Defending Champion McIlroy Says "Still Undecided on Participation"

Explains Physical Condition Ahead of The Players Championship
Withdrew from Arnold Palmer Invitational Due to Back Pain
If He Plays, Will Be Paired with Matsuyama and Schauffele

World-ranked Rory McIlroy (Northern Ireland) is contemplating whether to participate in what is considered the fifth major tournament.

On March 11 (local time) in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, McIlroy attended the official press conference for the PGA Tour's The Players Championship (total prize money of 25 million dollars). He said, "My back has improved," but added, "It's getting better, but I won't be able to decide whether to play until right before the tournament starts."

Rory McIlroy is answering questions from the press at the official players championship press conference. Pontevedra Beach=AFP Yonhap News Photo by AFP

McIlroy, who won this tournament last year, withdrew due to back pain before the start of the third round at last week's Arnold Palmer Invitational. He explained, "On the morning of the third round at the Arnold Palmer Invitational, it was difficult to even get into a swing position," and added, "My condition is improving, but I think I will only be able to decide whether to play in this tournament on the morning of the first round."

McIlroy said, "Fortunately, I don't think I'll need to use the driver a lot in this tournament," and continued, "I'm fine with clubs up to the 6-iron, but I'll only know about my condition after trying longer clubs." McIlroy is scheduled to start the first round at 2:42 a.m. KST on March 13, playing alongside Hideki Matsuyama (Japan) and Xander Schauffele (USA).

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