McIlroy starts Players Championship defence seven shots off the pace

Rory McIlroy has begun his title defence at The Players Championship, but a recent back injury appears to have hampered his start, leaving him seven shots off the lead after the first round The World No. 2 golfer posted a two-over-par total at TPC Sawgrass, a performance he attributed to feeling “unbelievably rusty” rather than direct pain from the injury This development provides a crucial McIlroy injury update, following his withdrawal from last week's Arnold Palmer Invitational due to the same back issue McIlroy only arrived at the tournament venue on the eve of the event after opting to receive treatment at home While he showed no obvious signs of distress on his opening 329-yard drive, he stated his back felt 'fine' but acknowledged some discomfort with certain shots, particularly chipping or when the ball was below his feet His limited preparation was evident as he struggled to score, leaving his quest to defend the Rory McIlroy Players Championship title facing an uphill battle from the outset