Rory McIlroy arrived at Aronimink Golf Club this week as one of the favorites for the 108th PGA Championship, but the Northern Irishman missed Scottie Scheffler’s annual PGA Champions Dinner after dealing with a toe injury during practice rounds.
McIlroy, a two-time PGA Championship winner in 2012 and 2014, ended his Tuesday practice round early after aggravating a blister on his right pinky toe. The injury forced him to leave the course after only a few holes ahead of Thursday’s opening round in Philadelphia.
The absence drew attention because McIlroy was one of the notable former champions missing from the traditional dinner hosted by Scheffler, the defending PGA Championship winner. Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson were also not in attendance. McIlroy, however, made clear earlier in the week that he remains focused on competing despite the injury concern.
Rory McIlroy Withdraws From Scottie Scheffler’s PGA Champions Dinner
GettyRory McIlroy of Northern Ireland and Scottie Scheffler of the United States
Scheffler hosted the PGA Champions Dinner on Tuesday night at Aronimink after winning the Wanamaker Trophy at Quail Hollow last year. The dinner brought together several former PGA champions, including Brooks Koepka, Justin Thomas, Xander Schauffele, Collin Morikawa, Keegan Bradley, and Martin Kaymer.
McIlroy did not attend after managing discomfort from the blister on his right pinky toe earlier in the day.
According to Sky Sports, McIlroy showed the media the injured toe after his press conference. Sky Sports reported: “He removed his shoe, he removed his sock, and he showed some of the media members his pinky toe that again has a bit of a blister and no right pinky nail.”
McIlroy later explained that he would likely use a separator between his toes, additional bandaging, and a new pair of shoes for the remainder of the week.
“I ended up ripping the toenail off last night, just because it was bothering me so much,” McIlroy told the Irish Independent. “I just got in the bath and got the toenail to soften up and then burst the blister that was underneath. It feels better today.”
Despite leaving the practice round early, McIlroy has said he expects to be ready for the opening round of the PGA Championship.
Scheffler’s dinner menu also became a talking point. Aronimink executive chef John Ferguson told CBS News, “He wants chicken parm. So we’re going to use locally raised chicken, the highest quality chicken, and he wanted three flavours of gelato.”
Rory McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler Headline PGA Championship Field
GettyRory McIlroy of Northern Ireland and Scottie Scheffler of the United States
McIlroy and Scheffler enter the PGA Championship as the top two players in the world rankings and among the betting favorites at Aronimink.
McIlroy arrives after winning another Masters title earlier this season, while Scheffler is attempting to defend his PGA Championship crown. Their recent success has increased attention around a possible major showdown between the two.
Scheffler addressed comparisons between himself and McIlroy during his pre-tournament media session.
“I would not say that it drives me,” Scheffler said about the rivalry discussion. “I think, when I look over the course of my life, my sources of motivation have always been internal.”
He added, “I also love competition. I don’t like losing. But at the end of the day, I think the preparation, getting ready to come out here and play, is something that I really enjoy.”
McIlroy also praised Scheffler’s consistency before the tournament.
“It’s his relentlessness. The comfort in which he does the same things over and over,” McIlroy said. “It’s that relentless pursuit of the process and not just letting the outcome happen.”
McIlroy, Scheffler, and the rest of the field will begin competition Thursday at Aronimink, with McIlroy grouped alongside Jon Rahm and Jordan Spieth for the opening round.
Rory McIlroy Misses Scottie Scheffler’s PGA Championship Dinner Amid Toe Injury Concern