Just when Rory McIlroy appeared unstoppable after claiming his sixth major title and second consecutive Masters crown, a villain no bigger than a pinky toenail has emerged to derail his PGA Championship preparations. The world number two was forced to abandon his practice round at Aronimink on Tuesday after managing just three holes.
What began as a minor irritation on Friday during the final round at Quail Hollow has rapidly escalated. The Northern Irishman’s right foot blister, proved troublesome enough to warrant drastic measures, McIlroy soaked the foot on Monday evening before taking the surgical route and removing the nail entirely in a bid to treat the underlying problem.
Practice round ends in cart ride back
Tuesday’s aborted practice round at the suburban Philadelphia venue painted a concerning picture. McIlroy checked his right shoe repeatedly during the opening holes before the situation reached breaking point on the fourth tee. Off came the shoe, off came the sock, and moments later the four-time major champion was being whisked back to the clubhouse in a cart, his first practice round of the week cut brutally short.
The timing could scarcely be worse. McIlroy is scheduled to tee off at 8:40 a.m. local time (12:40 GMT) on Thursday alongside Spain’s Jon Rahm and American Jordan Spieth, a marquee grouping befitting his status as one of the tournament favourites.
Speaking to Golf Channel, McIlroy detailed the nail removal procedure, explaining his hope that accessing the blister directly would accelerate the healing process. However, Tuesday’s early exit has cast considerable doubt over whether the 48-hour window will prove sufficient for recovery.
The drama intensifies ahead of Wednesday’s final practice day, when McIlroy must prove he can complete a full round without discomfort.
Aronimink demands precision, not just power
Before his afternoon setback, McIlroy had been in buoyant mood discussing his strategy for conquering the 7,394-yard, par-70 layout. His assessment? Smash driver and worry about the consequences later.
“Strategy off the tee is pretty nonexistent. It’s basically bash driver down there and then figure it out,” McIlroy said with characteristic frankness. “You can be super aggressive off the tee and then there’s a little more strategy and thought going into the greens.”
That final point, the greens, represents Aronimink’s true defence against the modern power game. McIlroy had already completed a reconnaissance mission two weeks ago, and his analysis highlighted where this championship will be won and lost.
“The greens are the main focus this week, and I think getting yourself in the right sections of the greens, making sure you leave yourself below the hole for the most part, that’s the key,” he explained. “They can really tuck the pins away with some of these slopes on the greens, and just really being aware of that… you can get yourself in some tricky spots.”
It’s a sentiment that carries added weight when you’re potentially hobbling around 72 holes on a compromised foot.
All eyes now turn to Wednesday’s final practice round. Can McIlroy complete 18 holes pain-free, or will the blister that derailed Tuesday’s efforts continue to plague his preparations?
The Northern Irishman insisted on Sunday that the injury wouldn’t prove problematic this week, but Tuesday’s premature conclusion told a different story. With back-to-back major victories within his grasp, McIlroy faces an agonising 48-hour wait to discover whether a tiny blister will become the footnote that derails his championship charge.
