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Following Rory McIlroy's withdrawal from the Arnold Palmer Invitational, speculation has surrounded his participation in the forthcoming Players Championship. However, the Northern Irish golfer remains in the line-up for now, with his group for the tournament now confirmed. McIlroy clinched victory at the Players Championship in 2025, edging out J. J. Spaun in a play-off. This win was followed by a memorable triumph at the Masters, completing a career grand slam.

His decision to withdraw from the Arnold Palmer Invitational felt unavoidable, with McIlroy completing the first two rounds before a back injury halted his progress. Such a mid-tournament withdrawal is unusual for the 36-year-old, sparking concerns about how quickly he might be able to return to action. Nevertheless, McIlroy is set to compete in the Players Championship, joining Xander Schauffele and Hideki Matsuyama in his group for the initial two rounds. Schauffele has twice finished as runner-up, securing second place in 2018 and 2024, whilst Matsuyama's highest previous finish was fifth place in 2023.

"Whilst warming up in the gym this morning, I felt a small twinge in my back," McIlroy revealed following his withdrawal from the Arnold Palmer Invitational, via a statement from the PGA. "As I started hitting balls on the range before the round, it worsened and developed into muscle spasms in my lower back.

"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."

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With McIlroy's weekend at Bay Hill coming to an unexpectedly early end, Daniel Berger appeared poised for his first PGA Tour victory since 2021. It wasn't to be, though, with Berger watching a substantial advantage evaporate over the closing nine holes as his fellow American Akshay Bhatia mounted a charge.

"Everyone knows when you show up to Bay Hill it's going to be a test and to play one of the hardest golf courses," Bhatia said. "To succeed is really cool, and I can't thank the tournament enough.

Berger offered a philosophical take, saying: "I'm proud of myself. Obviously it didn't go the way I wanted it to, but at the start of the week, if you told me I would have a chance on the 18th hole to win Bay Hill, I would be ecstatic with that."

He added: "A lot of positives, a lot of things to learn from. I think my game is sharp, just need to clean a few things up here and there. It's tough to win. I feel like I did a good job, and a shot here or there was the difference."