Rory McIlroy pulls out of Arnold Palmer Invitational with bad back

McIlroy warmed up on the range as usual ahead of his Saturday tee-time but pulled out just before his round.

Rory McIlroy has suffered the first serious issue with his back since the 2023 Tour Championship. Pic: AP Photo/Matt Slocum

Rory McIlroy withdrew from the third round of the Arnold Palmer Invitational on Saturday when he felt muscle spasms in his back that were not going away.

The spasms were not thought be to serious enough to keep him out of The Players Championship next week where McIlroy is the defending champion.