Rory McIlroy is expected to wear a specially customised shoe at this week's PGA Championship as he battles to overcome a painful toe problem ahead of the second major of the season.
The 37-year-old star sparked concern on Tuesday when he cut short his practice round at Aronimink Golf Club after just three holes.
McIlroy was seen removing his right shoe several times before eventually stopping on the fourth tee, where he took off both his shoe and sock and examined his foot while speaking with members of his team.
A cart was then summoned to take the Masters champion back to the clubhouse.
Despite the worrying scenes, there is growing confidence that the issue will not prevent McIlroy from teeing it up on Thursday morning alongside Jon Rahm and Jordan Spieth.
According to Golf Central reporter Todd Lewis, McIlroy is set to use a custom-fitted shoe and a separator between his toes in an effort to reduce friction and ease the discomfort.
"He's probably going to have a separator moving forward between his pinky toe because they're rubbing up against each other," Lewis said.
"He's going to manage it, put on a new pair of shoes that he's been fitted for.
Rory McIlroy is expected to wear a specially customised shoe at this week's PGA Championship as he battles to overcome a painful toe problem ahead of the second major of the season
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"He said he should be comfortable, get a little bit more healing tonight. He's not worried about that little pinky. He should be OK for the PGA Championship."
The injury relates to a blister beneath the nail of McIlroy's right little toe.
Speaking after last week's Truist Championship at Quail Hollow, where he was visibly limping during the final round, the 37-year-old played down the problem.
"I've got a blister on my pinky toe on my right foot, but it's underneath my nail," he said.
Rory McIlroy was in visible pain during practice for the PGA Championship
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Five things to know about Rory McIlroy | GETTY"I can't really get to it, so it's a little sore. But I'll be all right."
McIlroy later revealed that the toenail had been removed in an attempt to accelerate the healing process.
He was also fitted for larger shoes to provide more space and reduce irritation during tournament play.
Following his early departure from the course on Tuesday, ESPN reported that McIlroy tried on several different pairs of shoes inside the clubhouse.
The world No 2 is entering the PGA Championship in confident mood after successfully defending his Masters title in April to secure a sixth major championship.
Earlier this week, McIlroy insisted he feels far more focused than he did a year ago, when he was still processing the emotional impact of completing the career Grand Slam.
Rory McIlroy is bidding to win the PGA Championship for a third time | GETTY"Coming into this tournament feels a lot different than what it did last year," he said.
"I feel like I've got some nice clear road ahead to try to get some more of these majors."
McIlroy has also benefited from an earlier scouting visit to Aronimink, which he believes allows him to adopt a more relaxed approach during tournament week.
Whether he can win a seventh career major this week remains to be seen.