McIlroy and Scheffler Lead PGA Championship Field at Aronimink

Rory McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler enter the PGA Championship having won four of the past five majors between them. The pair have been the dominant forces in golf for the past four and a half years.

McIlroy cut short a practice round at Aronimink Golf Club on Tuesday after three holes. He removed his right shoe several times and later took off both shoe and sock to examine his foot before a cart returned him to the clubhouse. The issue stems from a blister beneath the nail of his right little toe.

McIlroy had the toenail removed after last week’s Truist Championship and was fitted for larger shoes to reduce irritation. A Golf Central reporter said McIlroy will use a custom-fitted shoe and a separator between his toes. The reporter added that McIlroy should be comfortable and is not worried about the toe.

Scheffler arrives after three consecutive second-place finishes at the Masters, RBC Heritage, and Cadillac Championship. He holds five major titles and is the reigning PGA Champion. A win this week would tie him with Phil Mickelson, Rory McIlroy, Lee Trevino, and Nick Faldo for major victories. Scheffler has missed only one cut in majors since 2020.

Spieth seeks to complete his career Grand Slam after winning the other three majors, most recently the 2017 Open Championship. His last victory came at the 2022 RBC Heritage. McIlroy said the week feels different from last year because he now has a clearer path to additional majors. He scouted Aronimink earlier and believes the course favors his long drives and high ball flight.

“Strategy off the tee is pretty nonexistent. It's basically bash driver down there and then figure it out from there… The greens are the main focus this week." — Source: Click On Detroit / AP Players such as Tommy Fleetwood and Cameron Young enter with recent PGA Tour victories and are seeking their first major title.”