The China Mail - Foot blister forces McIlroy to cut short PGA practice round

The world number two and reigning Masters champion from Northern Ireland took a cart back to the clubhouse from the fourth tee after completing only three holes.

McIlroy had removed his right shoe and examined his toe earlier in the round, then removed his sock at the fourth tee before deciding to stop the round.

At last week's PGA Tour event at Quail Hollow in Charlotte, McIlroy limped in the final round and blamed a blister under his toenail.

"I've got a blister on my pinky toe on my right foot," he said Sunday. "But it's underneath my nail. So I can't really get to it. So it's a little sore, but I'll be all right."

Asked again if the blister he said began developing on Friday would be a concern for this week, McIlroy said, "No, it's fine. I'll be OK."

McIlroy, who played a practice round at Aronimink two weeks ago, has one more day to rest or practice before teeing off in the first round at 8:40 a.m. (1240 GMT) Thursday alongside Spain's Jon Rahm and American Jordan Spieth.

N.Wan--ThChM