Rory McIlroy was forced to cut short a practice round ahead of the PGA Championship due to a lingering toe injury.
McIlroy revealed at last week's Truist Championship that he was dealing with a blister under the nail of the small toe on his right foot, describing it on Sunday as 'a little sore' but 'fine'.
reported that he soaked his foot in the bath on Monday and pulled off his own right toenail to get to the blister, with McIlroy not mentioning the issue during his pre-tournament press conference on Tuesday morning.
McIlroy did have his lace loosened during his pre-round media duties and showed the ailment to some reporters after the press conference, saying that he removed the nail because "it was bothering me so much".
The world No 2 then only completed three holes of Tuesday's scheduled practice at Aronimink Golf Club before making his way back to the clubhouse, with McIlroy seen sitting on the third fairway - without his shoe and sock on - to inspect the injury.
McIlroy left the course on the fourth hole on a golf buggy, with the Northern Irishman then seen inspecting his foot again - with his shoe and sock off again - outside the player service area.
Golf Channel's Kira D Dixon said: "Members of his team were walking in with boxes of shoes. I can only assume that they might be testing what will be most comfortable for him for the week.
"It was feeling okay this morning but seems like they might need to find some adjustments for the rest of the week."
In a later update, Golf Channel's Todd Lewis said: "I did catch up with Rory after he walked off the golf course, and he said he's probably going to have a separator moving forward between his pinky toe and the fourth toe because they're rubbing up against each other.
"He's going to bandage it and put on a new pair of shoes that he has been fitted for. He said he should be comfortable, it'll get a little more healing tonight.
"He is not worried; he should be okay for the PGA Championship."
McIlroy had told reporters on Sunday that he planned to play nine practice holes on Tuesday and nine on Wednesday ahead of the second men's major of the year getting underway on Thursday, live from 12.30pm on Your Site.
The back-to-back Masters champion is among the pre-tournament favourites to claim a second successive major and seventh of his career, having also previously won the PGA Championship in 2012 and 2014.
McIlroy is in early-late half of the draw over the first two days, with the 37-year-old set to tee off at 8.40am local time (1.40pm UK and Ireland time) on Thursday alongside Ryder Cup team-mate Jon Rahm and Grand Slam hopeful Jordan Spieth.
Who will win the PGA Championship? Watch throughout the week live on Your Site. Live coverage from the opening round begins on Thursday from 12.30pm on Your Site Golf. or .
