McIlroy’s driver was reportedly ruled non-conforming on Tuesday at the PGA Championship, and three days later McIlroy had hit just 10 fairways through 36 holes.

They took Rory McIlroy’s beloved driver, but they could not completely extinguish his hopes. The world No 2 bounced back from being informed on Tuesday that the weapon he loves most was non-conforming to shoot a 69 to make the cut and keep his chances alive of a third US PGA title and a second major in as many months.

The Masters champion had his regular driver deemed non-conforming Tuesday and had to put a backup in play at Quail Hollow.