SUMMARY
- McIlroy exited before the third-round tee time after feeling discomfort during his warmup, according to PGA Tour officials.
- He had started his Saturday routine on the driving range rather than the putting green, deviating from his normal preparation.
- The decision was made with next week’s Players Championship and upcoming majors in mind.
ORLANDO, Fla. — Rory McIlroy withdrew from the 2026 Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by Mastercard on Saturday, citing a back injury, the PGA Tour confirmed.
The Northern Irish golfer was four under par after two rounds and positioned for a strong finish before deciding he could not continue.
McIlroy’s withdrawal was unexpected given his consistent record and durability on the PGA Tour. He has historically performed well at Bay Hill, posting rounds of 72 and 68 in the first two rounds.
Dr. Michael Jacobs, a sports medicine specialist at the University of Ulster, said managing back injuries early can prevent long term complications for golfers.
Golf analyst Brentley Romine noted, “McIlroy’s focus on the Players Championship likely influenced his choice to preserve his fitness.”
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