McIlroy tees off at TPC Sawgrass despite back concerns
Richard Heathcote / Getty Images Sport / Getty
Rory McIlroy is off and running at the 2026 Players Championship.
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 2026 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.
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