Top Golfers Withdraw from Arnold Palmer Invitational

Rory McIlroy and Austin Smotherman exit tournament due to back injuries

Published on Mar. 7, 2026

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Two top professional golfers, Rory McIlroy and Austin Smotherman, have withdrawn from the Arnold Palmer Invitational in Orlando, Florida due to back injuries. McIlroy, the world's second-ranked player, was 4-under par through two rounds before pulling out, while Smotherman, a rising young star, left the tournament after struggling through his third round.

Why it matters

The Arnold Palmer Invitational is one of the PGA Tour's signature events, and the withdrawals of McIlroy and Smotherman are significant blows to the tournament's star power. Back injuries are common among elite golfers and can be career-threatening, so the health of these players will be closely monitored going forward.

The details

McIlroy, a five-time major champion, was nine shots behind 36-hole leader Daniel Berger when he withdrew. Smotherman, who was the runner-up last week at the Cognizant Classic, bogeyed three of the first five holes on Saturday before leaving the course.

  • Rory McIlroy withdrew ahead of his third round on Saturday.
  • Austin Smotherman pulled out during his third round on Saturday.

The players

Rory McIlroy

A five-time major champion and the world's second-ranked golfer.

Austin Smotherman

A 31-year-old professional golfer with four career wins, including one on the PGA Tour.

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The takeaway

The withdrawals of McIlroy and Smotherman due to back injuries highlight the physical toll that elite golf can take on players' bodies, and underscore the importance of proper treatment and recovery for these athletes to maintain their competitive edge.