Rory McIlroy opened his title defence at The Players with a two-over 74, struggling with his game while managing a persistent back injury. The world No. 2 made only one birdie against three bogeys in his sluggish first round at TPC Sawgrass, sitting seven strokes off the pace after withdrawing from the Arnold Palmer Invitational last weekend.

McIlroy revealed he received daily treatment for his back issue and hadn't hit any club longer than a six-iron since his Bay Hill exit until Thursday's warm-up. "I felt unbelievably rusty out there," McIlroy told reporters. "I'm glad I got through the round," he added, noting minimal preparation time with just 30 golf balls hit the day before.

Despite the slow start, the Masters champion remains optimistic about his chances. "Honestly, I don't feel like I'm that far away," McIlroy stated, observing that benign conditions kept scores low. With early Friday morning tee time, the four-time major winner believes a strong second round could position him well for the weekend.