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Rory McIlroy is encountering significant challenges with his driver as he prepares for next week’s U.S. Open.
The 2025 Masters champion faced a disheartening performance at the RBC Canadian Open, missing the cut by a staggering 12 strokes. He recorded an 8-over 78 on Friday, marking his second-highest score in any PGA Tour event throughout his career.
The last time McIlroy posted a score of 78 was in the first round of The Open in 2024, a round that he surely does not want to emulate.
McIlroy expressed his concerns, noting, “Today’s round really worries me.” It’s understandable for a professional golfer to feel anxious after posting a quadruple bogey, along with one double bogey and four additional bogeys, balanced by only two birdies during his round.
“You don’t want to shoot high scores like the one I did today,” McIlroy commented during his post-round interview, emphasizing his disappointment with his performance.
In light of these struggles, McIlroy is grappling with his recent equipment change. He arrived at the RBC Canadian Open with a new driver, hoping it would solve ongoing issues with his tee shots. Unfortunately, it did not perform as expected.
The driver controversy first arose during the recent PGA Championship, where it was reported that McIlroy was using a non-conforming driver that could not be utilized following pre-tournament testing.
Driver Issues Emerge Again
Controversially, fellow competitor Scottie Scheffler also navigated a similar issue with his driver at the PGA Championship, though his name remained out of the public eye. In contrast, McIlroy was irked when his driver issue became widely known, leading him to withdraw from media sessions throughout the tournament.
McIlroy expressed his frustration, revealing, “I was a little upset because I knew that Scottie’s driver failed on Monday, yet my name was leaked to the media.” He emphasized the importance of confidentiality in these matters, explaining that two media members had been responsible for the leak.
He added, “I did not want to make any statements that I would later regret, as I’m trying to shield Scottie and maintain the reputations of TaylorMade, the USGA, and the PGA of America along with my own.”
Scrutiny on the Horizon
As McIlroy steps into the spotlight at the U.S. Open, all eyes will be on his tee shots, particularly after the inconsistent performance at the Canadian Open. He is recognized as one of the top drivers on tour, currently ranking first in strokes gained off the tee and third in driving distance, boasting an impressive average of 319.3 yards per shot.
However, his accuracy remains a pressing concern. He ranks 170th in driving accuracy, hitting the fairway just 51.13% of the time. Given the notorious rough at Oakmont Country Club, where the U.S. Open will be contested, his precision is crucial for success. With thick rough poised to disrupt many golfers’ rounds, McIlroy must greatly improve his accuracy to contend effectively.
Fortunately, missing the cut in Toronto may provide McIlroy additional days to iron out his driver issues before the monumental U.S. Open, where he will aim to return to form come Thursday. Ensuring that his driver performs reliably will be essential for navigating the challenges ahead at Oakmont.
What Lies Ahead for McIlroy
As Rory McIlroy confronts these pressing challenges, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely. His ability to adapt and respond to these adversities will likely define his performance at the upcoming U.S. Open.
In the world of elite golf, maintaining confidence, resolving equipment issues, and executing under pressure are pivotal to success. Whether McIlroy can tweak his driver for improved results remains to be seen, but the stakes are higher than ever. He must harness every ounce of skill, strategy, and resilience in the face of adversity as the U.S. Open approaches.
Stay tuned to follow Rory McIlroy’s journey as he battles through these challenges and works towards reclaiming his spot at the top of the leaderboard.
