Northern Irish golfer and Masters champion Rory McIlroy has found himself at the centre of controversy at the PGA Championship after his trusty TaylorMade Qi10 driver was deemed “non-compliant” by the United States Golf Association (USGA).

The issue stems from a phenomenon known as “driver creep,” where the clubface becomes more flexible over time due to repeated use, potentially leading to a non-compliance with USGA regulations. This natural phenomenon can cause a club that has passed previous testing to fail subsequent tests.

The revelation was first reported by Underdog Golf, citing Jason Sobel. McIlroy’s “gamer” driver was reportedly deemed non-compliant by the USGA, forcing him to switch clubs just before the start of the tournament.

The last-minute change disrupted McIlroy’s preparation and form, leading to a disappointing start at Quail Hollow Club in Charlotte.

Impact on McIlroy’s performance
The sudden equipment change had a significant impact on McIlroy’s game. In the opening round, he struggled with accuracy, hitting just four fairways and finishing 3-over par 74.

While he recovered a bit in the second round with a 2-under 69, the inconsistency in his play was still evident. The unfamiliarity with the new driver contributed to his challenges on the course.

Despite the setback, McIlroy’s performance was not without merit. He showed resilience and skill, making it through qualifying and going on to compete in the championship.

However, the incident highlights the delicate balance between technological advances in equipment and adherence to regulatory standards in professional golf.

The controversy surrounding McIlroy’s equipment is a reminder of the strict regulations that govern professional golf and the potential consequences of even minor deviations.

As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on McIlroy to see how he adapts to the challenges posed by the equipment issue and whether he can overcome this obstacle to compete for the championship.