Rory McIlroy Unveils New Gear Ahead of the Masters

ORLANDO, Fla. — Rory McIlroy has made notable changes to his equipment as he prepares for the Masters in two weeks. This past week at the Arnold Palmer Invitational, McIlroy unveiled new TaylorMade Qi35 woods, including a driver and both a 3-wood and 5-wood, aiming to enhance his performance on the course.

During the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am in early March 2025, McIlroy secured a win using his previous models, but his recent adjustments reflect a strategic shift in his approach to the game. McIlroy noted, “I’ve sort of been playing around with like stronger 3-woods. So this 3-wood that I have carries like 300, 305 in the air, which is really good for me to have.”

McIlroy’s drive averages over 325 yards, positioning him as one of the longest hitters in the game. However, by enhancing the tools at the top of his bag, he aims to bridge gaps in distance and improve his accuracy. His new 3-wood is designed to maximize distance, filling a critical gap for when driving isn’t an option.

He mentioned, “For a while I’ve been looking for a club that sort of carries 300 in the air. … I feel like I was at a disadvantage in some ways, even to people that hit it shorter than me, depending upon the course setup.” This focused approach indicates his readiness for the stress of the upcoming major tournaments.

McIlroy’s equipment adjustments also extend to his short game. With the introduction of the TaylorMade TP5 golf ball, he has tailored his wedge setup. He transitioned to a pitching wedge with a loft of 48 degrees instead of the former 46.5-degree wedge. “With the ball, I feel a lot more comfortable playing those sort of half- and three-quarter shots,” he said.

In addition, McIlroy has added a new P770 Proto 3-iron to his collection, which he replaced in order to optimize his game performance, keeping a distant coverage of approximately 260 yards. This reflects his strategy to gain control over his shots and manage varying course dynamics.

As the Masters approaches, McIlroy is deducing the right configurations to put forth a winning performance. He aims to enter the tournament with a razor-sharp focus on his scoring clubs. “It’s a unique club for Rory because of that versatility. It’s like watching an artist at work, seeing all the different shots he can hit with it,” said Adrian Rietveld, a TaylorMade fitting specialist. This diverse setup is crucial for McIlroy’s anticipated success in Augusta.

McIlroy’s dedication to optimizing his gear demonstrates a professional athlete constantly seeking improvement. Historical records show he aims not only for personal victories but also to meet the high expectations placed on his performance during major tournaments.

With anticipation building for the Masters, McIlroy’s motivation and strategic adjustments may provide the edge needed to secure another major victory. Observers will be keen to see how his equipment changes will unfold on the hallowed grounds of Augusta.