Xander Schauffele makes shock claim over Rory McIlroy driver controversy

Despite all the conjecture that has surrounded Rory McIlroy at this week’s PGA Championship, the grand slam winner wasn’t the only man pitching up at Quail Hollow with a non-conforming driver.

McIlroy was forced into a late replacement of his beloved TaylorMade QI10 on Tuesday after it emerged it was tested and deemed to be non-confirming by the USGA.

The PGA of America later confirmed that one third of the 156-player field had their clubs tested at random, and it’s understood that at least ten of those were also taken away.

McIlroy, meanwhile, has refused media requests after every round so, for now, his side of the story remains a mystery.

More surprising, however, was the fact that tournament leader Scottie Scheffler’s driver also failed a compliance test.

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That was Xander Schauffele’s insinuation on Sunday, anyway.

“I think Scott is winning the tournament and I think he switched to his backup too,” Schauffele told Golfweek’s Adam Schupack after his final round 68 Charlotte.

“See you don’t even know because he’s so good. We can deal with it because the (equipment) reps are so good now.”

Two-time major champion Schauffele, who had his driver deemed non-conforming on the eve of the 2019 Open at Royal Portrush, is clearly not a fan of the current testing setup at major championships.

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“I think they should test everyone’s driver,” he added. “It’s not right to just test 50 guys. It just doesn’t make sense if you’re in it for the spirit (of the game).

“The whole point of it is to protect the integrity of the field. If you don’t test everyone across the board I don’t think you’re protecting the whole field.

“Do it to everybody, not just a third of the guys and if a player has a hot driver they’re still playing the tournament. Just my take.”

Ben Parsons is the Senior Writer at bunkered and is the man to come to for all of the latest news, across both the professional and amateur games. Formerly of The Mirror and Press Association, he is a member at Halifax Golf Club and is a long-suffering fan of both Manchester United and the Wales rugby team.