Toe Watch at Aronimink

A frequent critique of the PGA Championship is that it often lacks an identity. And the narrative of this version may now be held hostage by a pinky toe, which is suboptimal, unless you’re the son of famous Philadelphia Eagles head coach Buddy Ryan. The coverage of Rory McIlroy’s toe may go overboard for the next day before the shots start to count. It will be preposterous and overblown.

But it’s definitely not nothing! McIlroy, the most famous and accomplished active player in golf, is not 100 percent. That matters to the field, the championship, and the interested parties waterboarding us with gambling ads. He was seen limping in Charlotte last week, disclosing that he had a blister underneath his toenail. Then he came to Aronimink on Tuesday planning to play nine holes, but only made it through three. It became clear the issue was still bothering him at the second tee box. By the third tee box, he was noticeably limping. In the third fairway, he sat down and took his shoe off while play went on around him. By the fourth tee box, he’d taken his Nike shoe off again, this time for the day, calling a cart to take him back in.

It’s just Tuesday, and it would make little sense to walk around much more if you’re hobbled. McIlroy said he’d never really had this issue before, and his swing is not especially affected. There are reportedly bigger, wider shoes on the way, if they’re not already here. So while whatever he tried today – a second skin wrap and the shoes he had – did not work, this all may be moot by Thursday. Given his stature and his swing speeds, any little thing, including one of the smallest appendages, that is troubling McIlroy can become a big story. So we’re on toe notice going into Thursday’s first round alongside Jordan Spieth and Jon Rahm.

Minus the toe, these are happy days for McIlroy. He spent Tuesday loitering around after his press conference, indulging a handful of various media gaggles for more than an hour. Rory was still there holding court, even as Rahm came, answered questions, and went on his way after him. That did not occur after last year’s Masters win. Tuesday was not so much a victory lap after last month’s green jacket, but an obvious comfort in what he’s done and the near-total golf consciousness he’s achieved at this point in his career. Once again, he is among the very best tee-to-green players in the world this season and seems to fully comprehend the Aronimink test presented this week, even with firm conditions late Tuesday presenting a few more strategic questions for him. Rory is still playing great golf and understands his motivations much better than last year at this point. But for now, we’re on toe watch.