In a shocking turn of events at the 2025 PGA Championship held at Quail Hollow Club, Rory McIlroy, the reigning Masters champion and world No. 2, was disqualified from the tournament due to a controversial ruling by the organizers. The decision, which caught players, fans, and analysts by surprise, has ignited a firestorm of criticism and led to a mass boycott of the event by thousands of fans, who are rallying behind the Northern Irish golf icon.

The controversy stems from a pre-tournament inspection by the United States Golf Association (USGA), which deemed McIlroy’s TaylorMade Qi10 driver non-conforming due to excessive spring-like effect, a result of wear from extensive use. According to reports, the driver, which McIlroy had used to secure victories at the Masters and The Players Championship earlier in 2025, failed the Characteristic Time (CT) test, prompting officials to bar its use. McIlroy was forced to switch to a backup driver just days before the championship, a change that visibly disrupted his performance. He struggled off the tee, hitting only 10 of 28 fairways in the first two rounds, barely making the cut with a 1-over 143.

However, the situation escalated dramatically when organizers disqualified McIlroy before the third round, citing an unspecified “breach of tournament regulations.” Details remain murky, as the PGA of America has released only vague statements, declining to specify the nature of the violation. This lack of transparency has fueled speculation and outrage, with many questioning whether the ruling was tied to the driver issue or another undisclosed infraction. McIlroy, known for his emotional candor, was reportedly seen in tears as he left the course, refusing to comment to the media.

The disqualification has sparked an unprecedented backlash. Fans, already frustrated by what they perceive as inconsistent rule enforcement, took to social media to voice their anger. Posts on X called the decision “unfair” and “a disgrace to the sport,” with hashtags like #JusticeForRory and #BoycottPGA trending globally. Thousands of spectators at Quail Hollow walked out in protest, and ticket refund demands surged, with reports suggesting the PGA may need to reimburse fans for the abrupt exit of one of golf’s biggest stars.

Fellow players have also weighed in. Justin Rose, who lost to McIlroy in a playoff at the Masters, called the situation “heartbreaking,” while former Ryder Cup captain Paul McGinley criticized the USGA for not publicly clarifying the ruling, arguing it damaged the tournament’s credibility. The controversy has reignited debates about the PGA’s equipment testing protocols, with some experts noting that “CT creep” is a common issue for high-speed players like McIlroy and does not imply intentional cheating.

As the 2025 PGA Championship continues without McIlroy, the boycott threatens to overshadow the event’s conclusion. Fans argue that the sport’s governing bodies must prioritize transparency and fairness to restore trust. For now, McIlroy’s supporters remain steadfast, vowing to stand by him as he navigates this devastating setback in a career otherwise marked by resilience and brilliance.