Rory McIlroy is hopeful he can defend his Players Championship title at TPC Sawgrass, despite a recent back injury.
The 36-year-old Northern Ireland golfer injured his back preparing for the third round at Bay Hill last Saturday. He withdrew from the Arnold Palmer Invitational after aggravating it during a pre-round gym session.
Speaking to reporters, McIlroy said the injury is improving. “I hit up until a six-iron on the range, and it felt OK,” he shared. He added, “I couldn’t even address the ball on Saturday at Bay Hill. It’s definitely better now.”
McIlroy confirmed that his participation will be a last-minute decision, but signs are positive. “Things are getting better. I don’t think playing would cause any harm. It’s muscular discomfort, not structural,” he said.
The golfer plans to practice chipping and putting while leaving longer clubs aside. He will tee off at 13:42 local time (17:42 GMT) with fellow major champions Xander Schauffele and Hideki Matsuyama. Rain and thunderstorms are expected for the opening round.
If he plays, McIlroy aims to become the second player, after Jack Nicklaus, to win three Players Championship titles and the first to claim all at Sawgrass. The event also comes less than a month before he defends his Masters title, completing his career grand slam.
