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Rory McIlroy Withdraws from Arnold Palmer Invitational Due to Injury

3/7/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Rory McIlroy withdrew from 2026 Arnold Palmer Invitational before his third round due to a back injury.
He felt discomfort during warmups and rested ahead of The Players Championship and Masters.
McIlroy shot 68 in the second round and is defending champion at both events.
This was his second withdrawal in his career, the prior one in 2013.
He expressed disappointment and will return for The Players Championship next week.

History

Historical Context

Rory McIlroy, ranked number one in 2013, faced challenges during the PGA Tour season, including a withdrawal from the Honda Classic due to poor performance. His struggles echoed his earlier successes, with four wins in 2012. In 2026, McIlroy's withdrawal from the Arnold Palmer Invitational highlights ongoing injury issues, raising concerns about athlete longevity in high-pressure golf tournaments.

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Story summary

Rory McIlroy withdrew from 2026 Arnold Palmer Invitational before his third round due to a back injury.
He felt discomfort during warmups and rested ahead of The Players Championship and Masters.
McIlroy shot 68 in the second round and is defending champion at both events.
This was his second withdrawal in his career, the prior one in 2013.
He expressed disappointment and will return for The Players Championship next week.

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