McIlroy tees off at TPC Sawgrass despite back concerns

Rory McIlroy participated in the first round of The Players Championship on Thursday after a back injury made his status unclear for the marquee event at TPC Sawgrass.

McIlroy finished the day in a tie for 70th after a 2-over 74.

The reigning champion blasted his opening tee shot 329 yards down the middle of the first fairway after calling himself a game-time decision Wednesday. McIlroy withdrew from last week's Arnold Palmer Invitational prior to the third round due to back spasms.

His tee time was pushed back to 2:12 p.m. ET following a weather delay earlier Thursday.

McIlroy won the 2025 Players Championship in a playoff over J.J. Spaun. He also won the tournament in 2019 by one stroke over Jim Furyk. The legendary Jack Nicklaus - who was victorious in 1974, 1976, and 1978 - is the only player to win the event at least three times.