Rory McIlroy brushes off injury concerns ahead of PGA Championship
Rory McIlroy has dismissed concerns over a potential injury after being spotted limping with a toe blister at the Truist Championship ahead of the upcoming PGA Championship.
The Northern Irishman finished tied for 19th place at Quail Hollow following a mixed weekend of form.
He carded a disappointing 75 on Saturday, marking one of the worst statistical rounds of his career.
However, the former world number one bounced back impressively with a four-under-par final round on Sunday.
Blister to blame for limp
Fans grew concerned when the 35-year-old was seen limping noticeably during the signature event.
Despite the worrying visuals, the four-time major winner was quick to reassure supporters that the issue was minor.
He revealed the discomfort was simply caused by a blister underneath the nail of his right pinky toe.
“I can’t really get to it so it’s a little sore, but I’ll be all right.”
The issue first became noticeable on Friday afternoon, but he categorically refused to use it as an excuse for his Saturday slump.
“I wish that was an excuse, but absolutely not.”
Preparation shifts to Aronimink
With the second major of the season looming, the European Ryder Cup star admitted he has technical areas to iron out.
He plans to spend time practising at home to rectify bad habits developed while fighting strong crosswinds on the driving range.
Attention now turns to the PGA Championship venue at Aronimink, a course he has already scouted this year.
The layout previously hosted the BMW Championship in 2018, though conditions are expected to be drastically different.
“It was wet in 2018 and the greens didn’t play as fast or as severe as what I felt like they played last week.”
The golf stalwart noted that while the course is not overwhelmingly long, severely tucked pins and rapid greens will serve as its primary defence.
By completing his scouting mission early, he hopes to avoid the excruciatingly long practice rounds that historically plague major championship weeks.