Rory McIlroy's quest for a second consecutive major championship hit a minor snag Tuesday when he was forced to cut his practice round short at the PGA Championship—not due to swing mechanics or course conditions, but because of a pesky blister under a toenail.

The world No. 2 abandoned his session at Aronimink Golf Club after just three holes, raising eyebrows among fans and analysts alike. Photos captured McIlroy with his right shoe off on the course, a telling sign that the foot issue that had him limping two days earlier in Charlotte was still bothering him.

"I've got a blister on my pinky toe on my right foot," McIlroy revealed Sunday after the Truist Championship, adding a detail that made even hardened golfers wince: "But it's underneath my nail. So I can't really get to it. So it's a little sore, but I'll be all right."

The timing is less than ideal for the four-time major champion, who arrived at Aronimink on Monday night and has yet to complete a full practice round this week. While he did play the course two weeks ago, the lack of recent reps could be a concern for a player known for his meticulous preparation. McIlroy didn't address his foot health during his Tuesday press conference, leaving fans to speculate about the severity of the issue.

Despite the setback, McIlroy remains on track to tee off Thursday at 8:40 a.m. alongside Jon Rahm and Jordan Spieth in what promises to be a marquee grouping. He's chasing his second straight major title and a third PGA Championship victory—a feat that would cement his status as the dominant force in golf. For now, the focus is on getting that blister under control before the first round.