thought," McIlroy said in a text message to the Golf Channel on Monday. "So I'm staying at home today and tomorrow to continue treatment in South Florida with the hope to travel to Ponte Vedra on Wednesday at some point."

TPC Sawgrass, home of the Players, is located near Jacksonville and is about 260 miles from Jupiter, where McIlroy makes his primary residence.

McIlroy, 36, was playing his third PGA Tour event of the season. The five-time major winner finished T14 at Pebble Beach and T2 at The Genesis Invitational last month.

He is scheduled to tee off Thursday at 1:42 p.m. ET and is grouped with Xander Schauffele and Hideki Matsuyama.

McIlroy defeated J.J. Spaun in a playoff last year at the Players Championship, marking the second time he's won the tournament (2019). Only Jack Nicklaus has won the event three times.

--Field Level Media