Rory McIlroy injury update: Why he left PGA Championship practice after 3 holes

TL;DR

Rory McIlroy left his practice round for the PGA Championship after just three holes due to discomfort from a blister on his right foot. He was seen changing shoes in the locker room following the incident.

Key points

Rory McIlroy left practice after three holes
He had a blister on his right pinky toe
McIlroy was adjusting his shoe during the round
He was seen trying on different shoes in the locker room

Mentioned in this story

Aronimink Golf Club

Rory McIlroyPGA Championship

Rory McIlroy injury update: Why he left PGA Championship practice after 3 holes

Rory McIlroy’s biggest obstacle to chasing this year’s calendar Grand Slam may be his own right foot.

With the PGA Championship beginning on Thursday, McIlroy cut his practice round short at Pennsylvania's Aronimink Golf Club Tuesday, leaving after just three holes. According to multiple reporters on site, McIlroy was fussing with his right shoe throughout the round, leading them to believe that a blister beneath his right pinky toe was bothering him. He removed his shoe several times and examined his foot during the abbreviated round before he headed back to the clubhouse.

ESPN reported that McIlroy was in the locker room trying on different shoes.

The blister first appeared to be an issue during the second round of last weekend’s Truist Championship. McIlroy played through it but was seen limping during the final round. He finished tied for 19th in his first tournament after winning the Masters.

McIlroy downplayed the injury Sunday after shooting a final-round 67, but he was clearly managing the issue coming into this weekend’s PGA Championship. He refused to use it as an excuse for his third-round 75.

After limping through that final round at Quail Hollow, however, he had already trimmed his practice schedule. He had planned to just play nine holes Tuesday and nine Wednesday to put less pressure on the blister.