New Headline: Rory McIlroy Debunks TGL’s False Golf Injury Claims: “Absolutely False”
Rory McIlroy dismisses the idea that TGL causes back injuries, despite several players, including himself, having issues.
PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Florida — Rory McIlroy completely dismisses the theory that players who participate in TGL are more susceptible to back injuries. McIlroy, who lives in Jupiter, is one of a handful of marquee TGL players who have had back issues, including Collin Morikawa, who withdrew from The Players Championship after just one hole. "It's a little more travel for the guys, a little more," said McIlroy, a co-founder along with Tiger Woods of the indoor, high-tech league played in Palm Beach Gardens.
"To put it solely on that is preposterous. No," McIlroy, the No. 2 player in the world, withdrew from the Arnold Palmer Invitational before the third round and decided the morning of the first round of The Players Championship that he would play.
McIlroy shot a 1-under 71 in the second round of The Players on March 13, which should allow him to make the cut at 1-over. He said TGL players are not overswinging because their shot metrics are displayed on the scoreboard. "My ball speed on Tour is way faster than it is in TGL," he said.
McIlroy, Morikawa, Sahith Theegala, Billy Horschel and Justin Thomas are among TGL players who have had back issues since the league's debut season in 2025. Rory McIlroy plans to compete in next week's TGL playoffs Barring a setback during the weekend at The Players, McIlroy plans to play in the TGL playoffs, which begin March 17. But he does not believe we will see a showdown between the two co-founders.