Rory McIlroy’s Shocking Accusation Against Harris English Ignites Controversy at The Open 2025
The 153rd Open Championship at Royal Portrush erupted into controversy on July 17, 2025, as Rory McIlroy leveled a stunning accusation against fellow golfer Harris English, alleging the use of illegal technology to secure a share of the lead on day one. The Northern Irish star, playing on home soil, suggested English’s impressive 4-under 67—tying him for the lead with four others—may have been aided by non-conforming equipment, reigniting debates about fairness in the sport. The claim, made during a heated exchange overheard by reporters after the round, has sent shockwaves through the golfing world, casting a shadow over an otherwise competitive opening day marked by challenging conditions and a packed leaderboard.
McIlroy, who finished at 1-under 70 despite hitting only two fairways, voiced his frustration after noticing English’s consistent ball striking amidst gusty winds and rain. Sources close to the scene report McIlroy muttering, “Something’s off with his driver,” as he watched English navigate the notoriously difficult Dunluce links. The accusation echoes a similar controversy from May 2025, when McIlroy’s own driver was deemed non-conforming at the PGA Championship, forcing him to switch clubs mid-tournament. That incident, which saw his equipment fail USGA compliance tests, left McIlroy struggling off the tee and avoiding media scrutiny, fueling speculation he might be hypersensitive to equipment irregularities.
English, who maintained a bogey-free round to join Christiaan Bezuidenhout, Matt Fitzpatrick, Hao-Tong Li, and Jacob Skov Olesen at the top, dismissed the allegations with a composed demeanor. Post-round, he told reporters, “I’ve been playing with the same gear all year, and it’s passed every test. I’m here to focus on golf, not rumors.” His performance, marked by patience and a clinical two-putt on 18, showcased the skill that has elevated him to world No. 19. Yet, the timing of McIlroy’s outburst—coming after his own erratic driving—raises questions about whether frustration or genuine concern drove the accusation.
The golf community is divided. Some fans on social platforms like X speculate McIlroy’s claim might stem from envy, given English’s standout round in tougher morning conditions, while others demand an official investigation by the R&A, which oversees equipment compliance at The Open. Historical precedent exists: Xander Schauffele’s driver was flagged as non-conforming at the 2019 Open at Portrush, though no advantage was proven. With the R&A yet to comment, the controversy adds intrigue to an already tense tournament, where McIlroy seeks his second Open title and English aims to build on his lead.
As round two tees off on July 18, all eyes will be on English’s equipment and McIlroy’s response. The accusation could either galvanize McIlroy’s home crowd support or backfire, distracting him from his quest to banish 2019’s opening-round 79. For English, maintaining focus under scrutiny will be key, especially as Scottie Scheffler and Jon Rahm lurk just one stroke behind. This unfolding drama promises to elevate the stakes, with every shot now under a microscope as the Claret Jug battle intensifies.
