Rory McIlroy is the second favorite behind only Scottie Scheffler to win the PGA Championship at Aronimink Golf Club, but an unfortunate injury could hold him back from claiming back-to-back majors. During his practice round on Tuesday, the Masters champion walked off the course after playing only three holes due to a painful blister on his right pinky toe.
The issue popped up during last week’s Truist Championship at Quail Hollow Club. McIlroy had a noticeable limp throughout the final round, and although it didn’t affect his play (he shot a 4-under 67 on Sunday), it was clear he was battling pain all day.
“Yeah, I’ve got a blister on my pinky toe on my right foot, but it’s underneath my nail,” McIlroy told reporters after the Truist Championship. “I can’t really get to it, so it’s a little sore. But I’ll be all right.”
McIlroy didn’t seem too worried at the time, but the blister has only gotten worse since then.
After playing just three holes in his practice round on Tuesday, the Northern Irishman took off his right shoe and examined his toe. He waited on the fourth tee box for a while until a golf cart came to take him back to the clubhouse.