“IT’S UNFAIR TO HIM”🛑 ANGRY AMANDA BALIONIS DEFENDS RORY MCILROY AFTER PGA DISQUALIFICATION SCANDAL AT 2025 PGA CHAMPIONSHIP
The 2025 PGA Championship at Quail Hollow Club has taken a dramatic turn, with Rory McIlroy’s disqualification for using a non-conforming TaylorMade Qi10 driver sparking outrage from CBS reporter Amanda Balionis. On May 18, 2025, at 01:23 PM +07, the PGA of America confirmed McIlroy’s removal from the tournament after the United States Golf Association (USGA) determined that the golfer knowingly used equipment that violated the Rules of Golf, specifically Rule 4.1, to gain an unfair advantage.
The controversy erupted earlier in the week when McIlroy’s driver was flagged during a routine equipment check for exceeding the USGA’s Characteristic Time (CT) limit—a measure of the clubface’s spring-like effect. After initially switching to a backup driver, further investigation revealed that McIlroy continued using the non-conforming club during practice sessions, an action the USGA deemed intentional. McIlroy, who was at 1-over-par and T61 after 54 holes, was subsequently disqualified, a decision that has divided the golf world.
Amanda Balionis, a prominent CBS Sports reporter known for her close ties to the golf community, did not hold back in her defense of McIlroy. Speaking during a live broadcast, an emotional Balionis stated, “It’s unfair to him. Rory has been a pillar of integrity in this sport for over a decade. To label him a cheater over what could be an honest mistake is a disgrace. The USGA needs to rethink how they handle these situations—publicly shaming a player of his caliber without clear evidence of intent is wrong.” Her comments quickly went viral, igniting a firestorm of debate on social media.
McIlroy’s camp has yet to issue an official statement, but sources close to the player suggest he was unaware of the driver’s non-conforming status due to gradual wear, a common issue known as “CT creep.” Critics of the ruling argue that disqualification is an overly harsh penalty for a technical violation, especially since McIlroy did not use the club during competitive rounds. However, the USGA stands firm, emphasizing that the rules apply equally to all players and that McIlroy’s actions in practice still constituted a breach.
Meanwhile, the championship continues with Scottie Scheffler leading at -11, followed by Alex Noren at -8. McIlroy’s absence from the final round has shifted the spotlight, but the controversy surrounding his exit remains the dominant story. Balionis’ passionate defense has rallied support for McIlroy among fans, with many calling for greater transparency in equipment testing protocols. As the golf world grapples with this fallout, the incident underscores the intense scrutiny faced by top players and the fine line between technical violations and competitive integrity.
