2026-05-14 10:35:47
Rory McIlroy insists that he is ready to play at the PGA Championship after concerns over a toe injury.
The Northern Irish golfer’s preparation for the second major of the year has been disrupted by an issue that caused him to abandon his practice round after just three holes on Tuesday (12.05.26).
Explaining why he departed early, McIlroy said: “Because I didn’t think I could walk the next six.
“It was sore and I did feel a little soft having to walk in because of a little toe.”
The Masters champion initially experienced pain at the Truist Championship last week because of a blister under the toenail and explained that popping the blister hasn’t eased the discomfort yet – although he won’t let that stop him at Aronimink as he seeks consecutive major wins.
McIlroy said: “Popping the blister relieved the pressure but it was swollen and bruised, so it’s just sore. But it’s fine, all good.”
The world number two explained how a change in footwear and some padding helped ease the discomfort as he prepares for the tournament’s opening round on Thursday (14.05.26).
He said: “I figured it out and separated the little toe from the other ones and a bit of cushion around it definitely helped. And then just going to a bigger shoe and a different style of shoe as well, a little wider and a little softer in the toe box.
“It’s half a size up and it’s a wide fit so there’s just a bit more room.”
McIlroy revealed that he does not feel pain whilst hitting shots but accepts he could feel some discomfort on the undulating Aronimink course in Pennsylvania.
He said: “I was pleasantly surprised how good it felt.
“Walking downhill, whenever your foot slides into the very end of your shoe is when it maybe gives me a bit of bother but it’s totally fine. A mountain out of a molehill.”
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