Pro Golfer Rory McIlroy Withdraws from Arnold Palmer Invitational Over Muscle Spasms

Rory McIlroy is withdrawing from the 2026 Arnold Palmer Invitational.

The 36-year-old professional golfer said he felt muscle spasms in his back on Saturday (March 7) morning.

“While warming up in the gym this morning, I felt a small twinge in my back. As I started hitting balls on the range before the round, it worsened and developed into muscle spasms in my lower back,” he said in a statement, per Us Weekly.

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He continued, “Unfortunately, I’m not able to continue and have to withdraw. I was excited to compete this weekend. I wish the Arnold Palmer Invitational a great finish and look forward to being back next year.”

Rory‘s withdrawal came about 30 minutes before he was set to tee off on Saturday. He was in the top 10 leaderboard of the tournament, which takes place from March 5 to March 8 at the Bay Hill Club and Lodge in Orlando, Fla.

Last year, during the 2025 Ryder Cup, Rory infamously had to deal with unruly fans who threw a drink at his wife Erica Stoll.