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Rory McIlroy faced a major hurdle when he was all set to compete for the prestigeous Wanamaker Trophy this week. His primary driver was announced non-conformary, and since then, he hasn't spoken with the media. Fans are slamming McIlroy for this decision.
Before the tournament, the Northern Irishman was going through a routine pre-tournament equipment. During that process, due to USGA's decision, Rory McIlroy had to switch to his backup driver. As per reports, his primary driver had exceeded the Coefficient of Restitution limits.
It might have happened, as the driver's face got exposed to a high temperature range due to repeated wear and tear. However, Rory McIlroy has made no comments on the incident and decided to focus on his game. The 2025 Masters winner even skipped the media as well. NUCLR Golf posted on X:
"🚨🗣️❌ #UPDATE — Rory McIlroy declined to speak with the media on Friday afternoon following reports of a ‘non-conforming’ driver test result earlier in the week... McIlroy’s representatives also did not respond to requests for comment..."
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Fans have bashed McIlroy for not facing reporters following the driver incident. Take a look at the comments where the five-time major champion got accused of reportedly cheating in the prestigious major.
"Rory caught cheating?," a fan accused the 2025 Master Champion.
"Lmfaooo so he's soft as butter AND a cheater?! 😂😂 I never wanna hear this clown bi*ch about LIV again," one slammed Rory McIlroy.
"He’s a do*che and a cheater. Sounds about right," a fan slammed McIlroy.
"Cheated up driver??? But yet long putters are the devil in the golf world.....," one said.
"Of course he did!! Gets caught cheating and immediately turtles!! CLOWN," an X-user insulted McIlroy over his decision.
"Best player in the world using a shaver, he makes it harder and harder to root for him," another wrote, venting their frustration.
Before Round 3 of the PGA Championship, McIlroy was tied 62nd position in the leaderboard.
How did Rory McIlroy's play get affected following the driver change?
Before the major started, McIlroy had to switch to his backup driver, shortly after his TaylorMade primary was declared non-conformary. That appears to have impacted the PGA Tour veteran's performance at the Quail Hollow Golf Club.
In round 1, Rory McIlroy hit only four fairways out of 14. He began playing on the back nine with a birdie but scored a bogey on the next hole. He shot a double bogey on hole 16, which contributed towards his 3 over par score. In the second round, McIlroy found six faiways, finishing the round with 2 under par, scoring six birdies and bogeying four times.
McIlroy's driving accuracy remains a matter of discussion, as he's ranked at the bottom of the PGA Championship leaderboard. Considering his record at Quail Hollow, it's unexpected from the two-time Wanamaker Trophy winner.
