McIlroy did not complete a practice round at TPC Sawgrass.
Rory McIlroy declared himself a “game-time decision” for The Players Championship despite indicating his back problem is trending in the right direction.
Defending champion McIlroy was forced to withdraw from the Arnold Palmer Invitational at Bay Hill last week, pulling out ahead of the third round.
McIlroy complained of a “small twige” in his back and also reported feeling spasms while on the driving range.
The reigning Masters champion did not arrive at TPC Sawgrass for The Players until Wednesday, with McIlroy taking that measure to allow him to receive additional treatment from his physio.
But the delay meant McIlroy could not complete a practice round at a course where he defeated J.J. Spaun in a dramatic play-off last year.
And, asked if he will defend his title, McIlroy was non-commital.
“It [the back] is better than it was,” McIlroy said on Wednesday.
“I’ve got about 20 hours until I tee off, or until I’m supposed to tee off tomorrow, so we’ll see.
“I’m taking it sort of hour by hour, but it feels better – that’s all I can say. I couldn’t stand to address the ball on Saturday morning on the range at Bay Hill and it’s obviously better than that.
“So, yeah, probably a game-time decision, but all indications are pointing in the right direction. Hopefully a good night tonight. The drugs are working wonders, and then just keep it going from there.”
How severe is Rory McIlroy’s injury?
McIlroy elaborated on the specifics of his back injury, which limited him to hitting up to a six-iron before he met with the media.
That type of restriction would suggest McIlroy is dealing with a high level of pain, but that is apparently not the case.
“I wouldn’t even call it pain – I would say just more like sensitivity,” McIlroy explained. “Even just hitting balls there for a little bit, just feel like my muscles around the area just getting a little bit fatigued.
“Right adductor started to cramp a little bit, but it’s fine – it’s expected. But more like sensitivity rather than pain.”
The Northern Irishman has the advantage of being very familiar with what is required for success at Sawgrass, as he seeks to emulate Scottie Scheffler and become just the second player to defend the most prestigious title on the PGA Tour. Victory would also see McIlroy follow in the footsteps of Jack Nicklaus in winning the event for a third time.
“I’ve been playing here since 2009, so it’s not like I don’t know the place,” McIlroy added.
“It seems like a pretty different set-up this year than what it’s been in previous years in March.
“I would much rather do short game and putting on the course rather than on the practice area, just get a better feel for the shots that you need. Lines off tees and clubs off tees – I know all of that stuff, but it’s just getting a feel of how the ball’s reacting on the greens.”
Asked about the potential risks of playing through the injury, McIlroy replied: “It’s not structural, it’s not joint, it’s fine. It’s purely muscular sort of discomfort and fatigue. What I’ve been told, obviously I’ll listen to the professionals, but there’s nothing that I can do that’s going to harm that.
“I don’t think it’s something where if I play I’m at risk of doing any damage.”
When is Rory McIlroy set to tee off at The Players Championship?
McIlroy is due to tee off at 5:42pm UK time.
He has been grouped with Xander Schauffele and Hideki Matsuyama.
Both Matsuyama and Schauffele are seeking to win The Players for the first time. Matsuyama has finished in the top 10 four times, while Schauffele was tied-second in 2018 and 2024.
Where can I watch The Players Championship?
In the UK, The Players Championship is broadcast live on Sky Sports Golf. The first round teed off at 11:30am UK time.
Viewers in the US can watch The Players on ESPN + and Golf Channel. The third round will be broadcast on NBC from 2:00pm ET, with Sunday’s final round available from 1:00pm ET.
