Rory McIlroy heads into the 2026 PGA Championship as one of the most compelling figures in professional golf — a back-to-back Masters champion chasing a third major title this week — but a painful blister on his right pinky toe has stolen the spotlight just hours before Thursday's opening round at Aronimink Golf Club in Newtown Square, Pennsylvania.
Rory McIlroy Cuts Practice Round Short With Toe Injury
Rory McIlroy ended his Tuesday practice round early after playing just the first three holes at Aronimink Golf Club, showing visible signs of pain and limping toward the third tee box before sitting on the ground in the fairway to remove his shoe.
McIlroy had revealed the blister issue during the previous week's Truist Championship, describing it as sitting under the nail of his right pinky toe. The injury clearly worsened as the week progressed, raising immediate questions about his readiness.
Rory McIlroy Removes Toenail to Treat Blister
Golf Channel reported that McIlroy soaked his foot in a bath on Monday and removed his own right toenail in an effort to get to the blister — an extreme but telling measure of how much the injury was bothering him.
After his abbreviated practice, McIlroy confirmed he planned to use a separator between his pinky toe and fourth toe to prevent further rubbing, while also being fitted for a custom pair of shoes designed to reduce pressure during play.
Rory McIlroy's Tee Time and PGA Championship Draw
Rory McIlroy is scheduled to tee off at 8:40 a.m. ET on Thursday alongside Jon Rahm and Jordan Spieth for the opening round of the 2026 PGA Championship.
By Wednesday, McIlroy reported no lingering ill effects from treating the injury, and he was cleared to compete at Aronimink, with his status no longer in doubt heading into the first round. His fitness entering a major he is heavily favored to win is now the story of the week.
Rory McIlroy Chasing History With Seventh Major Title
Rory McIlroy enters the 2026 PGA Championship chasing a third PGA Championship victory and what would be the seventh major title of his career, having previously won the event in 2012 and 2014.
McIlroy arrived at Aronimink projecting a noticeably different energy from a year ago — more relaxed, more motivated, and openly hungry for additional major titles rather than satisfied with his legacy. That renewed sense of purpose has been one of the defining storylines of his 2026 season.
Rory McIlroy on LIV Golf's Uncertain Future
Beyond the toe drama, Rory McIlroy addressed the collapse of LIV Golf's Saudi funding, saying he had been hearing about the Public Investment Fund's planned withdrawal as far back as March and April — before many LIV players themselves were aware.
McIlroy acknowledged he had previously supported a potential merger between LIV and the PGA Tour, calling unification the ideal scenario for golf, but admitted he got that prediction wrong as the PIF ultimately chose to exit. He expects any future LIV schedule to look dramatically different from its current format.
Rory McIlroy's Form Heading Into the PGA Championship
In his first start since winning a second consecutive Masters, Rory McIlroy posted a 1-under 70 in the opening round of the Truist Championship at Quail Hollow, gaining strokes on the field with his driving and approach play despite struggling with his putter throughout the round.
Analysts point to Aronimink's sweeping green contours as the week's defining challenge, placing a premium on distance control and spin management — two areas where McIlroy's game has noticeably improved in recent seasons. A healthy McIlroy remains one of the strongest contenders to claim the Wanamaker Trophy on Sunday.
