The chief executive of the United States Golf Association (USGA) has dismissed recent claims made by former U.S. Open champion Lucas Glover, who alleged that PGA Tour players are exploiting a loophole during driver testing.
Speaking on his radio show earlier this week, Glover expressed concerns that some players are sidestepping equipment rules by submitting backup drivers for testing rather than the ones they actually use in tournaments. He implied that such tactics undermine fair competition.
“Why doesn’t everyone get tested at every major?” Glover asked. “And why can’t we find a way to ensure it’s the driver actually being used in play?”
His comments come in the wake of the 2025 PGA Championship, where Rory McIlroy’s TaylorMade Qi10 driver was reportedly deemed non-conforming. Although the PGA of America did not officially name McIlroy, a statement released during the tournament clarified that no players, including McIlroy, had acted with intent to cheat.
McIlroy, 36, struggled at Quail Hollow, barely making the cut and never challenging for the title. Meanwhile, eventual champion Scottie Scheffler revealed that his driver also failed him, but said he was prepared for the situation.
USGA CEO Mike Whan addressed the controversy ahead of the U.S. Women’s Open at Erin Hills. He explained that players are given color-coded cards after their drivers are tested, indicating how close the club is to the legal limit.
“PGA Championship week wasn’t an unusual week for us,” said Whan. “It might have seemed that way because of the attention, but from our perspective, it was routine.”
Whan added that the USGA tracks serial numbers on submitted clubs and estimates that 90% of tested drivers are the same ones used on the course.
“We expect about 10% of players to make changes anyway,” he said. “So no, we don’t see this as a major concern.”
He emphasized that the confidentiality of test results is intentional to avoid undue scrutiny, such as what McIlroy faced.
“It’s not easy for players or even manufacturers to consistently align with our calibration standards. That’s why we offer this service—to help everyone stay within the rules.”
Despite Glover’s assertions, Whan maintained that the integrity of equipment testing on the PGA Tour remains intact.
“Players know when testing is happening. They see us. They hand over their drivers. We try to keep the process low-key, but it’s nothing out of the ordinary for us,” Whan said.
