Rory McIlroy will compete in the 2026 Players Championship to defend his title despite a niggling back problem.
McIlroy was a doubt to feature after withdrawing from the Arnold Palmer Invitational on Saturday before his third round, citing back spasms while warming up.
The Northern Irishman said he was taking it “hour by hour” before deciding whether to take part at Sawgrass after completing a short practice session on Wednesday, and made an effort to allay fears over the severity of the injury.
He said in a press conference on the eve of the tournament: “It’s better. It’s better than it was. I hit up until a six-iron on the range there and it felt OK.
“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, so hopefully a good night tonight. The drugs are working wonders, and then just keep it going from there.”
McIlroy has now deemed himself fit enough to compete and the world number two teed off at 5:42pm GMT on Thursday, making par on the first two holes.
The reigning Masters champion last dealt with significant back issues in 2023, when he recovered sufficiently to score four points for Europe in their Ryder Cup victory in Rome.
But by returning to action within a week of pulling out at Bay Hill, McIlroy will hope to be past this latest back problem with his title defence at Augusta less than a month away.
While McIlroy was fit to compete, world No 4 Collin Morikawa had to withdraw from The Players after just one hole with a back injury of his own.
Morikawa arrived as one of the pre-tournament favourites and parred his opening hole at TPC Sawgrass, the par-four 10th, and then withdrew at the tee at the par-five 11th, having taken a practice swing and immediately reached for his back with his right arm. He then went to a golf cart, removed his hat and placed his arms on his head as he was taken from the course.
