Rory McIlroy will defend his Players Championship title next week despite withdrawing from the Arnold Palmer Invitational. The Northern Irish golfer pulled out 35 minutes before his third round due to back spasms. He did not want to risk his appearances at the Players or the Masters next month. “While warming up in the gym this morning, I felt a small twinge in my back,” McIlroy said. “As I started hitting balls on the range, it worsened and developed into muscle spasms. Unfortunately, I’m not able to continue and have to withdraw. I was excited to compete this weekend. I wish the Arnold Palmer Invitational a great finish and look forward to being back next year.” After shooting a 68 on Friday, McIlroy had been four under par and in contention at Bay Hill in Florida. Instead of pursuing a second Arnold Palmer Invitational win, he returned to his home in West Palm Beach to rest and seek medical advice. McIlroy is scheduled for a Players Championship press conference on Wednesday, where his fitness will be a key topic. This is only the second time McIlroy has withdrawn from a PGA Tour event, the first being in 2013. He faced back problems before the 2023 Tour Championship but still played, finishing fourth. McIlroy’s exit added to the list of high-profile departures at Bay Hill. Others who missed the halfway cut included Justin Thomas, Justin Rose, Shane Lowry, and Keegan Bradley. Players remaining in the field faced a one-hour storm delay just before 3 p.m. on Saturday. Daniel Berger, who is leading, will return early Sunday to complete his third round. Scottie Scheffler’s hopes for a third Arnold Palmer Invitational title ended on the 18th hole when his second shot from thick rough found the water. Despite frustration, Scheffler said Bay Hill was not too tough even with the rain. “Golf’s a game that kind of beats you up anyway,” he said. “The rain changed the green speed. Early in the week, there wasn’t much friction, but the rain made the ball roll more than skid.” Viktor Hovland shot a 67 to position himself for a strong Sunday finish. His European Ryder Cup teammate, Sepp Straka, played even better, shooting a 66 to move to nine under par. Both players will be looking to challenge for the title as the tournament heads into its final round. McIlroy now turns his focus to defending his crown at Sawgrass. While his withdrawal was a setback, it ensures he can arrive fit and prepared for the Players Championship and the Masters. His decision highlights the balance top golfers must strike between competing now and protecting themselves for major events ahead.