Rory McIlroy ended his practice round at the 2026 PGA Championship early on Tuesday, after completing only 3 holes because of discomfort from a blister on his right pinky toe [1, 2].
The six-time major champion was seen limping during the round and took off his shoe and sock to check the injury before deciding to stop playing [1, 2]. McIlroy explained, "It's underneath my nail, so I can't really get to it. So it's a little sore, but I'll be all right" [1].
The blister developed underneath the toenail on his pinky toe, starting around the previous Friday at the Truist Championship [1, 2]. McIlroy had limped during the final round of that event on Sunday, citing the blister as an issue [2].
To relieve the pain, McIlroy performed at-home care on Tuesday by ripping off the toenail. "I ended up ripping the toenail off last night, just because it was bothering me so much. I just got in the bath and got the toenail to soften up and then burst the blister that was underneath. It feels better today," he said [2]. He also wore a larger shoe size during practice to accommodate the blister [2].
McIlroy had been limiting his practice rounds to 9 holes due to the slow pace of play, but the blister forced him to stop after just 3 holes on Tuesday [1]. Despite the setback, he appeared upbeat and was seen smiling and waving while leaving the course in a golf cart [1].
Currently positioned as the No. 2 favorite to win the PGA Championship behind World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler, McIlroy is one of the frontrunners at Aronimink Golf Club [2].
The tournament will officially begin with its first round over the next few days, where McIlroy’s condition and readiness will become clearer as he attempts to contend for the Wanamaker Trophy [1, 2].
