ATLANTA — Rory McIlroy, who was in the second-to-last group at the Tour Championship’s Tour Championship, did not tee off without concern.
Todd Lewis of Golf Channel reported that McIlroy is suffering from a lower back injury. This was sustained earlier this week in his own home.
Lewis tweeted: “It is a muscle issue.” “This morning, he arrived at East Lake and received treatment. He then hit 20 balls. This was the first time this week that he had hit balls. He may be in discomfort but will go for Tour Championship today.
McIlroy did not mention an injury at his pre-tournament media conference on Wednesday, nor was he asked about it. The Tour Championship does not have a pro-am and McIlroy rested his back for the last two days.
@McIlroyRory hurt his lower back earlier this week. It’s a muscle issue. He arrived at East Lake this morning, got treated, and then hit 20 balls, which was his first ball of the week. He may be in discomfort but will play today for @TOURChamp.
Todd Lewis (@ToddLewisGC August 24 2023
He finished third at the BMW Championship on Sunday and will enter the Tour Championship with a position of third, starting 7 under par in the tournament that uses staggered starts. Scottie Scheffler is three strokes ahead. McIlroy was 11 strokes down last year before recovering a six-stroke gap in the final round. He became the first FedEx Cup champion to win three times. He is attempting to be the first player in history to win the Cup twice.
McIlroy’s $18 million prize for winning FedEx Cup is a good reason to try and play this week, despite his back pain. It’s possible that he could also return to the world No. 1.
McIlroy will take the week after next off to compete in the Horizon Irish Open, followed by the BMW PGA Championship from September 14-17. The Ryder Cup is scheduled for the 29th-October.
