PGA of America Breaks Silence on Rory McIlroy Driver Debacle at PGA Championship
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
Rory McIlroy hasn't had his best stuff so far at the PGA Championship, but he still has an outside chance to make a run after making the cut on the number.
The Masters champion struggled to hit fairways during his first two rounds before the news broke that he is using a backup driver this week at Quail Hollow. Before the tournament, the USGA deemed McIlroy's driver "non-conforming" and made it ineligible.
On Saturday morning, the PGA of America released a statement on the controversy, via Kyle Porter of Normal Sport.
"We can confirm that the USGA was invited to do club testing at the PGA Championship, at the PGA of America's request," part of the statement read. "That testing program is consistent with the same level of support that the USGA provides to the PGA Tour and other championships, as part of their regular programs for driver testing. The standard process is for about a third of the field to be randomly tested under the program. That was the case at Quail Hollow this week. Finding driver heads that have crept over the line of conformance is not an unusual occurrence, especially for clubs that are hit thousands of times over a long period of time...
"Neither the USGA nor the PGA of America have any concerns about player intent."
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - MAY 17: Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland tees off on the 11th hole 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 tees off on the 11th hole during the third round of the PGA Championship at Quail Hollow Country Club on May 17, 2025 in Charlotte, North Carolina. More
Photo byThe change has clearly thrown McIlroy off somewhat as he tries to find his rhythm before it's too late at the second major of the year, but he is still finding his feel for the new big stick.
Still, the Northern Irishman has a chance to make a late charge after leader Jhonattan Vegas stumbled with a pair of bogeys to start his third round on Saturday.
If he can get into a groove, nobody would be surprised to see him shoot up the leaderboard at a course where he has four victories during his career.
More Golf: 'F*** Off': Rory McIlroy Not Pleased with PGA Championship Postponement
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