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McIlroy Skips Aronimink, Removes Toenail, Eyes PGA Title

5/14/2026

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Summary

McIlroy Beats Blister

Rory McIlroy cut short his May 12, 2026 at Aronimink because a blister under his pinky toe hurt.
He removed the toenail, soaked the foot, and on May 13 played a round with Shane Lowry and Padraig Harrington, no blister signs.
He will tee off at 8:40 a.m. ET with Jordan Spieth and Jon Rahm in the PGA Championship, favorite for title, and missed Scottie Scheffler’s Dinner because of toe injury.

Summary

McIlroy Driver Issue

Rory McIlroy was listed among ten players with non-conforming drivers.
Former PGA Tour pro Johnson Wagner said McIlroy bears no responsibility.
Analyst Brandel Chamblee said the violation resulted from normal wear and tear.
The United States Golf Association said use can push driver heads beyond limits without the player’s knowledge and that players must replace them.
Both the USGA and PGA of America said they have no concerns about intent.

Summary

McIlroy Tackles Layout

Ron Prichard’s 2002 restoration removed many trees, undoing a significant late-20th-century “clogged” condition.
Rory McIlroy said the open layout makes tee-shot strategy “pretty nonexistent,” forcing reliance on driver and precise iron play.
The course now has 174 bunkers, measures 7,397 yards and plays as a tight par-70, emphasizing iron accuracy.

History

Historical Context

In 2004 the USGA capped driver heads at 460 cm³, a rule built on its long-standing authority with the R&A to preserve “traditional” club shapes. Earlier, the bodies had already limited the trampoline effect to a 0.830 COR in 2008. The limit forces modern players such as Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy to use compliant drivers on courses like Aronimink.

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McIlroy Beats Blister

Rory McIlroy cut short his May 12, 2026 at Aronimink because a blister under his pinky toe hurt.
He removed the toenail, soaked the foot, and on May 13 played a round with Shane Lowry and Padraig Harrington, no blister signs.
He will tee off at 8:40 a.m. ET with Jordan Spieth and Jon Rahm in the PGA Championship, favorite for title, and missed Scottie Scheffler’s Dinner because of toe injury.

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