McIlroy Switches Driver After USGA Equipment Test

Rory McIlroy switched to a backup driver at the PGA Championship after his original club was deemed non-conforming by the USGA during routine tests conducted at the PGA of America's request. Officials explained that such non-conformity is commonly due to normal wear and that players are often unaware when their equipment exceeds regulatory limits. To protect competitors, the testing process and results are kept confidential. About one-third of the field underwent random driver testing at the event. McIlroy struggled with the substitute driver, narrowly making the cut and falling behind the leaders, while declining public comment. The incident has fueled debate among golf analysts and fans, but tournament officials reiterated McIlroy was not at fault.