Rory McIlroy, one of the top contenders for this week's PGA Championship at Aronimink Golf Club, faced an unexpected challenge during his Tuesday practice round—not from the course, but from a blister on his right foot. The six-time major winner, aiming for his third PGA Championship victory, cut his practice session short after just three holes due to discomfort from a blister on the pinky toe.

McIlroy was seen removing his sock and shoe on the 4th tee box before calling for a golf cart to take him off the course. Despite the early exit, he smiled and waved to fans as he rode in, signaling that he's not overly worried about the issue. He simply opted for rest and recovery rather than pushing through unnecessary wear and tear on Tuesday.

The blister, which McIlroy first dealt with last week at the Truist Championship in Charlotte, is in a tricky spot. "It's underneath my nail," he explained. "So I can't really get to it. It's a little sore, but I'll be all right." While the blister isn't expected to keep him from teeing off on Thursday at 8:40 a.m. ET, it will add another layer of management during the major championship.

McIlroy had already scaled back his practice routine, playing only nine holes per day due to the notoriously slow pace of PGA Championship practice rounds. Tuesday's session was cut even shorter, leaving him with just three holes of preparation. He did get some time at Aronimink two weeks ago for early course prep, but the blister may limit his ability to fully fine-tune his game ahead of the tournament.

For a player of McIlroy's caliber, a minor blister is unlikely to derail his quest for another Wanamaker Trophy. But with the pressure of a major championship and a field stacked with the world's best golfers, every detail—from course strategy to physical comfort—matters. Fans will be watching closely to see how he adapts.