McIlroy cuts short US PGA practice after self-inflicted toenail injury
The defending Masters champion abandoned his nine-hole practice session after removing a toenail earlier in the week, leaving him to ride the course in a golf cart despite appearing in good spirits.
Masters champion Rory McIlroy abandoned his practice round for the upcoming US PGA Championship after completing only three holes due to significant soreness in his right foot. The Northern Irishman had planned to play nine holes on Tuesday afternoon at the Donald Ross-designed course in Pennsylvania, but the discomfort forced an early exit on the fourth tee.
The injury stems from a toenail on his little toe that the 37-year-old removed himself earlier in the week. McIlroy admitted to reporters that he had softened the nail in the shower before ripping it off, a self-surgical procedure that has left him needing to increase his golf shoe size by half a size to accommodate the wound.
Upon reaching the third hole, McIlroy was observed limping and removing his shoe to inspect the foot before stopping play entirely. Despite the logistical setback which reduced his available practice time, the player appeared in good spirits as he rode away from the course in a golf cart, smiling and waving to fans gathered along the route.
This development occurs as McIlroy aims to become the first player since Jack Nicklaus in 1975 to win both the Masters and the US PGA Championship in the same calendar year. He is currently the only man capable of completing an unprecedented calendar year Grand Slam, a feat last achieved by Tiger Woods, with the tournament taking place at Aronimink near Philadelphia.
The injury comes shortly after McIlroy defended his Masters title at Augusta National and attended a state banquet for King Charles' visit to Washington DC. He recently finished joint 19th at the Quail Hollow tournament in Charlotte, expressing confidence that his game is heading in the right direction for the majors despite the lacklustre result.
McIlroy's primary rivals for the year include world number one Scottie Scheffler, who skipped the previous event to prepare specifically for Aronimink. While the exact duration of the soreness remains unknown, the player has indicated he feels good about where his game is heading into this week's major championship.
