Rory McIlroy withdraws from the Arnold Palmer Invitational due to a back injury

Rory McIlroy has withdrawn from the Arnold Palmer Invitational in Orlando after suffering spasms in his lower back before the start of the third round.

The Northern Irishman’s exit was announced by the PGA Tour about 30 minutes before his scheduled tee time.

In a later statement, the five-time major champion said: “While warming up in the gym this morning, I felt a slight twinge in my back.

“When I started hitting shots from the outside before the round, things got worse and developed muscle spasms in my lower back. Unfortunately, I can’t continue and have to withdraw.”

McIlroy earned a share of ninth place – nine shots behind – after moving to fourth-under 68 on Friday, having shot par on Thursday.

After birdying four of the first seven holes on the back nine, McIlroy said he was “really happy,” adding that he played a “controlled and patient round of golf.”

The 36-year-old, who was competing in his third PGA Tour event of the season, is scheduled to defend his titles at the Players Championship at Sawgrass next week and the Masters at Augusta from April 9-12.

After winning a playoff over Justin Rose last year, McIlroy became the sixth player to complete a career Grand Slam, ending an 11-year drought in the sport’s four biggest competitions.