Rory McIlroy finished the Truist Championship with visible discomfort on Sunday, raising fitness concerns just days before the PGA Championship begins near Philadelphia.
The Masters champion was seen limping during his final round in North Carolina, but he later downplayed the issue and insisted it was not the reason his title challenge faded.
McIlroy Explains Sunday Limp
Speaking after his round, McIlroy said the problem was a blister on the pinky toe of his right foot.
He explained that the blister was underneath the nail, making it difficult to treat directly. Although he admitted it was sore, McIlroy said he expected to be fine.
The Northern Irishman said he first began feeling the irritation on Friday afternoon.
Poor Saturday Round Proves Costly
McIlroy’s tournament was badly damaged by a four-over-par 75 on Saturday.
However, he strongly rejected the suggestion that the blister had affected that performance. He said he wished it could serve as an excuse, but made clear that it did not explain the poor round.
Final-Round Recovery in Charlotte
McIlroy responded on Sunday with a four-under-par 67, recovering some momentum after his disappointing third round.
He said his main issue on Saturday had been repeatedly missing shots to the left.
After spending time on the driving range Saturday night, he felt he had identified a few fixes and managed the problem better in the final round.
PGA Championship Preparations Continue
The PGA Championship begins Thursday at Aronimink Golf Club near Philadelphia, giving McIlroy only a short turnaround before the second major of the year.
McIlroy had already visited the course last week to get an early look, a move he said should reduce pressure during tournament week.
Lighter Practice Plan Before Major
McIlroy said practice rounds at the PGA Championship can often take a long time, so his early scouting trip should allow him to keep his workload lighter.
He expects to play nine holes on Tuesday and another nine on Wednesday before the tournament starts.
Rest Comes First
Before traveling to Philadelphia, McIlroy said he planned to return home, sleep in his own bed and practice locally.
His focus is on maintaining the swing improvements he found after Saturday’s range session and carrying that form into the major.
Impact and Consequences
McIlroy’s blister may not have caused his poor third round, but the visible limp will still attract attention because of the timing.
With a major championship only days away, any physical discomfort becomes a storyline, especially for a player expected to contend.
His Sunday improvement suggested his swing issues may be manageable, but his ability to stay comfortable over four demanding rounds at Aronimink will be closely watched.
What’s next?
McIlroy will rest, practice at home and then head to Philadelphia for the PGA Championship.
He is expected to keep his preparation limited to shorter practice rounds before Thursday’s opening round.
Summary
Rory McIlroy limped through parts of the final round at the Truist Championship because of a blister on his right pinky toe.
He insisted the injury did not cause his costly Saturday 75 and finished with a stronger Sunday 67 as he prepares for the PGA Championship at Aronimink.
Bulleted Takeaways:
- Rory McIlroy was seen limping during the Truist Championship final round.
- He said a blister under the nail of his right pinky toe caused the discomfort.
- McIlroy denied the blister affected his poor Saturday round.
- A four-over 75 derailed his tournament hopes in North Carolina.
- He rebounded with a four-under 67 on Sunday.
- The PGA Championship begins Thursday at Aronimink Golf Club near Philadelphia.
- McIlroy plans lighter practice after visiting the course early.
