Rory McIlroy breaks silence on why he's limping ahead of PGA Championship

Rory McIlroy has revealed the reason behind the limp that caught the attention of fans during the final round of the Truist Championship ahead of this week's PGA Championship.

The world number two was seen struggling at times while walking Quail Hollow Club on Sunday, sparking concerns over his fitness just days before the second major of the season.

McIlroy, who celebrated his 37th birthday earlier this week, was making his first PGA Tour start since completing the career Grand Slam with victory at The Masters on 12 April.

Returning to one of his favourite venues as a record four-time winner at Quail Hollow, expectations were high for the Northern Irishman. 

He opened with rounds of 70 and 67 to move firmly into contention before a disappointing third-round 75 derailed his hopes of victory.

McIlroy bounced back with a final-round 67, featuring six birdies and two bogeys, but it was only enough for a share of 19th place on five-under par.

After his round, McIlroy explained the cause of the limp and insisted it was nothing serious heading into the PGA Championship.

"Yeah, I've got a blister on my pinky toe on my right foot, but it's underneath my nail," McIlroy told reporters after his final-round 67.

"So I can't really get to it or so it's a little sore, but I'll be all right."

McIlroy revealed the issue first appeared during the second round on Friday, although he dismissed any suggestion it contributed to his struggles on Saturday.

"Started to feel it like Friday afternoon," he added, before declaring the blister had nothing to do with his poor showing on Saturday.

"I wish that was an excuse, but absolutely not (laughing)."

McIlroy concluded: "It's fine. I'll be okay."

The 30-time PGA Tour winner also reflected on his ball-striking issues throughout the week, admitting a tendency to miss shots left that he will look to correct ahead of the major.

"Yeah, so just have to straighten that out," McIlroy said of his frequent left miss at Quail Hollow Club.

"It seems like that's my, that's sort of my bad habit at the minute and I just have to be aware of it and I was much more aware of it and did a better job of managing it today. 

"I think just hitting, trying to find a right-to-left wind at the Bear's Club and hit a few balls and that usually straightens it out for me."

Attention now turns to the PGA Championship, where McIlroy will once again be among the favourites as he looks to continue his remarkable season following his Masters triumph.

Defending champion Scottie Scheffler returns after skipping the Truist Championship, while McIlroy aims to take another step towards a potential calendar-year Grand Slam in 2026.