NEWTOWN SQUARE, Pa. -- Rory McIlroy now has big shoes to fill.
The Masters champion made it through three holes of his first practice round Tuesday before he chose to walk in from Aronimink because of a blister that was under the nail of his right pinky toe.
On Wednesday, McIlroy made it through the nine-hole practice round without issue.
"I feel soft having to walk in because of a little toe," McIlroy said after his practice round.
He found the solution, however.
McIlroy is using a cushion around the pinky toe, and then he found a shoe a half-size bigger and a little wider to give him some room. He said he felt fine and walked without any discomfort. He sees no reason why he can't play.
"Pleasantly surprised," he said of how good it felt. "Walking downhill when the foot slides to the front of the shoe maybe gives me a bit of bother. But it's fine. All good."
McIlroy plays Thursday morning in a group with Jordan Spieth, who is trying to be next in line behind McIlroy to capture the career Grand Slam. Joining them is Jon Rahm, who is trying to achieve a Grand Slam for his country. Spanish players have won every major but the PGA Championship.
