Rory McIlroy Cuts Practice Round Short Due to Blister Ahead of PGA Championship
Rory McIlroy faced an unexpected setback during his practice round for the 2026 PGA Championship at Aronimink Golf Club. The six-time major champion had to leave the course after only three holes due to a blister on his right pinky toe, causing him discomfort. On Tuesday, McIlroy was seen removing his sock and shoe at the 4th tee box before calling for a golf cart to exit the course. Despite the setback, he maintained a positive demeanor, smiling and waving to fans as he departed. The blister is not a new issue for McIlroy; he had previously dealt with it during the Truist Championship the week before. He expressed confidence that it wouldn’t pose long-term problems, though its location made it challenging to treat. "It's underneath my nail," McIlroy stated in Charlotte. "So I can't really get to it. So it's a little sore, but I'll be all right." While it seems unlikely that the blister will prevent him from competing, it adds another layer of management to his preparations. McIlroy had already planned to limit his practice to nine holes a day due to the slow pace of the championship rounds, but his Tuesday session was reduced to just three holes. With his 8:40 a.m. ET tee time on Thursday approaching, McIlroy will need to balance recovery with preparation as he aims for his third Wanamaker Trophy.
Source: CBS Sports - 2026-05-12