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17h ago

USGA Defends Driver Testing Procedures as Players Demand Full-Field Inspections

Full-field inspections with serial number tracking have been proposed by tour pros after top players submitted non-conforming drivers for testing last week; the USGA says 90 percent of tested clubs match those used on the tee.

DUBLIN, OHIO - MAY 28: Xander Schauffele of the United States plays his shot from the 15th tee during the Golden Bear Pro-Am prior to the Memorial Tournament presented by Workday 2025 at Muirfield Village Golf Club on May 28, 2025 in Dublin, Ohio.
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Overview

  • Xander Schauffele urged the USGA to test every driver and record serial numbers to resolve uncertainty after Rory McIlroy’s and Scottie Scheffler’s main clubs failed conformance checks at the PGA Championship.
  • Lucas Glover claimed many players hand over backup drivers for testing instead of their actual competition clubs, raising questions about the process’s transparency.
  • Collin Morikawa downplayed cheating via non-conforming drivers, arguing that the marginal performance gains are minimal and the risks outweigh any benefits.
  • USGA Chief Executive Mike Whan said the testing is routine, tracking serial numbers to ensure accuracy, and that 90 percent of drivers submitted for inspection are the ones used on the first tee.
  • Scottie Scheffler switched to a backup driver after his primary club failed testing and Rory McIlroy has remained silent on inquiries into his conforming driver status.