Since Rory McIlroy won his Masters title, breaking an 11-year curse, he has struggled to maintain momentum. His latest challenge came at the PGA Championship, where he finished T47, carding three-over par in the second major of the year.
But what shocked the golf world even more was McIlroy’s decision to avoid the media for all four rounds. Known for his bold and opinionated nature, his silence raised eyebrows and fueled speculation.
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – MAY 17: Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland looks on from the practice range during the third round of the PGA Championship at Quail Hollow Country Club on May 17, 2025 in…
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – MAY 17: Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland looks on from the practice range during the third round of the PGA Championship at Quail Hollow Country Club on May 17, 2025 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images)
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Among those weighing in was Paul McGinley, a respected voice in golf. Speaking on Sky Sports, McGinley suggested that McIlroy’s silence was an attempt to “put out the fire” surrounding the driver controversy—but instead, it “put fuel to the fire.”
Rory McIlroy’s driver controversy sparks debate
Before the PGA Championship even began, McIlroy faced unexpected stress. His trusted TaylorMade Qi10 driver, one of the drivers he trusts the most, failed USGA testing.
The story first broke via XM Sirius PGA Tour Radio, which reported that McIlroy’s regular driver was deemed ‘non-conforming’ upon his arrival at Quail Hollow. His management team later confirmed to Sky Sports that he had to switch to a replacement driver.
As the news spread, speculation ran wild. Some accused the Masters champion of hiding out and even cheating, questioning whether his Augusta victory was legitimate.
However, Scottie Scheffler stepped in to clarify the situation, revealing in a press conference that his own driver had also failed USGA testing, forcing him to make a switch as well. So this was normal!
Scottie Scheffler of the United States answers questions from media after a practice round prior to the Charles Schwab Challenge 2025 at Colonial Country Club on May 21, 2025 in Fort Worth, Texas.
Scottie Scheffler of the United States answers questions from media after a practice round prior to the Charles Schwab Challenge 2025 at Colonial Country Club on May 21, 2025 in Fort Worth, Texas.
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In fact, it happens all of the time. Anyone with the belief that something nefarious happened at the Masters simply does not understand the sport.
But despite this, McIlroy’s absence from media interviews only intensified the controversy.
McGinley, who understands the technical realities of modern equipment, when asked about the same thing explained.
“These things happen regularly. The modern driver’s face is thinner than a credit card, and these guys are swinging at NASCAR speeds—something’s gotta give eventually!”
Today’s drivers have titanium faces so thin launching balls at extreme speeds. Over time, even legal drivers can become too springy, making them non-conforming through normal use.
McIlroy, in essence, became a victim of his powerful tool.
This no doubt frustrated Rory’s fans, including the golf insider.
“I have a problem, Joe. The authorities are not transparent with it. Surely they can pay someone to come out and explain the rules properly,” he added.
“I would argue that if we’re going to test the drivers, we need to be even more robust in the way we test them,” he expressed.
“Everybody should be tested every week so that nothing kind of leaks out with this.”
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