- Rory McIlroy withdrew from the Arnold Palmer Invitational due to back spasms experienced during his warm-up.
- He stated that a “small twinge” developed into “muscle spasms in my lower back” while hitting balls on the range.
- This marks only the third time the Northern Irishman has pulled out of a PGA Tour event mid-tournament.
- McIlroy's withdrawal raises concerns about his fitness for the upcoming Players Championship next week.
- It also puts his defence of his Masters title in April, where he completed the career grand slam last year, into question.
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