MCILROY UPBEAT ABOUT TEEING UP AT THE PLAYERS
World number two Rory McIlroy is hopeful he will be fit enough to tee it up at THE PLAYERS Championship. (Photo: PGA Tour)
By Paul Gallagher
Rory McIlroy is hoping to tee it up in the first round of The PLAYERS Championship at Sawgrass today but reminded the gathered press yesterday that this week’s defending champion is taking it “hour-by-hour” just now.
The world number two is trying to recover from a back injury that forced him to withdraw from last week’s Arnold Palmer Invitational. The Holywood star is receiving ongoing treatment with his physiologist.
“We’ll see. I’m taking it sort of hour-by-hour. But it feels better. That’s all I can say,” said McIlroy when asked about his chances of teeing it up in today’s first round.
“Like I couldn't stand to address the ball on Saturday morning on the range at Bay Hill, and it's obviously better than that. So, yeah, probably a game-time decision, but all indications are pointing in the right direction, so hopefully good night tonight. The drugs are working wonders, and then just keep it going from there.”
McIlroy said the injury came from overextending a hinge movement in the gym, and his medical team suggest he isn’t further damaging himself if he plays. The obvious caveat to that is McIlroy and the game’s leading players are on the countdown to The Masters at Augusta next month, the first Major of the year.
He is paired with Xander Schauffele and Hideki Matsuyama with a 5.42pm (Irish time) tee time.