Amid swirling controversy at the PGA Championship, USGA CEO Mike Whan stepped forward to defend the organization's driver testing procedures. The tests, which reportedly impacted top-tier stars Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy, have caused a stir within the golf community.
The drama unfolded when both Scheffler and McIlroy's drivers reportedly did not pass the USGA's equipment standards before the championship at Quail Hollow. Although McIlroy remained silent, Scheffler acknowledged switching driver heads before clinching his third major title. The testing process, mentioned by SiriusXM, reportedly led to the use of backup drivers.
The PGA of America later confirmed testing approximately a third of the competitors, though specific names remain confidential. They clarified there were "no concerns about player intent," acknowledging that regular use could inadvertently make equipment nonconforming.
"PGA Championship week wasn’t unusual for us," Whan explained in a press briefing before the U.S. Women’s Open at Erin Hills. "Honoring confidentiality helps avoid unnecessary drama. The testing was routine, despite heightened attention from the media."
Players' drivers receive a green, yellow, or red rating post-evaluation, with the latter two indicating necessary changes. Scheffler noted his equipment was nearing its limit, prompting proactive preparation with an alternate driver.
Veteran golfer Lucas Glover speculated about a potential loophole, wherein players could have a backup driver tested while playing with another during competitions. Whan rebuffed this, noting that the USGA tracks club serial numbers rigorously, with nearly 90% of tested drivers used directly on the course.
"We aim to keep the process low-key; players expect it and comply," Whan stated. "It appeared major to outsiders, but for us, it’s standard operating protocol. We’ve tested at multiple events and majors alike."
Driver assessments won’t occur at the present U.S. Women’s Open, with Whan outlining three reasons: the absence of significant "driver creep" in the women’s circuit, irregular testing on that tour, and a lack of comparable on-site manufacturing resources for rapid replacements.
