Not even a sore toenail that required a spot of self surgery could disturb Rory McIlroy's relaxed demeanour as he bids for back to back major wins at this week's US PGA Championship in Pennsylvania.

"I softened it up in the shower and just ripped it off," the Masters champion laughed before removing his sock to show off the results of his handiwork on a now plaster-protected little toe on his right foot.

As a result, he will go up half a size in his golf shoes for his assault on the Aronimink course near Philadelphia that stages the second men's major of the season, which starts on Thursday.

McIlroy is a different man compared with the tetchy figure who shunned the media for much of last year's PGA.…