Pebble Beach, California – Ahead of the 2025 Memorial Tournament, Collin Morikawa spoke out against recent claims about driver cheating on the PGA Tour. Addressing allegations raised by Lucas Glover on SiriusXM’s PGA Tour Radio, Morikawa defended the integrity of professional golfers, stating that cheating during driver testing is unlikely. These comments come amidst growing concerns following the 2025 PGA Championship, where Scottie Scheffler’s driver was found non-conforming, igniting widespread speculation about equipment tampering in major golf events.
Allegations Emerge Over the Driver Testing Process on the PGA Tour
Prior to the 2025 PGA Championship, world number one Scottie Scheffler was forced to switch to a backup driver after his primary club failed conformity tests. The incident exposed vulnerabilities in the current testing system, prompting serious discussion among players and officials. Scheffler himself suggested that the PGA Tour’s equipment testing might be inadequate.
“I would argue that if we’re going to test the drivers, we need to be even more robust in the way we test them,”
he said, emphasizing the need for stricter and more comprehensive protocols. Scheffler also proposed involving players more directly in the process, reflecting a desire for transparency and fairness in how regulations are enforced.
Simultaneously, Lucas Glover stirred controversy by alleging that many players do not submit their actual drivers for testing. On his SiriusXM show, he stated,
“I’ve been trying to think all morning and all day how to say this without sounding like it’s going to sound, but most guys don’t give them their real driver, anyway.”
Glover claimed that it is common practice for golfers to use backup drivers during tests to avoid disqualification or penalties. He highlighted the presence of multiple tours, such as LIV and the PGA, at major events, and questioned why all players aren’t subject to comprehensive and universal testing at every tournament.
Glover added,
“I know a lot of guys [who] keep two drivers in their bag just in case. ‘Hey, oh, yeah, it’s this one. It’s this one right here. Yeah, do this, test this one.’ We’ve got LIV guys, we’ve got other tour guys, we’ve got tons of different players and tours being represented at the four biggest tournaments of the year. So why doesn’t everybody get tested at every major? And why don’t we somehow try to make sure it’s the driver being used? If that costs ‘X’ amount of dollars, great. Let’s do it. All these organizations have got plenty. Look at the tents they build every week,”
underscoring the discrepancies in current testing procedures.
Impact of Non-Conforming Drivers on Major Championships
The controversy extends beyond testing logistics, touching on player reputations and tournament outcomes. Rory McIlroy notably faced scrutiny when his driver was found non-conforming during the same PGA Championship as Scheffler. Forced to use a backup, McIlroy’s performance was impacted negatively, leading to widespread discussions on social media about the authenticity of his 2025 Masters victory. Critics questioned whether any non-conforming equipment had aided his win, though McIlroy himself has yet to publicly address the accusations.
The fallout from these incidents has fueled added pressure on the USGA and other regulatory bodies to examine their testing protocols. If players indeed evade detection by submitting alternate drivers, it suggests serious loopholes in the system, compromising the sport’s integrity. These concerns emphasize the need for more stringent oversight to ensure a level playing field during major golf tournaments.
Collin Morikawa’s Rebuttal to Cheating Claims
In contrast to Glover’s assertions, two-time major champion Collin Morikawa offered a reassuring perspective on the issue. When questioned directly about the practice of players handing over backup drivers for testing, Morikawa responded candidly,
“I sure hope not. I mean, I’m sure someone has done it. People joke about doing it, but I don’t think anyone actually does.”
Morikawa explained the longevity of golf clubs complicates the notion of cheating, stating,
“All our clubs have lifespans on them. We know it. And like my SIM driver that I played for like three and a half years, somehow never failed — I was going to say never passed — never failed.”
He emphasized that repeated use and wear on equipment naturally affect performance, making it less likely for players to risk dishonesty in testing.
He continued by addressing whether cheating would yield any meaningful advantage, saying,
“And if they do, then, I mean, sure. Is it going to help? I don’t think it’s going to help. When these fail, we’re on such fine margins that they give us this like green, yellow, red. Like we want our drivers to be in yellow, it’s passing, but it’s like you want it to be fast, you don’t want it to be slow. But if it’s close to failing or if it’s failing and it’s close to cracking, I mean, what are you gaining? You’re not gaining anything. Guys aren’t going to hit it 25 yards further. I don’t think it’s really changing much.”
His comments aim to downplay the impact of non-conforming drivers and suggest the risk of cheating is outweighed by limited benefits. This stance contrasts sharply with Glover’s allegations and offers a calming voice in a situation fraught with suspicion.
USGA’s Firm Stance on Driver Testing Integrity
Mike Whan, Chief Executive of the USGA, addressed concerns surrounding the driver testing process ahead of the U.S. Women’s Open. He refuted claims that players frequently circumvent tests by submitting alternate drivers. Whan clarified,
“90 per cent of the drivers that were given to us in those practice facilities when we test are played on the first tee, and we expect 10 per cent of players to be making changes anyway.”
Whan stressed the meticulous methods the USGA employs to ensure accuracy, noting that serial numbers of the clubs are tracked closely to prevent errors or manipulation. According to him, testing is a routine and ongoing aspect of tournament preparations, not an extraordinary event. The heightened attention during the recent PGA Championship was largely due to the media storm over high-profile players such as McIlroy and Scheffler.
“I don’t think that’s a real concern for us. The biggest thing is we try to keep the whole testing process kind of low-key because players know it’s coming. They see us coming. They give us the driver if we tell them. It seemed like a big week to everybody else, but for us it was a pretty standard week,”
Whan explained, reinforcing the USGA’s confidence in their current testing protocols.
The Continuing Debate and Its Future Implications for Professional Golf
The doubts stirred by Glover’s accusations, McIlroy’s failed driver test, and Scheffler’s equipment issues have intensified scrutiny on golf’s regulatory systems. Morikawa’s reassurances and the USGA’s firm stance attempt to restore trust among fans and players alike. Nonetheless, the debate underscores the challenges of maintaining fairness when technology and equipment regulations intersect with competitive play.
Going forward, golf’s governing bodies may face pressure to enhance testing procedures and increase transparency. Ensuring that the exact driver used during competition is tested could become a focal point of future policy reforms. Meanwhile, professional golfers will likely continue to navigate the delicate balance between innovation and adherence to rules amid growing public scrutiny.