Top golfers face injuries and withdrawals before Masters

Rory McIlroy withdrew from the Arnold Palmer Invitational just ahead of his third-round tee time on Saturday due to a back injury, according to reports. McIlroy was 4-under for the tournament, nine shots behind 36-hole leader Daniel Berger at Bay Hill Club & Lodge, sources indicate. He returns to defend his Masters title at Augusta in 2026, but the specific nature and severity of his back injury remains unclear, adding to the uncertainty for his upcoming schedule.

Tiger Woods sits out the first major of 2026, the Masters, according to multiple reports. Woods was arrested on charges of driving under the influence after flipping his car in Jupiter, Florida, last month, major media sources confirm. He confirmed he would step back from golf to concentrate on his health and well-being, those reports indicate. The current legal status and potential consequences for Woods following his DUI arrest and charges have not been disclosed publicly, leaving his future in the sport uncertain.

Phil Mickelson will be absent from the Masters due to a family health issue, multiple sources report. Mickelson made his seasonal debut in South Africa in 2026 after missing the first four LIV Golf events, according to those reports. He secured 24th place in LIV Golf points standings and finished inside the lock zone for the first time since joining, they add. The exact family health issue causing his absence and extended period out of golf is not publicly known, raising questions about his participation in future tournaments.

Bryson DeChambeau withdrew from the final round of LIV Golf's event in Mexico City due to wrist discomfort, multiple reports indicate. He aims to return for LIV Golf Virginia on May 7th, those sources say. DeChambeau's deal with LIV Golf is set to expire at the season's end, according to the reports. The specific wrist injury or discomfort that caused his withdrawal has not been detailed, potentially impacting his performance and contract negotiations.

Gary Woodland won the Texas Children's Houston Open, his first event since the 2019 U.S. Open and since 2023 brain surgery, in record fashion, research sources confirm. He received support throughout the week at Memorial Park, with loud chants when he sank his putt for par on the 18th hole, completing an emotional career comeback from brain tumor surgery, those sources add. Woodland raised his arms into the sky in celebration before breaking down in an embrace with his wife, Gabby, according to the reports, marking a poignant moment in his recovery.

Daniel Berger posted an impressive -13 to boast a strong advantage at the top of the Arnold Palmer Invitational, research indicates. McIlroy is scheduled to defend his title at The Players Championship next week at TPC Sawgrass, those sources note, though his back injury may affect his readiness for the event.

Bernhard Langer made his farewell appearance at the Masters in 2025, narrowly missing the cut, multiple reports confirm, adding a historical note to the current disruptions among top players.

The medical unknowns surrounding key players add uncertainty to the golf season. Beyond McIlroy's back injury, DeChambeau's wrist discomfort lacks specific diagnosis, potentially affecting his performance in upcoming LIV Golf events and his ability to secure a new contract.

Personal unknowns also loom large, with Mickelson's family health issue and Woods' legal situation remaining private, complicating predictions for their returns to competitive play.

Emotional context is evident in Woodland's comeback, where PTSD triggers from his brain surgery surfaced during the Houston Open, highlighting the psychological challenges athletes face after major health setbacks.