Rory McIlroy's PGA Championship Prep: Toe Blister Causes Practice Change

Rory McIlroy's practice for the PGA Championship was shortened by a toe blister, a minor setback before a major golf event.
By Newsroom | Golf, Sports |

Rory McIlroy has revealed a toe blister prompted a curtailed practice session ahead of the PGA Championship, a minor disruption following recent concerns over his swing. The Northern Irishman, aiming for a seventh major title, cut short his planned practice on Tuesday due to the ailment. He intends to limit his preparations to nine-hole sessions on Tuesday and Wednesday, hoping this strategy will allow the blister to heal sufficiently before Thursday's opening round.

McIlroy's recent form has seen him grapple with a recurring swing issue, specifically a tendency to hit shots left. This was evident in a third-round 75 at the Truist Championship, his worst score on the PGA Tour since June of the previous year. In response, McIlroy spent time on the practice range that Saturday evening, hitting approximately "100 balls" in an effort to correct these perceived "bad habits." This mirrors a similar range session undertaken at Augusta National a month prior, also to address the "left miss."

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Despite the toe issue, which caused him to be seen limping during the final round at the Truist Championship on Sunday, McIlroy expressed confidence that it would not hinder his performance. He finished that tournament strongly with a four-under 67. His focus now shifts to the PGA Championship, an event he has won twice previously.

In related golf news, Brandt Snedeker secured an unexpected place in the PGA Championship field after winning the Myrtle Beach Classic, his first PGA Tour victory in nearly eight years. Meanwhile, discussions around LIV Golf's integration with the PGA Tour continue, with Joaquin Niemann addressing the possibility of a return to the PGA Tour should his LIV commitments conclude.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Rory McIlroy cut short his practice for the PGA Championship?
Rory McIlroy had to cut short his practice session on Tuesday because of a painful toe blister. He hopes this will allow it to heal before the tournament starts on Thursday.
Q: How is Rory McIlroy trying to fix his swing issues before the PGA Championship?
Rory McIlroy has been struggling with hitting shots to the left. He recently spent time on the practice range hitting about 100 balls to fix these issues, a similar session he did before the Augusta National event.
Q: Will Rory McIlroy's toe blister affect his play at the PGA Championship?
Rory McIlroy said he is confident the toe blister will not stop him from playing well. He was seen limping a bit at the Truist Championship but finished that round with a strong score of 67.
Q: Who else qualified for the PGA Championship recently?
Brandt Snedeker earned a spot in the PGA Championship field by winning the Myrtle Beach Classic, which was his first PGA Tour win in almost eight years.