Rory McIlroy shares a fitness update after worries about injury before the US PGA Championship
Rory McIlroy has spoken about his injured toe as he gets ready to start at the US PGA Championship. The tournament kicks off Thursday morning at Aronimink Golf Club in Newtown Square, Pennsylvania.
Scottie Scheffler is the favorite to win his fifth major this weekend, with Rory McIlroy, Cameron Young, and Jon Rahm also among the top contenders.
Before the event began, some worries came up because McIlroy was seen in pain from an injury to the little toe on his right foot. On Tuesday, after just three holes in practice, he had to stop early because the pain from a removed nail and a popped blister—left over from the Truist Championship at Quail Hollow—made it hard to keep walking.
But ahead of his tee time Thursday afternoon, McIlroy reassured everyone that he’s “totally fine” and ready to go. Switching to shoes with extra padding has helped the world number two stay comfortable and ready.
“I figured out how to keep the little toe separate from the others, and adding some cushioning made a big difference,” he said. “Also, I went up half a size and chose a wider, softer shoe for more room.”
On the course Wednesday, McIlroy said hitting shots went pain-free. “I was surprised how good it felt. Walking downhill sometimes causes a bit of trouble when my foot slides forward in the shoe, but it’s really no big deal—just making a mountain out of a molehill.”
McIlroy, who won this championship in 2014, will tee off at 13:30 BST with Jordan Spieth and Jon Rahm.
Here are some tee times for the day (all times BST):
Starting on Hole One:
11:45 Braden Shattuck, Alex Fitzpatrick, Ben Griffin
12:56 Francisco Bide, Harry Hall, Ryan Gerard
13:07 John Keefer, Rico Hoey, Nicolai Hojgaard
…
Starting on Hole Ten:
11:50 Aldrich Potgieter, David Puig, Denny McCarthy
12:01 William Mouw, Chris Gabriele, Taylor Pendrith
13:40 Rory McIlroy, Jordan Spieth, Jon Rahm
…
Wishing Rory and all the players the best as the championship gets underway!