World No. 2 Rory McIlroy arrived at Aronimink confident after swapping to a larger, wider shoe with extra cushioning to protect a sore right‑foot toe. The Northern Irish star said the new fit separates the little toe and softens pressure in the toe box, eliminating pain while he lines up his tee shots.

The adjustment, a half‑size up in a wide fit, proved more than a comfort measure; it let McIlroy walk the demanding 7,394‑yard layout without distraction. He noted that even on steep descents the shoe’s extra room prevents the foot from sliding to the front, turning what could have been a “mountain out of a mole‑hill” into a non‑issue. The change came as he prepared to defend his Masters crown and chase a third US PGA Championship title.

McIlroy joins a star‑studded field that includes Jordan Spieth and Jon Rahm, all set to tee off at 13:40 BST. With the toe problem resolved, his focus shifts to translating recent form into a win at one of golf’s toughest majors, a result that could cement his status among the sport’s elite.