NEWTOWN SQUARE, Pa. — Rory McIlroy had to cut his planned nine-hole practice round short, managing only a bit over three holes due to a blister on the little toe of his right foot.
After playing through three holes, he returned to the clubhouse.
Last week, McIlroy discussed a blister he was dealing with under his toenail at the Tourist Championship, where he finished tied for 19th place. He mentioned to the Golf Channel that he had soaked his feet the night before and completely removed a nail to help aid the healing of the blisters. On Tuesday, he even took his right shoe off multiple times before deciding to stop.
He had recently visited Aronimink to check the course, similar to what he did last month before winning his second straight Masters. So, even if his practice session is cut short on Wednesday, at least he’ll be prepared.
“I probably spent five hours on the golf course, went back to the airport and flew home. I wanted to get a look early because I knew it was my only chance to do it,” he recalled Tuesday about his recent visit.
Lately, it seems McIlroy has been a bit off his game, juggling his victory at the Masters, attending a dinner at the White House, and even making a cameo appearance in The Devil Wears Prada 2.
“I know how lucky and very lucky I am to be in this position in life. Sometimes you have to take advantage of the perks since I know this won’t last forever,” he stated. “So, I think you need to enjoy it while you’re in it.”
Meanwhile, Justin Rose might have a beneficial geographical angle this week, as he’s coming off his 2013 U.S. Open championship, which followed his win at Aronimink in Merion.
“Obviously, Merion will always be a place close to my heart. I try to return to this area and visit Merion at least once a year,” Rose mentioned on Tuesday. “I usually come back in the fall. I think it’s some of the best in the world.”
A strong group is set for Thursday’s first round, including Scottie Scheffler, Matt Fitzpatrick, and Justin Rose at 2:05 p.m. Other notable pairings include Cameron Young, Keegan Bradley, and Justin Thomas at 1:54 p.m.; McIlroy alongside Jordan Spieth and Jon Rahm at 8:40 a.m.; and Bryson DeChambeau with Ludwig Oberg and Rickie Fowler at 8:18 a.m. The early tee times will see Chris Gabriele, club pro from Old Westbury, teeing off at 7:01 a.m., while the first group, featuring Ben Griffin, Alex Fitzpatrick, and Pennsylvania club pro Braden Shattuck, will leave at 6:45 a.m.
For the 17th time in the past 18 years, at least 95 of the world’s top 100 golfers will take part in the PGA Championship. The field includes 30 players who competed in the 2018 BMW Championship at Aronimink, covering every player who finished in the top five at that PGA Tour event. The course, which previously played at 7,267 yards during the 2018 BMW Championship, will extend to 7,394 yards this week, with several holes, specifically the 7th, 15th, and 18th, being lengthened.
