Rory McIlroy Injury News Drops Days Before the Masters
Just under a month ago Rory McIlroy was forced to withdraw from the Arnold Palmer Invitational with a back injury that devolved into muscle spasms.
“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 after withdrawing ahead of the third round.
“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.”
McIlroy went on to play the very next week at the Players Championship, but struggled en route to a T-46. After taking the next three weeks off, he's headed to Augusta National to defend his Masters title.
Rory McIlroy Injury Update Drops Days Before the Masters
Those hoping to see McIlroy contend for the Green Jacket received some good news on Tuesday morning when ESPN's Marty Smith provided an injury update for the fan favortie.
"There's a lot of confidence for Rory McIlroy coming back here to Augusta National, despite the fact only three players in the history of the Masters Tournament have gone back-to-back – and it's a distinguished list, Tiger Woods, Nick Faldo and Jack Nicklaus," Smith started before sharing he watched McIlroy warm up on Monday.
"I watched him for a long time [on the practice range] yesterday and he looked completely uninhibited physically," he added. "I'm told he's full go, no issues with his back, no limitations."
"I'm told he's full go, no issues with his back, no limitations. ... There's a sense of belonging he's never had before."
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) April 7, 2026
—@MartySmithESPN on Rory McIlroy at the Masters ⛳️ pic.twitter.com/aaXZgexMf5
McIlroy remains one of the favorites for the tournament alongside world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler and LIV Golf stars Jon Rahm and Bryson DeChambeau.
Official tees times have not been announced just yet.
The tournament tees off on April 9.
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