After contesting four games in the past four days, Rory McIlroy found himself rained-off after just six holes in playing a practice round today (Tuesday) at Bay Hill course here in suburban Orlando.
The Arnold Palmer Invitational champion was out on the host course near midday looking to play the back nine of the course where he had won by three strokes in 2018.
McIlroy was accompanied by his caddy Harry Diamond along with long-time coach, Michael Bannon as well as his putting coach, Brad Faxon.
RORS RAINED OFF @APBayHill …
After four different matches in the past four days & former @APinv @McIlroyRory found himself heading to the clubhouse as the heavens opened during a practice round
Read: https://t.co/0WZnHrG6XO
✅ @TOURMISS pic.twitter.com/KKfjB7HbBk
— Fatiha (@TOURMISS) March 3, 2026
However they were putting out on the 15th green when the heavens opened with Bannon grabbing a rain top and Faxon the umbrella from McIlroy’s bag.
The four then made their way to the 16th tee but with a decision made to quit the session and return to the closeby clubhouse.
It was there McIlroy bumped into Tommy Fleetwood (see image) and with the two engaged in a decent chat ahead of McIlroy and his long-time manager Sean O’Flaherty heading into the clubhouse for lunch.
Rory, wet grass at the back of his shoes and holding his umbrella in chatting with Tommy Fleetwood. Image – GolfByTourMiss
As it turned out, the rain abated after about 60 minutes and with the return of sunny skies.
McIlroy’s had a very busy four days having playing an Augusta National practice round on Saturday, captained his winning Boston Common TGL on Sunday night and then yesterday he and his father, Gerry competed in the annual Seminole Member/Visitor outing.
