Players Championship: Rory McIlroy optimistic on Sawgrass after injury

Rory McIlroy says it will likely be a last-minute decision whether to start his Players Championship title defense at Sawgrass.

The 36-year-old says the back injury he suffered in preparation for his third round at Bay Hill last Saturday is improving.

The Northern Ireland player hit balls at range on the eve of the prestigious event this week in the hope of being able to compete.

“It’s better than it was,” McIlroy told reporters. “I even hit a six-iron on the range there and it felt good.”

He withdrew from the Arnold Palmer Invitational after aggravating his back condition in a pre-Tour gym session.

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

“I couldn’t get in front of the ball Saturday morning at Bay Hill, so obviously it gets better than that.

“So, yeah, it might be a game-time decision, but all the signs are pointing in the right direction, so hopefully you’ll have a good night tonight. The meds are working wonders.”

McIlroy will seek to become the second player after Jack Nicklaus to win three Players Championship titles, and the first player to win all three titles at the iconic TPC Sawgrass course.

He is also less than a month away from defending the Masters title he won at Augusta last year to complete his Grand Slam career.

McIlroy is confident he will not aggravate the injury if he plays here this week. “It’s not structural, it’s not corporate, it’s good,” he said.

“It’s just kind of muscle discomfort and fatigue. Obviously I’ll listen to the pros. But there’s nothing I can do that would hurt that.”

“Things are getting better, but yeah, I don’t think it’s something that puts me at risk of causing any harm if I play,” he added.

McIlroy made his comments before setting off to walk nine holes to practice chipping and putting, but left longer clubs in his bag.

He is scheduled to start the match at 13:42 local time (17:42 GMT) alongside two other main champions, Xander Schauffele and Hideki Matsuyama, with rain and thunder forecast for the opening round.