Rory McIlroy has been forced to take drastic action ahead of the US PGA Championship after a toe injury disrupted his final preparations. The Northern Irishman, who won the Masters in 2025, is aiming to become the first player since Jack Nicklaus in 1975 to win both the Masters and the PGA Championship in the same year.
Injury Details and Treatment
The 37-year-old cut short his practice round at Aronimink Golf Club due to a blister under the nail of the small toe on his right foot. While McIlroy insists the issue is manageable, it has hampered his build-up to the tournament. According to Golf Channel's Todd Lewis, McIlroy plans to use a toe separator between his pinky toe and fourth toe to prevent rubbing, along with bandaging and a new pair of fitted shoes.
Lewis told Sky Sports: "He said he's probably going to have a separator moving forward between his pinky toe and the fourth toe because they're rubbing against each other. He's going to bandage it and put on a new pair of shoes that he's been fitted for and he said he should be comfortable."
Recent Form and Mindset
McIlroy enters the tournament after a tie for 19th at the Truist Championship, where he shot five under par. Since his Masters triumph, he has been selective about his major appearances. However, after the second round at Quail Hollow Club last Friday, he declared that his hunger for success has returned.
"I do, and I feel like I got that hunger back in the middle of last year," McIlroy said. "Going into Portrush in the Open at home gave me a spark. After that, it was looking towards the Ryder Cup. Winning that at home in Ireland was amazing."
He added: "There's things that I have to look forward to, and I always have to see light at the end of the tunnel. The majors are my priority, and it's making sure that I'm ready to go for them and try to add to the six that I have."
Looking Ahead
The PGA Championship tees off on Thursday at Aronimink Golf Club, with McIlroy seeking his seventh major title and third PGA Championship win. Despite the disrupted preparation, he remains confident in his ability to compete at the highest level.
