Frustration Boils Over at RBC Canadian Open
Rory McIlroy’s recent outing at the RBC Canadian Open ended in disappointment—and controversy. The two-time tournament winner failed to make the cut after posting rounds of 71 and 78, marking his first missed cut at a North American event in two years. After the performance, McIlroy pointed the finger at his new TaylorMade driver, expressing regret over his equipment decision. “I felt like I came here obviously with a new driver thinking that was going to solve some problems… but it didn’t,” he said.
Awkward Tensions Ahead of the U.S. Open
Now preparing for the U.S. Open at Oakmont, McIlroy remains tight-lipped about any equipment changes despite the clear friction with TaylorMade. When asked about his current driver, McIlroy coyly responded, “A TaylorMade,” without revealing the model. His refusal to elaborate reflects the awkward dynamic with the brand, whose \$3.5 billion backing is now under public scrutiny.
Practice Round Adds to the Pressure
McIlroy’s struggles continued in his practice round at Oakmont, where he shot an 81 despite birdies on the final two holes. He described the course as “impossible” under dry conditions but admitted recent rain had made it more playable—if one finds the fairway. That’s been a problem for McIlroy lately, who ranked 148th out of 153 in strokes gained off the tee at the Canadian Open.
PGA Championship Fallout Still Lingering
This tension stems partly from the PGA Championship, where McIlroy had to switch drivers after his Masters-winning Qi10 failed a characteristic time (CT) test. Though he tried a shorter model for better accuracy in Canada, the result was underwhelming. While Scottie Scheffler faced a similar driver issue and went on to win, McIlroy’s switch did not yield success.
Not the First TaylorMade Trouble
This isn’t McIlroy’s first driver dilemma. In 2023 at The PLAYERS Championship, he struggled with a TaylorMade switch, hitting just six of 14 fairways and finishing with a disappointing 76. “These driver heads are so finicky,” he noted at the time. “It’s hard to get one exactly the same.”
Driver or Golfer—Who’s to Blame?
As McIlroy heads into Oakmont, questions remain. Is the equipment at fault—or is it a deeper issue with confidence and rhythm? With his equipment sponsor under fire and his performance under the spotlight, McIlroy faces a high-stakes test where results must speak louder than endorsements.