Rory McIlroy, one of golf’s biggest stars, has found himself at the center of a storm at the 2025 PGA Championship after his TaylorMade Qi10 driver was flagged by the United States Golf Association (USGA) for allegedly failing to meet equipment standards. The controversy erupted on Tuesday when routine testing at Quail Hollow Club revealed the driver to be non-conforming, forcing the Masters champion to switch to a backup club just before the tournament began.

The issue stems from the driver’s Characteristic Time (CT) measurement, which assesses the spring-like effect of the clubface. Over time, repeated use—especially by powerful hitters like McIlroy—can cause the face to become more flexible, potentially exceeding the USGA’s limit of 257 microseconds. This phenomenon, known as “CT creep,” is not uncommon and does not imply intentional cheating, but it has sparked intense debate among fans and analysts. McIlroy, who relies heavily on his driving prowess, struggled off the tee, hitting only 10 fairways over the first two rounds, finishing at 1-over par and barely making the cut.

The Northern Irishman’s performance took a hit following the last-minute equipment change, with his accuracy ranking near the bottom of the field. Despite a resilient second-round 69, which included a dramatic escape from a near-disaster on the 18th hole, McIlroy declined to address the media, leaving questions unanswered. The USGA has kept the test results confidential, consistent with its policy, but the lack of transparency has fueled speculation and accusations online.

Experts suggest the switch to a backup driver disrupted McIlroy’s rhythm, a critical factor at a demanding course like Quail Hollow. While no official penalty has been imposed—disqualification would apply only if he had used the non-conforming club during play—the incident has cast a shadow over his campaign to defend his recent Masters triumph. Jhonattan Vegas leads at -8, with McIlroy trailing significantly as the tournament heads into the weekend.

The golf world is divided. Some defend McIlroy, arguing the issue reflects normal wear rather than misconduct, while others question whether equipment manufacturers push boundaries too far. As the championship unfolds, all eyes will be on whether McIlroy can overcome this setback and reclaim his form on a course where he has historically excelled.