Within the framework of the PGA Championship, an exhaustive review of the drivers of approximately 50 golfers, including Rory McIlroy, was carried out.
This procedure, described as a common practice, aims primarily to safeguard players who may be unaware if their clubs have exceeded the established limits.
The focus shifted to McIlroy after it was reported that his driver did not comply with regulations, preventing him from using it at Quail Hollow.
Kerry Haigh, PGA of America’s championships director, confirmed that the USGA was asked to evaluate the drivers at the championship.
The USGA, which governs golf in the United States and Mexico, conducts periodic tests on the PGA Tour when requested.
The results of these tests are confidential.
Haigh explained that the standard process involves testing a third of the 156 participating players, which was applied at Quail Hollow.
Finding driver heads that have exceeded the limits of conformity is not unusual, especially in clubs that are hit thousands of times over a prolonged period.
Kerry Haigh, PGA of America’s director of championships
Drivers that exceed USGA limits, particularly when the face becomes too thin and can cause a slight trampoline effect, should be replaced. Haigh indicated that players usually make the change “without issue.”
The confidentiality of the results seeks to protect players from unnecessary questioning.
Some companies seek to make the driver face as thin as possible, within the permitted limits, to increase distance. With swing speeds close to 115 mph, which can exceed 120 mph in powerful players, a club can become non-conforming, a phenomenon known as “creep”.
Research suggests that a driver can begin to suffer “creep” after 5,000 hits, which is equivalent to about four months of use, depending on the frequency of play or practice.
McIlroy drew additional attention by being the last of the 74 players to make the cut in driving accuracy, hitting only 10 fairways in 36 holes.
