Rory McIlroy was forced to abandon his practice session at the PGA Championship on Tuesday after completing just three holes at Aronimink Golf Club in Pennsylvania.
The world number two had been struggling with a painful blister beneath the nail of his right little toe, an issue he first disclosed at the Truist Championship the previous week.
In a drastic attempt to address the problem, McIlroy removed his own toenail, explaining to reporters that “it was bothering me so much” he felt compelled to take action.
The 37-year-old was spotted sitting on the third fairway examining his foot with his shoe and sock removed before departing the course via golf buggy.
Rory McIlroy was forced to abandon his practice round at the PGA Championship
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Speaking to Irish and European journalists following his official press conference on Tuesday morning, the Northern Irishman described how he had prepared the nail by soaking it before tearing it away.
“Softened it up in the shower and just ripped it off,” McIlroy explained, even removing his sock to display the aftermath to the assembled media.
The reigning Masters champion had initially believed his unconventional remedy would resolve the issue, having described the blister as “a little sore” but “fine” just days earlier.
However, his optimism proved short-lived once he stepped onto the course, with significant irritation quickly becoming apparent and forcing him to halt his preparations prematurely.
Members of McIlroy’s support team were subsequently observed arriving at the player service area carrying multiple boxes of footwear, suggesting efforts to identify a more comfortable option for the remainder of the tournament week.
Rory McIlroy’s fitness remains an issue ahead of the PGA Championship
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The Masters champion had insisted before a ball was hit that the blister was just a bit sore
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Golf Channel’s Kira D Dixon noted: “It was feeling okay this morning but seems like they might need to find some adjustments for the rest of the week.”
The Holywood native had initially opted for larger golf shoes on Tuesday in an attempt to ease the discomfort. With Wednesday’s practice session still available before competition begins, McIlroy retains some opportunity to find a workable solution.
The two-time PGA Championship winner is scheduled to begin his opening round at 1.40pm UK time on Thursday, grouped with Ryder Cup colleague Jon Rahm and Jordan Spieth.
