Northern Irish golfer Rory McIlroy has declined to speak to the media for the fourth consecutive day at the PGA Championship, sparking widespread speculation about his decision. While McIlroy hasn’t directly addressed the reason behind his media boycott, the controversy surrounding his TaylorMade Qi10 driver has been a major talking point.
Driver Controversy
McIlroy’s driver was deemed non-conforming by the USGA during random testing at the PGA Championship, conducted at the request of the PGA of America. According to Kerry Haigh, the PGA Championship’s chief championships officer, about a third of the field is typically tested, and non-conforming drivers are not uncommon, especially for clubs hit thousands of times.
PGA of America’s Stance
The PGA of America has clarified that there’s no concern about McIlroy’s intent, stating that players are unaware when their clubs fall out of conformance and aren’t responsible for it. The organization keeps test results confidential to protect players from unnecessary scrutiny.
McIlroy’s Recent Performance
McIlroy’s struggles on the course have also been a significant factor in the tournament. He carded a lackluster 72 on Saturday, slumping to 2-over par and trailing World No.1 Scottie Scheffler by 13 strokes after 54 holes.
What’s Next for McIlroy?
While McIlroy hasn’t spoken publicly about his media boycott, his decision to skip interviews has raised questions about his approach to the game and his relationship with the media. As the golf world watches, McIlroy’s next move will be crucial in determining his performance and reputation