Rory McIlroy's pursuit of a calendar Grand Slam faces a potential setback due to a persistent foot injury. The world-renowned golfer's practice session at the PGA Championship was abruptly cut short after just three holes, prompting speculation about the cause of his early departure.
The issue appears to stem from a persistent blister on McIlroy's right pinky toe, which has been a recurring problem. During the practice round, McIlroy was observed removing his shoe and examining his foot, indicating the discomfort he was experiencing. This injury has been a concern since the Truist Championship, where McIlroy limped during the final round and finished tied for 19th.
Despite the injury, McIlroy downplayed it after the tournament, shooting a final-round 67. However, his decision to trim his practice schedule, reducing it to just nine holes on Tuesday and Wednesday, suggests he was already managing the issue. The fact that he didn't even complete four holes on Tuesday is a cause for concern.
McIlroy's absence from a photograph shared by the PGA Championship of past winners highlights the seriousness of the situation. With the tournament underway, McIlroy's performance will be crucial, especially considering his pursuit of a calendar Grand Slam and the potential to surpass Nick Faldo as the most successful European golfer in major championship history.
The question remains: can McIlroy overcome this injury to maintain his dominant form and achieve his ambitious goals? The answer lies in the coming days, as the golf world eagerly awaits his performance at the PGA Championship.
