Rory McIlroy gives foot injury update as PGA Championship looms

Rory McIlroy was back on the course at Aronimink Golf Club on Wednesday, May 13, declaring that a blister on his right foot would not stop him from challenging in this weekend’s PGA Championship.  

McIlroy told the Palm Beach Post, part of the USA TODAY Network, that the blister under the pinky toe on his right foot "feels way better."

The two-time Masters champion cut short his practice round Tuesday after spending much of it fussing with his right shoe. He lasted just three holes, visibly limping to the third hole tee box before sitting down in the third fairway to take off his shoe. He was eventually given a cart ride back to the clubhouse to try and find more comfortable footwear.  

The blister, which is located under the toenail of his right pinky toe, first appeared last week during the Truist Championship. The two-time PGA Championship winner was seen limping through the final round of that tournament Sunday. Afterward, he said he was dealing with the issue but was not worried it would stop him from competing in the PGA Championship.

McIlroy soaked his foot and ripped off his toenail Monday night to get to the blister, which he showed reporters. He also said he was planning to use a toe separator between his pinky and fourth toe, which have been rubbing together and bandaging the area.  

He also had a custom pair of shoes made to accommodate the injury.  

McIlroy is one of the favorites to win a third PGA Championship title this week at Aronimink. He is chasing his seventh major championship, which would give him the most by a European player.  

He is grouped with Jon Rahm and Jordan Spieth for the first two rounds. They tee off at 8:40 a.m. ET on Thursday.