June 2025 — In a shocking twist during the U.S. Open, Rory McIlroy has been officially disqualified after it was revealed that his driver had been tested using an outdated, non-conforming protocol. The USGA released a formal statement confirming the disqualification and explaining the circumstances surrounding the equipment violation.
USGA’s Official Statement
“Following routine equipment inspections at the 2025 U.S. Open, it was discovered that Rory McIlroy’s driver had been certified using an obsolete version of the testing procedure that was phased out in early 2024. As such, the club does not meet the current standards of conformance as outlined in the Equipment Rules.”
“Per Rule 4.1a of the Rules of Golf, the use of non-conforming equipment results in immediate disqualification. We want to emphasize that this is not a case of deliberate rule-breaking, but a procedural oversight that unfortunately carries serious consequences in competition.”
McIlroy Disqualified from the U.S. Open
McIlroy, who was considered one of the tournament favorites and had made the cut after two solid rounds at Pinehurst No. 2, will no longer be part of the field moving into the weekend. His disqualification came as a shock to fans, media, and players alike.
Rory McIlroy Responds
“I’m devastated. We had no idea the testing procedure we used was outdated. It’s heartbreaking to be disqualified from a major like the U.S. Open — a tournament that means so much to me — over something like this. I fully respect the USGA’s decision and take full responsibility for the oversight. It won’t happen again.”
Golf World Reacts
Reactions across the golf world have been a mix of sympathy and disbelief. Fellow players, including defending champion Wyndham Clark, weighed in:
“That’s tough. Rory’s one of the most respected guys out here. It’s a painful way to go out, but it just shows how tight the margins are when it comes to the rules in this game.”
A Rare and Costly Mistake
This is the first time in McIlroy’s illustrious career that he has been disqualified from a major championship. The incident now casts a shadow over what had been a strong season for the Northern Irishman and raises broader concerns about how equipment regulations are managed at the elite level.
The USGA has stated that additional guidelines and reminders will be issued to all players and equipment managers ahead of future championships to prevent similar situations.
With Rory McIlroy out of the U.S. Open, one of the game’s biggest stars exits under highly unusual circumstances — a rare misstep that underscores the precision and responsibility demanded at the highest level of golf.