Tour Champs R1 | Rory McIlroy reveals how he injured his back: "I couldn't move"
World No.1 Scottie Scheffler endured a tough start to the PGA Tour's season ending finale at East Lake as Rory McIlroy battled through an injury.
Rory McIlroy revealed he sustained a lower back injury foam rolling in his home gym after finding himself three back of the lead at the Tour Championship.
Scottie Scheffler started the PGA Tour's $75m season finale with a two-shot lead over the field at 10-under.
But by day's end a disastrous triple bogey six at the par-3 15th saw Scheffler post an opening round of 1-over 71.
You will not believe how many holes Scottie Scheffler went on the PGA Tour between making TRIPLE bogeys?!
I can't remember the last round I played that didn't include a triple bogey tbf
https://t.co/c7uG9f0ZLn— Andy Roberts (@AndyRobertsGolf) August 25, 2023
It meant he finished the day in solo second at 9-under with Collin Morikawa, Ryder Cup hopeful Keegan Bradley and last week's BMW Championship winner Viktor Hovland sharing the lead at 10-under.
Morikawa carded an astonishing, bogey-free 9-under 61. Bradley's opener was an equally impressive 63 whereas Norway's Hovland found two birdies on the back nine for a bogey-free 68.
"Shoot, no better time, I guess, in our Tour Championship to show up and start playing some golf," a delighted Morikawa said.
McIlroy, chasing his fourth FedEx Cup title, looked in visible discomfort and rallied on the back nine to post a level par 70.
Alongside McIlroy on 7-under is reigning Masters champion Jon Rahm.
McIlroy told a pool of reporters how he sustained his injury after his round.
It turns out, his back went into spasm after he tried to stretch out after feeling a little tight.
He explained:
Scroll down...
#INJURY — According to Golf Channel’s @ToddLewisGC, Rory McIlroy injured his lower back while at home this past week. After an uncomfortable warm up session, Rory is out on the course at East Lake. Follow @TrackingRory & @InjuryReportPGA for updates
pic.twitter.com/oKar32EJ30— NUCLR GOLF (@NUCLRGOLF) August 24, 2023
He continued:
McIlroy said the thought of withdrawing was not on his mind. "I was always going to tee off," he said.
A host of players, including England's Tyrrell Hatton, Xander Schauffele and two of this year's major champions - Wyndham Clark and Brian Harman - are on 6-under.
Still here?
Read more:
- Rory on Tiger: "He's certainly been spending more time on it than I have"
- Report: PGA Tour-PIF/LIV Golf negotiations going poorly
- "Shut up!" Rory McIlroy reveals BIGGEST PET PEEVE with golf fans on PGA Tour!
- Jason Day and wife expecting fifth child week after Tour Championship
Watched our latest YouTube video?
Our Alex Lodge tested the new TaylorMade P790 irons:
Ben joined the GolfMagic team in September 2021, initially as a content executive.
These days, he assumes the position of content manager.
