Rory McIlroy's bizarre injury could cost him PGA Championship

Rory McIlroy. Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

Rory McIlroy's bizarre injury could cost him PGA Championship

By Jack Dougherty | Last updated May 14, 2026 8:02 AM ET

Rory McIlroy is the second favorite behind only Scottie Scheffler to win the PGA Championship at Aronimink Golf Club, but an unfortunate injury could hold him back from claiming back-to-back majors. During his practice round on Tuesday, the Masters champion walked off the course after playing only three holes due to a painful blister on his right pinky toe.

The issue popped up during last week's Truist Championship at Quail Hollow Club. McIlroy had a noticeable limp throughout the final round, and although it didn't affect his play (he shot a 4-under 67 on Sunday), it was clear he was battling pain all day.

"Yeah, I've got a blister on my pinky toe on my right foot, but it's underneath my nail," McIlroy told reporters after the Truist Championship. "I can't really get to it, so it's a little sore. But I'll be all right."

McIlroy didn't seem too worried at the time, but the blister has only gotten worse since then.

After playing just three holes in his practice round on Tuesday, the Northern Irishman took off his right shoe and examined his toe. He waited on the fourth tee box for a while until a golf cart came to take him back to the clubhouse.

Fair to say the foot blister is bugging Rory a bit. Took his shoe off on No. 4, might be abandoning his practice round. pic.twitter.com/0D1pmiquJt
— Kevin Van Valkenburg (@KVanValkenburg) May 12, 2026

According to Adam Schupak of Golfweek, McIlroy removed the nail on his right pinky toe to better treat the blister. He's been testing different shoes in the lead-up to the tournament, and the discomfort could force him to wear a half-size larger than usual.

Rory McIlroy feeling confident despite nagging injury

McIlroy could be in trouble this week if he can't comfortably get around Aronimink. Not only will he be walking six miles per day for four days, but he also uses his right foot to push off the ground and create the power that gives him a massive advantage over the rest of the field.

Despite the nagging pain, McIlroy is feeling good about his chances this week.

"I think I came into this tournament last year a little bit sort of uncertain of what my future was—just like I conquered this thing that I wanted to conquer for so long, and I still hadn't really reset goals or found whatever that motivation was to keep going or go forward and set myself goals for the rest of my career," McIlroy said this week, per ESPN. "Coming into this tournament feels a lot different than what it did last year. I feel like I've got some nice clear road ahead to try to get some more of these majors."

McIlroy will get his PGA Championship underway on Thursday morning at 8:40 a.m. ET alongside Jon Rahm and Jordan Spieth.

Jack Dougherty

Jack Dougherty has been writing professionally since 2015, contributing to publications such as GoPSUSports. com, Centre Daily Times, Associated Press, and Sportscasting. com

More must-reads: