Rory McIlroy resumes preparation for US PGA Championship amid toe troubles

By Scott Hunt, Press Association, Philadelphia

Rory McIlroy resumed his preparation for the US PGA Championship on Wednesday morning amid his toe troubles.

The 37-year-old, who is bidding to win back-to-back majors at Aronimink Golf Club in south-west Philadelphia, cut his practice round on Tuesday after a few holes.

At one point during that round he had to remove his shoe, having revealed during last week’s Truist Championship that he was battling a blister on the little toe of his right foot.

McIlroy reportedly ripped the nail off earlier this week and was visibly struggling but he took to the putting green just after 9am local time (2pm IST) on Wednesday before heading to the practice range.

The Northern Irishman then began his practice round on the 10th hole, alongside former champion Padraig Harrington, Ryder Cup team-mate Shane Lowry and Spaniard Angel Ayora.

He seemed in good spirits, raising a laugh as a spectator praised his cameo in the Devil Wears Prada 2, and appeared to be moving fine, having been limping on Tuesday.

He is due to begin his bid for a seventh major title alongside Jon Rahm and Jordan Spieth at 8:40am on Thursday (1:40pm IST).