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Rory McIlroy Struggles with 2-Over 74 at Players Championship

3/13/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Rory McIlroy (world No. 2) opened The Players Championship with a 2-over 74 in the opening round.
A back injury forced him to withdraw from the Arnold Palmer Invitational last week, adding rust.
McIlroy arrived at TPC Sawgrass a day before the tournament and did not play a practice round.
He made one birdie while hitting six fairways and ten greens and will tee off at 8:52 a.m. ET Friday.

History

Historical Context

The Players Championship, established by the PGA Tour in 1974, aimed to elevate professional golf's profile. The inaugural event at TPC Sawgrass in 1982 featured Jerry Pate winning by two strokes. This tournament, often dubbed the "fifth major," has since shaped player preparation and expectations, reflecting the evolving competitive landscape of golf, especially as athletes like Rory McIlroy navigate high-stakes challenges.

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Story summary

Rory McIlroy (world No. 2) opened The Players Championship with a 2-over 74 in the opening round.
A back injury forced him to withdraw from the Arnold Palmer Invitational last week, adding rust.
McIlroy arrived at TPC Sawgrass a day before the tournament and did not play a practice round.
He made one birdie while hitting six fairways and ten greens and will tee off at 8:52 a.m. ET Friday.

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