Rory McIlroy's preparation for the 2026 PGA Championship hit a minor snag on Tuesday when a persistent blister forced him to cut his practice round short at Aronimink Golf Club in Newtown Square, Pennsylvania.

The four-time major winner managed just three holes before discomfort from a blister on the pinky toe of his right foot became too much to ignore. According to reporters on the scene, McIlroy removed his shoe on the third fairway to assess the situation, finished the hole, then took it off again on the fourth tee before hopping into a cart and heading back to the clubhouse.

In a moment that drew plenty of attention, McIlroy was even seen trying on another person's shoe at the fourth tee, noting that standing didn't bother him. The incident suggested he was awaiting a replacement pair of footwear.

The blister issue isn't new for the Northern Irishman. After Sunday's final round at the Truist Championship, a reporter noticed McIlroy limping and asked about it. "Yeah, I've got a blister on my pinky toe on my right foot, but it's underneath my nail," McIlroy explained. "So I can't really get to it or so it's a little sore, but I'll be all right."

McIlroy first felt the discomfort on Friday afternoon but quickly dismissed it as an excuse for any poor play. "No, it's fine. I'll be OK," he added confidently on Sunday.

Despite the foot issue, McIlroy remains upbeat about the challenge ahead at Aronimink, which he praised for its "style of golf." He noted the course offers variety with shorter and longer par-4s, three lengthy par-3s, and one short one. However, he offered a candid assessment of modern course design: "I think in this day and age I'm not sure if it's going to test all aspects of your bag. Strategy off the tee is pretty nonexistent. It's basically bash driver down there and then figure it out from there, which I think is a lot of these newer, newly renovated courses—like Oak Hill in 2023, here—when these traditional golf courses take a lot of trees."

For golf fans and players alike, this serves as a reminder that even the pros deal with the little things—like a stubborn blister—that can disrupt a game plan. The key is how you bounce back, and McIlroy's focus remains on the major ahead.