Players Championship: Rory McIlroy hopeful on Sawgrass after injury

Rory McIlroy says it would most likely be a last-minute resolution whether or not he begins the protection of his Players Championship title at Sawgrass.

The 36-year-old says the back injury he suffered making ready for his third spherical at Bay Hill final Saturday is bettering.

The Northern Ireland participant hit balls on the vary on the eve of this week’s prestigious occasion hopeful that he’ll be capable to compete.

“It’s better than it was,” McIlroy advised reporters. “I hit up until a six-iron on the range there and it felt OK.”

He withdrew from the Arnold Palmer Invitational after aggravating his again in a pre-round gymnasium session.

“I’m taking it sort of hour by hour. But it feels better. That’s all I can say.

“I could not stand to deal with the ball on Saturday morning on the vary at Bay Hill, and it is clearly higher than that.

“So, yeah, probably a game-time decision, but all indications are pointing in the right direction, so hopefully a good night tonight. The drugs are working wonders.”

McIlroy could be bidding to turn into the second participant after Jack Nicklaus to win three Players Championship titles, and the primary to win all three on the famed TPC Sawgrass course.

He can be lower than a month away from the protection of the Masters title he gained at Augusta final yr to finish the profession grand slam.

McIlroy is assured he wouldn’t worsen the injury have been he to play right here this week. “It’s not structural, it’s not joint, it’s fine,” he stated.

“It’s purely a muscular sort of discomfort and fatigue. Obviously I’ll listen to the professionals. But there’s nothing that I can do that’s going to harm that.”

He added: “Things are getting better, but yeah, I don’t think it’s something where if I play I’m at risk of doing any damage.”

McIlroy made his feedback earlier than setting off to stroll 9 holes to follow chipping and placing, however leaving longer golf equipment in his bag.

He is because of tee off at 13:42 native time (17:42 GMT) alongside two different main champions, Xander Schauffele and Hideki Matsuyama with rain and thunder forecast for the opening spherical.