Rory McIlroy Prepares for US PGA Championship with Confidence and a Sore Toe
Rory McIlroy showcases an unusual yet relaxed approach as he prepares for the US PGA Championship starting on Thursday at the Aronimink Golf Club in Pennsylvania. Despite dealing with a sore toenail that required a bit of self-surgery, McIlroy remains upbeat, humorously recounting how he managed to remove it in the shower. The Masters champion has adjusted his golf shoe size to accommodate his injured toe, symbolizing his readiness for this pivotal tournament. Unlike last year's PGA Championship, where he was tense and avoided media interactions, McIlroy now embraces the moment, reflecting on his recent victory at Augusta National and the celebrations that followed. Key highlights include: McIlroy's victory at the 2025 Masters, making him the fourth player to retain the Green Jacket. His commitment to practice, flying in his coach Michael Bannon to prepare for the remaining majors this season. Acknowledging the significance of major wins, he states, "Major championship wins don't come along that often." Though he finished joint 19th at Quail Hollow last week, McIlroy remains optimistic about his game, noting the valuable lessons learned. He emphasizes the importance of grit and determination in winning majors, rather than relying solely on statistics. As McIlroy aims for an unprecedented calendar year Grand Slam, he recognizes the challenges ahead, particularly from Scottie Scheffler, the world number one and defending champion. Other notable competitors include Cameron Young and Matt Fitzpatrick, while Tommy Fleetwood showed promise with a fifth-place finish in Charlotte. McIlroy's journey reflects growth and resilience, as he prepares to tackle the US PGA Championship with newfound confidence.
Source: BBC Sport - 2026-05-12