Tag Archives: Rory McIlroy

DP World Tour

DP World Tour – Rory McIlroy set to headline 2026 Hero Dubai Desert Classic following historic Grand Slam

September 19, 2025 – As he celebrates a history-making year in which he completed the career Grand Slam at Augusta National, Rory McIlroy has confirmed he will return to Emirates Golf Club to headline the 2026 Hero Dubai Desert Classic, taking place from 22–25 January 2026.

The five-time Major winner, who currently leads the Race to Dubai Rankings and will be part of Europe’s Ryder Cup defence next week, will arrive in Dubai chasing a record fifth Dallah Trophy at the tournament widely regarded as the ‘Major of the Middle East’. The 2026 edition promises a whole host of new and exciting additions to treat fans of all ages to an unforgettable day out, reinforcing the event’s status as one of the premier occasions on the UAE’s sporting and social calendar.

McIlroy’s return to Emirates Golf Club in 2026 will mark 20 years since his first appearance in the tournament as an amateur back in 2006. He went on to claim his maiden Hero Dubai Desert Classic title as a 19-year-old in 2009 – his first professional victory – before adding further wins in 2015, 2023 and 2024. That dramatic comeback success in 2024 sealed a record fourth title and underlined his enduring connection with the tournament and its fans.

“It’s been a very special year for me, and I’m excited about what’s still to come,” said the World Number Two. “The Hero Dubai Desert Classic has always been one of my favourite tournaments, and I’m really looking forward to returning to Emirates Golf Club in January. I consider Dubai a second home – the support there is always incredible, and it’s the perfect place to start the year.”

Away from the world-class golfing action, the Hero Dubai Desert Classic will once again deliver an unmatched festival atmosphere. Tournament Town will be the hub of off-course excitement, packed with live entertainment, family activities, food trucks, arts and crafts, and interactive experiences for all ages. From music and performances to wellness experiences and kids’ activations, it’s the perfect day out for families and friends alike.

Early bird tickets are now available across most categories, giving fans the chance to secure the best prices for a limited time. General admission remains free on Thursday and Friday, with weekend access available from just AED 75 during the early bird window (AED 100 pre-event, AED 125 on the day). Children aged 17 and under can attend free of charge across all four days.

Hospitality packages are also on sale with early bird pricing in place for the Dallah Lounge and The Social on Sixteen. The Dallah Lounge provides the ultimate premium experience, nestled between the 9th and 18th greens with all-day gourmet food, beverages and exclusive rooftop views of Dubai’s skyline. Prices start at AED 1,890 on Thursday, rising to AED 2,655 on Friday, AED 2,880 on Saturday and AED 2,970 on Sunday, with a season ticket available for AED 9,875.

Returning after a hugely successful debut in 2025, The Social on Sixteen will once again overlook the iconic 16th hole, and this year will be double in size! Guests can enjoy four hours of free-flowing beverages, premium casual dining and unbeatable views of the action. Early bird tickets are now available for AED 625 for Friday and AED 710 for Saturday and Sunday.

Already GEO-certified for the third consecutive year, the Hero Dubai Desert Classic continues to set the benchmark for sustainable golf events. In 2026, organisers will also build on the tournament’s strong commitment to health, wellness and mental fitness. The dedicated Mental Fitness Zone, pioneered at the Hero Dubai Desert Classic and now returning for its third year, will once again offer players and entourage a quiet space to recharge during a busy tournament week.

In line with its sustainability goals, the 2026 tournament will prioritise greener transport options for spectators. With the metro on the doorstep and convenient taxi links, fans can enjoy a smooth and eco-friendly journey to Emirates Golf Club.

Simon Corkill, Executive Tournament Director of the Hero Dubai Desert Classic, added: “Rory’s return is the perfect way to launch our 2026 event. We never take his participation for granted, and to welcome him back as the Masters Champion after perhaps the finest season of an already sensational career only reinforces the prestige of this tournament.”

“With the introduction of affordable weekend tickets, our strengthened sustainability commitments, and a greater focus on wellness, family experiences and entertainment in Tournament Town, we’re making the Hero Dubai Desert Classic not only one of the great tournaments on the DP World Tour, but also an unmissable highlight of Dubai’s sporting and social calendar.”

Now entering its 37th edition, the Hero Dubai Desert Classic remains the oldest professional golf event in the Middle East and a flagship Rolex Series event on the DP World Tour, combining world-class sport with sustainability leadership and unforgettable fan experiences.

Tickets and for more information at www.dubaidesertclassic.com.

DP World Tour

DP World Tour – Rory McIlroy returns to defend DP World Tour Championship in pursuit of seventh Race to Dubai crown

September 1, 2025 – Grand Slam winner and five-time Major Champion Rory McIlroy will return to Jumeirah Golf Estates from November 13-16 to defend his DP World Tour Championship title at the season-ending Rolex Series event.

The Northern Irishman delivered a masterclass in control and shot-making to claim his third DP World Tour Championship victory in 2024, sealing a record-equalling sixth Race to Dubai title to sit alongside the late, great Seve Ballesteros and further cementing his status as one of the most decorated players in Tour history.

The 36-year-old has moved into joint second place for the most Race to Dubai victories and now sits two behind Colin Montgomerie, as he bids to add another European Nº1 crown to his already impressive career.

The renowned Earth Course at Jumeirah Golf Estates has been a prosperous venue for the World Nº2, who has won the DP World Tour Championship in 2012, 2015 and 2024 and topped the season-long standings in 2012, 2014, 2015, 2022, 2023, and 2024. McIlroy also has four additional victories in Dubai, and the Masters Champion currently leads the Race to Dubai Rankings ahead of Tyrrell Hatton by 1,109.51 points.

He will spend two weeks in the United Arab Emirates following confirmation that he will also tee it up at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship – the first event of the DP World Tour Play-Offs – qualifying for both season-ending events thanks to that thrilling victory at Augusta National, a fourth-place finish at the Hero Dubai Desert Classic, a tied runner up finish at the Genesis Scottish Open, and tied seventh at The 153rd Open Championship at Royal Portrush.

“Dubai has always been a special place for me,” said Rory McIlroy. “Winning both the DP World Tour Championship and the Race to Dubai last year was an incredible way to finish the season. To equal Seve’s record made it even more special. I’ve played some great golf this year and I’m looking forward to finishing strong again in front of the fans at Jumeirah Golf Estates.”

To celebrate 100 days to go, WHOOP – an Official Supplier of the DP World Tour Championship – is offering a free one-month membership trial to each fan who purchases a ticket. WHOOP is a 24/7 fitness and health wearable that helps you optimise recovery, sleep, and training like the pros. Ticket holders will be emailed information on how to redeem their free membership trial after completing the ticket purchase. T&Cs apply.

The Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship is the first event of the DP World Tour’s end of season showpiece, leading straight into the DP World Tour Championship where the Race to Dubai champion will be crowned. The Top 70 available players at the conclusion of the Back 9 events will gather in Abu Dhabi for the fourth Rolex Series event of the year, with the top 50 teeing it up at the DP World Tour Championship as the season comes to a close in Dubai.

McIlroy became the first European to win the career grand slam earlier this year when he added a Green Jacket to his four previous Major victories at the 2011 U.S. Open, the US PGA Championship in 2012 and 2014 and The Open in 2014. He will look to clinch a fourth successive Race to Dubai title when he returns to the Middle East in November and a seventh Harry Vardon Trophy in total.

Following record weekend crowds last year, free general admission tickets for Thursday and Friday are now available at dpwtc.com. Tickets are selling fast with fans encouraged to get General Admission weekend tickets and Ticket+.

The DP World Tour Championship offers a fantastic day out for all, combining world-class golf with an array of exciting activities and experiences. The vibrant village ensures an incredible atmosphere, featuring dedicated activations for children, free golf lessons for all ages, Ladies Day celebrations, trick-shot shows, large screens for enhanced viewing, and engaging sports activations.

Fans seeking an elevated experience can choose from a range of premium hospitality options. The Championship Chalet, situated on the 18th green, offers an exclusive vantage point to observe the thrilling conclusion of each round. The Earth Lounge, overlooking the 16th green, provides a chic and comfortable setting to relax and enjoy the action.

Additionally, Ticket+ includes guaranteed access to the shaded viewing platform on the 17th Green and priority access to food & beverage counters, the perfect ambiance with refreshing beverages to take in the action up close.

To secure free tickets for all the action on Thursday and Friday of the 2025 DP World Tour Championship and to explore the various ticket options, including premium experiences, please visit dpwtc.com.

DP World Tour, TaylorMade Golf, What's in the bag…

TaylorMade Golf – McIlroy relies on Qi10 Driver and TP5x Golf Ball to win DP World Tour Championship and Race to Dubai 2024

November 18, 2024 – Rory McIlroy made DP World Tour history with his win at the DP World Tour Championship 2024 completing his sixth Race to Dubai title. McIlroy’s third straight Harry Vardon Trophy moves him into a tie for the second most Race to Dubai titles in DP World Tour history.

Entering the final round tied for the lead, McIlroy made clutch birdies on the 16th and 18th holes to win by two-strokes at 15-under (67-69-68-69). It is not only his third career DP World Tour Championship victory, but also his third consecutive Race to Dubai title.

The win marked McIlroy’s fourth worldwide victory in 2024 with Qi10 driver, TP5x golf ball and Spider Tour X putter. His three other victories took place at the Dubai Desert Classic, Zurich Classic and Wells Fargo Championship.

Before winning the Dubai Desert Classic to start the DP World Tour season, McIlroy made three crucial equipment switches: Qi10 9.0° driver, 2024 TP5x golf ball and Spider Tour X putter. Since then, the equipment he relied on to win the Race to Dubai remained rather steady the entire season.

Rory ranked first in Stroke Average (68.50) on the DP World Tour this season with 2024 being the third season in a row he has achieved this feat. Rory had more birdies than anyone on route to victory this week in Dubai (23) and averaged an impressive 4.8 birdies per round on the DP World Tour this season. Incredible!

WHAT’S IN THE BAG OF RORY McILROY?

  • Driver: TaylorMade Qi10 (9º, Fujikura VENTUS Black 6X)

  • Fairway woods: TaylorMade Qi10 3 & 5 (15º, Fujikura VENTUS Black 8X; 18º, Fujikura VENTUS Black 9X)
  • Irons: TaylorMade P760 (4, Project X 7.0); TaylorMade RORS Proto (5-9, Project X 7.0)

  • Wedges: TaylorMade Milled Grind 4 (46ºSB, 50ºSB, 54ºSB, Project X 6.5)
  • Putter: TaylorMade Spider Tour X (grip SuperStroke Pistol Tour)
  • Golf Ball: TaylorMade TP5x (MySymbol RORS)

“IT’S THE FASTEST BALL I’VE EVER HIT”

McIlroy immediately benefitted from switching to the 2024 TP5x golf ball starting the season with a 2ndplace finish and a win in his first two starts of the year.

The three characteristics of his new TP5x that stood out to him right away were: lower launch, less spin and more ball speed. Those ball speed gains materialised into what he called an added 7-8 yards of distance.

“It’s the fastest ball that I’ve ever hit. It’s unbelievably fast. Even going into the longer clubs, what I’ve picked up with driver as well, it’s amazing,” Rory McIlroy said.

Those first two weeks of the season in Dubai with his new TP5x allowed McIlroy to put the ball through a proper test in firm conditions.

“It was a good test to still make sure that the mid irons were spinning enough going into greens and still being able to hold greens,” he added. “I think the sort of lower launch with the short irons and then the little bit more of a softer feel around the greens was sort of the big selling point to me.”

Knowing the consistency of the performance of his golf ball gave McIlroy confidence hitting any golf shot necessary. When he made the switch to TP5x, McIlroy was deploying a hold off-cut with his mid irons and his new golf ball eliminated any doubts of how the ball would perform on that shot.

“The fact that it doesn’t spin too much when I hit that shot, I really like because I’ve always had this fear with whatever golf ball that I’ve played that if I hit that shot, there’s a tendency to come up short because it spins a little too much. But I don’t really have that fear with this golf ball, which is a really nice feeling.”

HOW Qi10 DRIVER ALLOWED RORY TO PLAY A LONGER SHAFT

During driver testing before the start of this season, McIlroy tested a driver head he normally wouldn’t have considered: the larger head profile and more forgiving Qi10 driver.

McIlroy noticed during at home testing that he found the centre of the face more often with the help of more MOI in Qi10 vs Qi10 LS. That then sparked a thought in his head of if he could return to a longer driver shaft.

In years past, McIlroy shortened his driver shaft to as short as 44 inches as it tightened his dispersion off the tee. With the Qi10, he had a chance for the first time in a few years to be able to go back to a longer shaft to gain more distance without sacrificing any change in dispersion.

McIlory led the field in driving distance this week in Dubai with an average in excess of 340 yards, a full 10 yards longer than the next best ranked, and finished the season with an average drive of 329 yards, ranked #1, with a strokes gained of +1.37 off the tee (ranked #2).

MCILROY’S DRIVER SPEC

  • HEAD: Qi10 9.0°
  • FINISHED LOFT: 8.0°
  • LIE: 57.25°
  • FCT SLEEVE: 1.5°
  • FCT SETTING: 1 Toward Lower
  • SHAFT: Ventus Black 6X
  • CUT LENGTH: 45 5/8”
  • TIPPING: 1”
  • SWING WEIGHT: D5

MAINTAINING SPIDER MANIA

McIlroy’s win at the DP World Tour Championship marked the 16th professional victory for the Spider family of putters in 2024. All three of McIlroy’s wins came with his Spider Tour X. The win at the DP World Tour Championship was his first with a new torched finish.

At the same exact spec of his previous gamer, the TaylorMade putter product creation team created a torched finish Spider Tour X and sent it to him ahead of the TOUR Championship. Upon seeing it, McIlroy preferred the look of the torched finish and put it straight in the bag.

In five DP World Tour starts with his torched Spider Tour X McIlroy has a win, two second place finishes and a third-place finish. Spectacular!

McILROY’S SPIDER TOUR X SPEC

  • HEAD: Spider Tour X
  • HOSEL: Short Slant
  • SHAFT: Black Stepless
  • LENGTH: 34 1/2 EOG
  • LOFT: 3°
  • LIE: 69.5°
  • SWINGWEIGHT: E0
  • GRIP: SuperStroke Pistol Tour
  • WRAPS: 1
PGA Tour, TaylorMade Golf, What's in the bag…

TaylorMade Golf – McIlroy wins fourth Wells Fargo Championship with Qi10 Driver and new TP5x MySymbol golf ball

May 13, 2024 – Rory McIlroy powered his way to his fourth Wells Fargo Championship at Quail Hollow Club with a Sunday 65. The combination of McIlroy’s Qi10 driver and his new TP5x MySymbol golf ball produced 6.1 Strokes Gained: Off the Tee en route to his 26th career PGA TOUR win.

McIlroy entered the day one-back of the leader and made back-to-back birdie putts to close the back nine to tie the lead at 13-under par. On the back nine, after a 367-yard drive, McIlroy drained a 34-foot eagle putt to take the outright lead by one-stroke.

From there, McIlroy never relinquished the lead behind birdies on 13, 14 and a chip in eagle on 15 to get to 19-under and six strokes clear of second place. In the final round, McIlroy gained 3.9 strokes putting with his Spider Tour X.

The win comes in McIlroy’s first start with his customised TP5x MySymbol golf ball where he replaced the standard number 1 with his nickname RORS where a number is traditionally seen on a golf ball.

RORY McILROY WITB

  • Driver: TaylorMade Qi10 (9,0°, Ventus Black 6X)
  • Fairway wood 3: TaylorMade Qi10 (15,0°, Ventus Black 8X)
  • Fairway wood 5: TaylorMade Qi10 (18,0° Ventus Black 9X)
  • Iron 4: TaylorMade P·Series (Project X 7.0)
  • Irons 5-9: TaylorMade Rors Proto (Project X 7.0)
  • Wedges: TaylorMade Milled Green 4 (46°/SB, 50°/SB, 54°/SB, Project X 6.5)
  • Putter: TaylorMade Spider Tour X
  • Golf Ball: TaylorMade TP5x MySymbol 2024

The win marks McIlroy’s 14th on the PGA TOUR when trailing entering the final round, which is six more than any other player since 2010.

In the final round, McIlroy registered drives of:

  • 1st Hole: 344-yards
  • 2nd Hole: 321-yards
  • 3rd Hole: 312-yards
  • 5th Hole: 336-yards
  • 7th Hole: 338-yards
  • 8th Hole: 312-yards
  • 9th Hole: 317-yards
  • 10th Hole: 367-yards
  • 11th Hole: 313-yards
  • 12th Hole: 332-yards
  • 14th Hole: 295-yards
  • 15th Hole: 301-yards
  • 16th Hole: 349-yards
  • 18th Hole: 330-yards

For the week, McIlroy was 1st in Strokes Gained: Off the Tee (6.1) and in Driving Distance at 337-yards. He registered six drives over 350-yards and 32 drives over 325 yards.

RORY’S QI10 DRIVER SPEC

  • Head: Qi10 9.0°
  • Measured Loft: 8.25°
  • Loft Sleeve: 1.5° sleeve set to one click lower
  • Lie: 57.5°
  • Shaft: Ventus Black 6X
  • Length: 45”
  • Tipping: 1’’
  • Swingweight: D4
  • Grip: Golf Pride Multi-Compound Black/White Rib (1+1 Wraps Logo Up)
  • Before the start of the 2024 season, McIlroy testing a driver head he normally wouldn’t consider: the larger head profile and more forgiving Qi10 driver.
  • Rory noticed during at home testing testing that he found the center of the face more often with the help of more MOI in Qi10 vs Qi10 LS. That then sparked a thought in Rory’s head of if he could return back to a longer driver shaft to get more distance while also having the forgiveness of the Qi10 head.
  • In years past, Rory shortened his driver shaft to 44 inches as it tightened his dispersion off the tee compared to a longer length shaft. Now with the Qi10, Rory had a chance for the first time in a few years to be able to go back to a longer shaft at 45 inches without sacrificing any change in dispersion.
  • “I played 45 (inch driver shaft) for most of my career, so I just felt like there’s no reason why I shouldn’t be able to hit a drive that’s 45 inches and control it and do what I want to do with it. The one thing that has made me comfortable going back to a slightly longer shaft is the profile of this Qi10 head. I just think that the slightly larger profile of the Qi10 with the longer shaft in it looks good to me and I can find the middle of it easier.” – Rory McIlroy  

SPIDER MANIA CONTINUES

McIlroy’s win with Spider Tour X marks the 10th win on the PGA TOUR in 2024 with a Spider putter. McIlroy has now won three times in 2024 with the putter since putting it in play at the start of the season.

Below is Rory’s winning spec:

  • Head: Spider Tour X
  • Hosel: Short Slant
  • Shaft: Black Stepless
  • Length: 34 1/2 EOG
  • Loft: 2.7°
  • Lie: 69.5°
  • Swingweight: E1.5
  • Grip: SuperStroke Pistol Tour
  • Wraps: 1

McIlroy’s Spider Tour X was on fire in the final round finishing with in second in Strokes Gained: Putting at 3.9. After a massive par save on the third hole, McIlroy’s Spider got hot on the 8th hole, making over 80-feet of putts from the 8th hole through the 4th hole. In total, McIlroy’s notable made putts were:

  • 1st hole: 4-feet-6 inches for birdie
  • 3rd hole: 32-feet 11-inches for par
  • 8th hole: 11-feet 7-inches for birdie
  • 9th hole: 10-feet 10-inches for birdie
  • 10th hole: 33-feet 9-inches for eagle
  • 11th hole: 6-feet 3-inches for par
  • 13th hole: 13-feet 11-inches for birdie
  • 14th hole: 5-feet 10-inches for birdie
DP World Tour, TaylorMade Golf, What's in the bag…

TaylorMade Golf – Rory McIlroy claims his 17º career DP World Tour title with Qi10 driver, and all new TP5x golf ball

January 21, 2024 – Rory McIlroy made history Sunday winning a record breaking fourth Hero Dubai Desert Classic, and his 17th career win on the DP World Tour with TaylorMade’s brand new Qi10 driver and 2024 TP5x golf ball. His 35th worldwide victory marked a second consecutive win on the DP World Tour for the Qi10 series of drivers.

After starting the weekend 10-strokes back of the lead, a sensational bogey-free round of 63 on Saturday had McIroy in the final group going into Sunday. McIlroy put his stamp on the final round early by delivering a 355-yard drive on the Par 4 second hole with his Qi10 driver that landed on the green and finished 30-feet from the pin before two putting for birdie.

He then holed a 32-foot putt for birdie on the 8th hole and a 16-foot birdie putt on the 9th with his new Spider Tour X putter to lead by three strokes at the turn. After battling difficult conditions on the back nine, he remained steady down the stretch making par at the last to seal the one-shot victory with rounds of 71-70-63-70.

McIlroy averaged 329.6 yards off the tee this week with his new Qi10 driver, leading the field in driving distance. McIlroy’s Qi10 driver is part of the most forgiving family of drivers the company has produced with the innovative lineup of Qi10 Max, Qi10 LS and Qi10 of which all models are featured on tour globally.

After extensive testing McIlroy decided on the Qi10 as he prefers look and feel of the larger head. The Qi10 head launches higher than LS coupled with new golf ball which has a lower peak height. McIlroy also saw tighter spin rates overall and more consistent results on mishits. ​In addition to the new Qi10 driver in the bag, McIlroy has paired this with new Qi10 fairways offering him optimal spin numbers with the larger and more forgiving Qi10 fairway heads.

McIlroy’s equipment also has a new feature in his bag, the all new TP5x golf ball. In offseason testing McIlroy gained considerable distance with his irons and ball speed with his driver. Overall, the ball produced a flatter and lower peak trajectory with driver and a softer feel with more spin around the greens.

Rounding off the new additions in McIlroy’s bag is his new Spider Tour X putter. After first seeing multiple versions of Spider Tour X at the BMW Championship in 2023, McIlroy gravitated toward the putter that suited his eye best. His Spider Tour X has a slightly shallower face angle matched with the face angle spec of his previous gamer.

What’s in the golf bag of Rory McIlroy?

  • Driver: TaylorMade Qi10 (9º, Fujikura VENTUS Black 6-X)
  • Fairway woods: TaylorMade Qi10 3 y 5 (15º y 18º, Fujikura VENTUS Black 8-X y 9-X)
  • Irons: TaylorMade P760 (4); TaylorMade RORS Proto (5-9, Project X 7.0)
  • Wedges: TaylorMade MG4 (46.09º SB, 50.09º SB, 54.11º SB, Project X 6.5; 60.08º LB, Project X Wedge 6.5)
  • Grips: Golf Pride MCC
  • Putter: TaylorMade Spider Tour X
  • Golf Ball: TaylorMade TP5x 2024
  • Clothing: Nike Golf
  • Footwear: Nike Golf

Fotos: Getty Images & TaylorMade Golf

DP World Tour, TaylorMade Golf, What's in the bag…

TaylorMade Golf – Rory McIlroy claims back-to-back Harry Vardon trophies, the fifth of his career

November 20, 2023 – Before a shot was even hit on the Earth Course at Jumeirah Golf Estates Rory McIlroy already had secured his fifth Harry Vardon Trophy which is awarded to the player who tops the season-long order of merit on the DP World Tour. Following the conclusion of the Nedbank Golf Challenge in South Africa no one could catch him with just 2,000 points available to the winner of the DP World Tour Championship in Dubai.

This week Rory, who was using a new driver, finished 10-under par with rounds of 71-72-65-70.

McIlroy claimed the title in just nine DP World Tour starts this season which included two Rolex Series victories at the Hero Dubai Desert Classic and Genesis Scottish Open, and in doing so, becomes the first player in the Race to Dubai era to secure the title before the final event.

He achieved this feat by being one of, if not, the most consistent player on the planet. Since he finished tied-seventh at the PGA Championship in May Rory, only finished outside of the top 10 twice, with three of his top 10’s coming in the Major Championships, including a runner up finish at the US Open. Rory has now joined the exclusive list of Tiger Woods, Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player, and Tom Watson all of whom have at least seven top 10’s in all four Major Championships.

McIlroy played 34 rounds on the DP World Tour 2023 with a stroke average of 68.88, which is only 0.13 higher than last year which was the best since records began. He also ranked first in putts per GIR (1.69) and average putts per round (27.68), leading to an average of 4.65 birdies per round (also ranked tied first).

What’s in the golf bag of Rory McIlroy?

  • Driver: TaylorMade Qi10 LS (9º)
  • Fairway Woods: TaylorMade Stealth 2 Plus 3 and 5 (15º and 19º)
  • Irons: TaylorMade P760 (4); TaylorMade Rors Proto (5-9)
  • Wedges: TaylorMade MG4 (46°/SB, 50°/SB, 54°/SB, 60°/LB)
  • Putter: TaylorMade Spider X Hydro Blast
  • Golf Ball: TaylorMade TP5x

DP World Tour, TaylorMade Golf, What's in the bag…

TaylorMade Golf – Rory McIlroy claims his third Dubai Desert Classic with the new Stealth 2 Plus fairway wood

January 30, 2023 – Rory McIlroy powered past a crowded leaderboard to win his third Dubai Desert Classic and cement his status as World #1 with rounds of 66-70-65-68. Rory has been playing some of the best golf of his career with this victory being his third win in just his last seven starts, while he has not finished lower than T4 in his other four tournaments.

Rory birdied the 72nd hole to secure a one-stroke victory, over Patrick Reed, which is not only his first Rolex Series win but also the first time he’s won his maiden tournament of the year.

Rory was gaming TaylorMade’s newest Stealth 2 Plus fairway, which features a heavy 50g sliding weight on the sole.

This weight allows for three main settings, each with its own performance characteristics – creating three different fairway woods in one.

Rory has his 3-wood sat in the middle setting which is the most versatile for optimal playability off the deck or off the tee. Shifting it to the front reduces spin and creates a piercing trajectory for added distance off the tee.

Positioning the weight all the way back is the most forgiving setting. It adds spin and increases MOI for enhanced performance on off-centre strikes.

What’s in Rory McIlroy golf bag?

  • Driver: TaylorMade Stealth Plus (9,0º)
  • Fairway woods: TaylorMzade Stealth 2 Plus 3 (15º); TaylorMade Stealth Plus 5 (19º)
  • Irons: TaylorMade Rors Proto (3-PW)
  • Wedges: Titleist Vokey Design SM9 (54º/10ºS); Titleist Vokey Design WW (58ºK)
  • Grips: Golf Pride MCC
  • Putter: TaylorMade Spider X Hydro Blast (grip Traxion SuperStroke)
  • Golf Ball: TaylorMade TP5x
  • Clothing: Nike Golf
  • Footwear: Nike Golf

DP World Tour, TaylorMade Golf, What's in the bag…

TaylorMade Golf – Rory McIlroy claims his fourth Harry Vardon Trophy to complete a remarkable season

November 21, 2022 – Rory McIlroy finished fourth at the season-ending DP World Tour Championship to become European Nº1 claiming the Harry Vardon Trophy for the fourth time in his career, following his titles in 2012, 2014, and 2015.

With all four rounds under par at Jumeirah Golf Estates, a final round 68 was good enough to earn him a solo fourth finish on the leaderboard and claim the deserved year-long Race to Dubai title. Rory, who has had TaylorMade’s Stealth Plus Carbonwood driver in the bag all year, featuring its 60X Carbon Twist Face, was on fire all week around the tricky Earth Course. This week Rory led the field in both Strokes Gained Off the Tee (+1.53) and Driving Distance (329 yards) which is a staggering +29.30 versus the field average.

Rory McIlroy played 40 rounds on the DP World Tour in 2022 with a Stroke Average of 68.75, the best since records began. On the PGA Tour in 2022, Rory had a Stroke Average of 68.67, the best on Tour since Tiger Woods in 2009. Rory has now become European Nº1, World Nº1, and FedExCup Champion at the same point for the first time in his career. In his last seven worldwide starts Rory has achieved 2 wins, 5 top-8 finishes, 67.89 scoring average, and 100-under-par.

“It means a lot. It’s been seven years since I’ve last done it. I’ve won three FedEx Cups since I last won… I’ve been able to win this tour’s rankings and finish the year as world No. 1, but to do it in America as well, yeah, it’s very cool. I keep saying that I’ve been a pro now for over 15 years, and to still try to figure out ways to try to accomplish new things, that’s what keeps me coming back”, said Rory McIlroy.

Rory becomes just the second player ever to win both the FedEx Cup and Race to Dubai titles in the same season, and he is guaranteed to finish 2022 as World Nº1.

What’s in Rory McIlroy golf bag?

  • Driver: TaylorMade Stealth Plus (9,0º, Fujikura Ventus Black 6X)

  • Fairway woods: TaylorMade SIM2 Titanium 3 (15,0º, Mitsubishi Kai’li White 80TX); TaylorMade Stealth Plus 5 (19,0º, Fujikura Ventus Black 9X)

  • Irons: TaylorMade Rors Proto (3-9, Project X Rifle 7.0)

  • Wedges: TaylorMade Milled Grind 3 Raw (46º/09ºSB, 54º/13ºHB, 58º/11ºSB, Project X Rifle 6.5)
  • Grips: Golf Pride MCC

  • Putter: TaylorMade Spider X Hydro Blast (grip SuperStroke Traxion Pistol GT Tour)
  • Golf ball: TaylorMade TP5x
PGA Tour, TaylorMade Golf, What's in the bag…

TaylorMade Golf – McIlroy rises again to World Nº1 after repeating THE CJ CUP with Stealth Plus driver and TP5x golf ball

October 24, 2022 – Rory McIlroy powered past a crowded leaderboard to repeat at THE CJ CUP and regain the Nº1 spot in the Official World Golf Ranking for the ninth time in his career. McIlroy went 66-67-67-67 during the week, for a total of 17-under to mark his sixth straight season with a win.

McIlroy was tied with Jon Rahm for the lead as he stood on the 14th hole before making three consecutive birdies to vault to a three-stroke lead. A 13-foot birdie putt on the 14th hole with his Spider X and TP5x kickstarted the run.

The now World Nº1 followed up with a world-class bunker shot on 15 with his Milled Grind 3 wedge from the greenside bunker that rolled to just outside five feet setting up the subsequent birdie make.  On 16, McIlroy ripped a 359-yard drive with his Stealth Plus 9.0° driver and then drained a 21-foot putt to make his third consecutive birdie.

With this victory, Rory McIlroy joined fellow Team TaylorMade athlete Tiger Woods as the only reigning FedExCup Champions to win their first start of the following season. Rory will hold the Nº1 spot in the workd for the 107th week in his career, which is 4th most all-time. This is the sixth straight season with a win and third win of the 2022 calendar year, and his second successful title defense joining his repeat win earlier this year at the RBC Canadian Open. The win marks his 23rd career victory on the PGA Tour.

Also, he has been the best of the event in Strokes Gained Off the Tee (5.965); Strokes Gained Tee to Green (12.118); and the Total Stroke Gained (14.859). And with his driver Stealth Plus Rory has been the Nº1 in Driving Distance average (349,6y); has achieve the 70,83% of Greens in Regulation; and 1.647 in Putts per GIR.

What’s in Rory McIlroy golf bag?

  • Driver: TaylorMade Stealth Plus (9,0º, Fujikura Ventus Black 6X)

  • Fairway woods: TaylorMade SIM2 Titanium 3 (15,0º, Mitsubishi Kai’li White 80TX); TaylorMade Stealth Plus 5 (19,0º, Fujikura Ventus Black 9X)

  • Irons: TaylorMade Rors Proto (3-9, Project X Rifle 7.0)

  • Wedges: TaylorMade Milled Grind 3 Raw (46º/09ºSB, 54º/13ºHB, 58º/11ºSB, Project X Rifle 6.5)
  • Grips: Golf Pride MCC

  • Putter: TaylorMade Spider X Hydro Blast (grip SuperStroke Traxion Pistol GT Tour)
  • Golf ball: TaylorMade TP5x
TaylorMade Golf

TaylorMade Golf – Multi-Year extension with 20-Time PGA Tour winner Rory McIlroy

May 3, 2022 – Since 2017, 20-time PGA Tour winner and four-time major champion Rory McIlroy has put his trust in TaylorMade golf equipment in a partnership that has yielded seven PGA Tour titles, a FedEx Cup and a Ryder Cup victory. Today, TaylorMade Golf Company announces a multi-year extension with McIlroy, who will continue to play TaylorMade equipment and golf ball.

Built by a shared passion for constant innovation and success, McIlroy’s seven wins with TaylorMade equipment includes a TOUR Championship, PLAYERS CHAMPIONSHIP, World Golf Championship and the 2019 PGA TOUR Player of the Year award.

“Over the last several years I have had the chance to work with the best equipment company in golf. Today I am excited to announce TaylorMade clubs and ball will be staying in my bag for many years to come. A combination of the dedicated people and unmatched performance is what drove me to remain a part of Team TaylorMade”, says Rory McIlroy.

 The extension continues to reaffirm TaylorMade’s mission to pair industry-leading product innovation and technological advancements with the most successful players in golf. McIlroy is currently one of four Team TaylorMade athletes in the Top 10 of the Official World Golf Ranking.

“Rory is undeniably one of the most captivating players in our game and truly one of the great human beings in the sports world. We have been fortunate to get a first-hand look at Rory’s approach to his game and the championship mindset that helps fuel his success.”

“Over the past five years, in partnership with Rory, our company has been able to advance product innovation and put the best possible equipment in his bag. Rory’s decision to continue to put his trust in our company has us inspired to push the limits of performance even further,” says David Abeles, TaylorMade Golf CEO & President.

What is in Rory McIlroy’s golf bag?

  • Driver: TaylorMade Stealth Plus Carbonwood Driver (9.0°)
  • Fairway woods: TaylorMade SIM 3-wood (15.0°); Stealth Plus 5-wood (19.0°)
  • Irons: TaylorMade P·790 3-iron, Rors Proto 4-PW
  • Wedges: TaylorMade Milled Grind 3 Wedges (54°, 58°)
  • Putter: TaylorMade Spider X Hydro Blast Putter
  • Golf ball: TaylorMade TP5x

In his five years with TaylorMade, McIlroy has won:

  • 2018 Arnold Palmer Invitational
  • 2018 Ryder Cup
  • 2019 PLAYERS CHAMPIONSHIP
  • 2019 RBC Canadian Open
  • 2019 TOUR Championship and FedEx Cup
  • 2019 WGC-HSBC Champions
  • 2021 Wells Fargo Championship
  • 2021 CJ CUP @ SUMMIT