Surprise news here at the Arnold Palmer Invitational with crowd favoutite Rory McIlroy withdrawing from the tournament.
McIlroy citing a back injury.
McIlroy arrived at Bay Hill be went straight to the range instead of putting a little first, like he usually does, and hit balls for a couple minutes before making the call.
He was then not cited ahead of news of his shock withdrawal from the event he captured in 2018.
BREAKING NEWS …
Rors @McIlroyRory shock withdrawal ahead of third round @APinv citing back injury
Read: https://t.co/t8TUYbuyjA
✅ @TOURMISS @Record_Sport pic.twitter.com/QQSbMb86Vo
— Fatiha (@TOURMISS) March 7, 2026
Of course, news of Rors withdrawal has come a big blow not only to the tournament organisers and also a huge gathering of spectators eager to see one of the game’s best competing again in Arnie’s tournament.
McIlroy’s only previous withdrawal during PGA Tour competition came during the 2013 Cognizant Classic in The Palm Beaches.
The 29-time PGA Tour winner currently sits 13th in the FedExCup this season, and is scheduled to defend THE PLAYERS Championship next week at TPC Sawgrass.
UPDATE ON McILROY
McIlroy spoke to the Golf Channel’s Todd Lewis that he tweaked something in his back while in the gym and withdrew from the tournament purely as pre-cautionary measure.
McIlroy said: “It wasn’t worth pushing it. I could go ahead and play but given I have a few important tournaments coming up, it better I rest and not continue this weekend”.
As well, Rors gave a ‘thumbs up’ to our colleague Adam Schupak in the players car park when Adam quizzed him if he was OK.
