World No. 2 Rory McIlroy withdraws from Arnold Palmer Invitational with back issues

Edgar Thompson, Orlando Sentinel on Mar 7, 2026

Published in Golf

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ORLANDO, Fla. — World No. 2 Rory McIlroy withdrew before Saturday’s third round of 2026 Arnold Palmer Invitational because of back spasms.

During preparation for his 12:55 p.m. tee time with Ryan Fox, McIlroy warmed up on the practice range before deciding he should withdraw rather than jeopardize his health during the start of a critical stretch of the season.

Golf Channel’s Todd Lewis reported McIlroy tweaked in his lower back at the gym and withdrew as a precautionary measure.

McIlroy is the defending champion of next week’s Players Championship and April’s Masters, where he completed the career grand slam in 2025. The 36-year-old entered Saturday 4-under par after 36 holes and nine shorts behind leader Daniel Berger at Bay Hill Club & Lodge.

The 2018 champion, McIlroy has finished outside the top 25 just once in 11 previous appearances, during his second API start in 2016.

McIlroy’s last WD was for a toothache during the second round at the 2013 Honda Classic. The flu and food poisoning led him to withdraw from the Nedback Golf Challenge in South Africa to end his 2009 season as a 20-year-old on the European Tour.