McIlroy Withdraws from Arnold Palmer Invitational
Rory McIlroy has withdrawn from the Arnold Palmer Invitational in Orlando after experiencing spasms in his lower back prior to the start of the third round. The PGA Tour announced his withdrawal approximately 30 minutes before his scheduled tee time.
In a subsequent statement, the five-time major champion explained the circumstances leading to his decision.
"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. Unfortunately, I'm not able to continue and have to withdraw."
Performance Before Withdrawal
McIlroy was tied for ninth place, nine shots behind the leader, after completing the second round at four under par with a score of 68. This followed an opening round of even par on Thursday. During the second round, he birdied four of the first seven holes on the back nine.
He commented on his performance, stating he was "really pleased" and had played a "controlled, patient round of golf."
The 36-year-old Northern Irish golfer was participating in his third PGA Tour event of the season. He is scheduled to defend his titles at the Players Championship at Sawgrass next week and the Masters Tournament at Augusta from April 9 to 12.
Career Highlights and Context
Last year, McIlroy secured a play-off victory against Justin Rose at the Masters, becoming the sixth player to complete a career Grand Slam and ending an 11-year gap since the last golfer achieved this feat at the sport's four major championships.
His second-round score at Bay Hill had improved his position on the leaderboard following an opening round of even par. This withdrawal marks only the second time McIlroy has exited a PGA Tour event mid-competition, the first being at the Cognizant Classic at the Palm Beaches in 2013.
Current Tournament Standings
American golfer Daniel Berger leads the tournament by five shots after shooting a 68 to reach 13 under par. Berger has not won on the PGA Tour since 2021 but is currently on track to claim the £3 million top prize.
Fellow American Akshay Bhatia holds second place overnight at eight under par after recording a 66.
