USGA Bans Rory McIlroy Driver Ahead PGA Championship, Forcing Replacement

Rory McIlroy was forced to switch his driver just before the 2025 PGA Championship after his primary TaylorMade driver was deemed non-conforming by the USGA due to its face thinning from the high ball speed he generates, a common issue acknowledged by golf experts. This change impacted his performance, contributing to a challenging start at Quail Hollow where he barely made the cut by shooting one over par after two rounds. Despite speculation and some online trolling suggesting his recent Masters win might be tainted, experts clarified that such driver failures are routine and unintentional, occurring regularly on the PGA Tour. Additionally, McIlroy drew attention for wearing an orange outfit resembling a prison jumpsuit during the tournament, which fans interpreted as a jab at Scottie Scheffler following the anniversary of Scheffler's controversial arrest, though McIlroy has not commented on this. Previously, McIlroy had also experienced an unusual incident at the 2021 Scottish Open when a fan attempted to take his driver during play, highlighting the unpredictable challenges he has faced off the course as well. Overall, McIlroy's driver issue and subsequent struggles at the PGA Championship have sparked debate but are seen by insiders as part of the complex interplay between equipment regulations and elite performance.