Rory McIlroy taking no chances with back ‘twinge’ as Masters defence looms

Rory McIlroy felt a twinge in his back at Bay Hill and opted to withdraw from the Arnold Palmer Invitational on Saturday. Photo: PA Wire

Rory McIlroy will know in the coming days if the back twinge that forced him to withdraw from the Arnold Palmer Invitational will jeopardise his defence of The Players this week or the Masters at Augusta National next month.

The world No 2 withdrew from a PGA Tour event for the first time since 2013 when getting ready for the third round at Bay Hill on Saturday.