Rory McIlroy Faces Equipment Controversy at PGA Championship
Rory McIlroy, fresh off completing his career Grand Slam at the 2025 Masters, encountered a significant setback at the PGA Championship held at Quail Hollow. Ahead of the tournament, routine equipment testing by the United States Golf Association (USGA) revealed that McIlroy’s trusted TaylorMade Qi10 driver did not conform to regulations due to excessive “spring-like effect,” a condition often resulting from prolonged use and wear .
The discovery compelled McIlroy to replace his driver just before the opening round. The abrupt change appeared to affect his performance; he struggled with driving accuracy, hitting only 4 of 14 fairways in the first round, and ultimately finished tied for 47th with a score of 3-over-par .
While McIlroy’s equipment issue drew attention, he was not alone. World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler also had to switch drivers after his club failed the same conformity test. Despite the setback, Scheffler adapted swiftly, using a backup driver to secure victory at the championship
The situation sparked discussions about equipment regulations and testing protocols. Experts noted that drivers can become non-conforming over time due to “driver creep,” where repeated use increases the clubface’s flexibility beyond legal limits . McIlroy’s decision to avoid media interactions during the tournament further fueled speculation, though officials emphasized that there was no intent to breach rules
As the golf community reflects on these events, the incident underscores the importance of regular equipment checks and the challenges players face in maintaining compliance with evolving standards.
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