Rory McIlroy says it would most likely be a last-minute choice whether or not he begins the defence of his Gamers Championship title at Sawgrass.
The 36-year-old says the back injury he suffered getting ready for his third spherical at Bay Hill final Saturday is bettering.
The Northern Eire participant hit balls on the vary on the eve of this week’s prestigious occasion hopeful that he’ll be capable to compete.
“It is higher than it was,” McIlroy instructed reporters. “I hit up till a six-iron on the vary there and it felt OK.”
He withdrew from the Arnold Palmer Invitational after aggravating his again in a pre-round fitness center session.
“I am taking it type of hour by hour. However it feels higher. That is all I can say.
“I could not stand to deal with the ball on Saturday morning on the vary at Bay Hill, and it is clearly higher than that.
“So, yeah, most likely a game-time choice, however all indications are pointing in the suitable route, so hopefully a great night time tonight. The medicine are working wonders.”
McIlroy can be bidding to develop into the second participant after Jack Nicklaus to win three Gamers Championship titles, and the primary to win all three on the famed TPC Sawgrass course.
He’s additionally lower than a month away from the defence of the Masters title he received at Augusta final yr to finish the profession grand slam.
McIlroy is assured he wouldn’t irritate the damage have been he to play right here this week. “It is not structural, it isn’t joint, it is advantageous,” he mentioned.
“It is purely a muscular type of discomfort and fatigue. Clearly I will take heed to the professionals. However there’s nothing that I can do this’s going to hurt that.”
He added: “Issues are getting higher, however yeah, I do not suppose it is one thing the place if I play I am susceptible to doing any harm.”
McIlroy made his feedback earlier than setting off to stroll 9 holes to practise chipping and placing, however leaving longer golf equipment in his bag.
He is because of tee off at 13:42 native time (17:42 GMT) alongside two different main champions, Xander Schauffele and Hideki Matsuyama with rain and thunder forecast for the opening spherical.
