Illegal Equipment Drama Hits McIlroy
Rory McIlroy’s PGA Championship got off to a rocky start after his go-to TaylorMade Qi10 driver was ruled illegal by the USGA just before Round 1. The club reportedly failed conformity testing due to “driver creep,” a phenomenon where repeated use increases the face’s flexibility, breaching legal limits.
Last-Minute Switch Backfires
Forced to replace the club at the eleventh hour, McIlroy struggled to adjust, hitting just four fairways and carding a disappointing 3-over-par 74 in the opening round.
Not the First Time
This echoes a 2019 controversy involving Xander Schauffele at The Open, where his driver also failed testing. While most cases are kept confidential, McIlroy’s issue went public, sparking debate among fans and analysts.
What This Means for the PGA
As McIlroy tries to rebound from a rough start, questions remain about how many other players could be unknowingly using “crept” drivers. For now, the spotlight remains firmly on the Northern Irishman as the major unfolds.
Read Why It Was Declared
👇👇👇👇
Why Was Rory McIlroy’s i ‘Non-Conforming’ at the PGA Championship 2025?