Rory McIlroy Says Back His Injury Won’t Be an Issue for the Ryder Cup

After finishing in fourth place in his defense of the 2022 FedEx Cup championship, Rory McIlroy is back on the DP World Tour to try and win that circuit’s title for the second consecutive year.

McIlroy is playing in the Irish Open this week and the BMW PGA Championship next week before he and the rest of his European teammates head to Italy for the Ryder Cup.

Good to be back! @IrishOpen_ https://t.co/FqprUfHTx0

— Rory McIlroy (@McIlroyRory) September 7, 2023

In speaking to the media yesterday, McIlroy said that the back injury that hampered him during the Tour Championship shouldn’t be an issue for the big matchup against the United States in a few weeks.

“I would say it’s at 90%, 95%,” McIlroy said after dealing with back spasms in Atlanta that kept him from hitting any golf balls that week before the tournament started.

McIlroy noted that he’s not in his early 20s anymore, so he has to be more mindful of his body.

“I maybe don’t heal quite as fast as I used to, but it’s all good. I’m a bit limited in what I’ve done, but I sort of needed to rest it and take care of that as the priority.” 

McIlroy also gave some thoughts on the potential of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) becoming partners with the PGA Tour. He’s looking at it like allowing the PIF some access will prevent the group that finances LIV Golf from having a larger role in the sport.

“If we provide them a pathway where they’re not taking over the sport, it neutralizes the threat of LIV becoming something it hopefully shouldn’t become,” McIlroy said.

‘Two lates birdies glossed over what was an average day’ – Rory McIlroy says there is room for improvement but glad to be in the mix after an opening round 69
Live coverage on @rte2 and @rteplayer #HorizonIrishOpen #RTEgolf pic.twitter.com/gn6mBaerAa

— RTÉ Sport (@RTEsport) September 7, 2023

McIlroy shot a 69 in the opening round of the Irish Open, which is four shots off the lead. The last time this event took place at The K Club in 2016, McIlroy won the tournament.

Cover Photo via Twitter