Rory McIlroy hasn’t had the ideal preparation for the PGA Championship, which takes place this week at Aronimink Golf Club.
McIlroy has already won the major championship twice in his glittering career, lifting the trophy in 2012 and 2014.
He’s also the reigning champion of the most recent major, having emerged victorious at The Masters this time last month.
However, McIlroy cut his PGA Championship practice short just before the tournament, quitting after just three holes because of a blister on his toe.
McIlroy limped at the Truist Championship last week because of the issue, which Rex Hoggard has now discussed in detail ahead of the PGA Championship getting underway.
Rex Hoggard analyzes Rory McIlroy’s toe injury before the PGA Championship
Speaking on the Golf Channel Podcast with Rex & Lav, he said of the PGA Tour superstar: “I think my level of concern is marginally higher.
“On Wednesday, after listening to him talk about it at Quail Hollow I was very dismissive of the idea, but this is back-to-back days now.
“He took his shoe off today during the practice round as well, he was hobbling a bit, trying to find a shoe that was going to make it comfortable.
“My guess is that it won’t impact his swing whatsoever but this is a difficult walking golf course, there are a lot of hills out there.
“When I did my pick I wrote Rory first for a lot of different stories, I remember Justin Rose’s caddie telling me that this golf course is perfect for Rory.
“He loves a soft golf course where he can stand on the tee and just wail away. If you find it he always has the advantage in situations like that.
“He has plenty in the tank to get to the 305 golden mark that we talk about. I slipped him behind Scottie Scheffler though and the only reason is the toe.
“I know that sounds ridiculous, but it is a tough walk and anything that is going to take away your focus and keep you from preparing the way you want to prepare is always going to be a drawback for a player at that level.”
Brad Faxon plays down Rory McIlroy concerns at the PGA Championship
The relatively minor but significant issue is clearly having a big impact on McIlroy, and understandably so given where it is.
But any major concerns about the six-time major champion have now been quashed by his putting coach Brad Faxon.
When asked if people should be worried about the blister on Sirius XM, Faxon responded: “I doubt it. He’s overcome worse things than a bad toe.
“But you know, I think golfers get ridiculed for sometimes not being tough enough. I don’t think anybody’s tougher than Rory McIlroy, and having a toe [injury] can be annoying.
“And I think he did a smart thing. Look, he’s played the golf course, he knows enough of what he’s going to off the tees and into the greens.
“But when you have sensations like that in your digits, whether it’s hands or fingers, nobody likes that on their hands, they’re tied to the grip and the club. And then certainly your feet are tied to the ground.
“And he gets enormous power from his feet in his golf swing, and it even can bother you when you’re standing over a putt, you know when your feet are moving, wiggling inside your feet.
“I think he’s going to be fine by tomorrow morning when he tees off, but I think he’s taking a cautious road here.”
Chasing his seventh major championship win, the 37-year-old has been paired with Jordan Spieth and Jon Rahm for rounds one and two of the PGA Championship.
Read more:
What Rory McIlroy told Todd Lewis about his toe injury after cutting his practice round short
Brandel Chamblee highlights serious issue that Rory McIlroy has had all season ahead of the PGA