Rory McIlroy Ends His Golf Experiment Officially
Rory McIlroy has officially ended his experiment with cavity-back irons, returning to his traditional blade irons. The announcement was made ahead of the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, where McIlroy expressed nostalgia for the clubs he has relied on throughout his career.
Return to Trusted Blades
McIlroy first introduced the TaylorMade P7CB cavity-back irons in December during the Australian Open. He used these clubs for the final 36 holes of that tournament. Following this choice, he also employed the cavity-backs in two subsequent matches on the DP World Tour in Dubai.
Recent Tournament Performance
- Dubai Desert Classic: Finished T-33
- Overall Dubai Performances: T-14 and T-3
Despite this initial enthusiasm, McIlroy faced challenges with the new irons. He noted that the cavity-backs created a “right bias” in his ball flight, which was not present with his previous blades. “It just felt like the swings I made with the cavity-backs would tail off to the right,” McIlroy explained.
Impact on McIlroy’s Game
Although he appreciated the potential benefits of the cavity-backs, McIlroy found them less familiar, especially under competitive pressure. “I’ve been used to a held-off position through impact for many years,” he stated. “Switching to the cavity-backs altered that feel during critical moments in competition.”
Current PGA Tour Season
As defending champion, McIlroy is set to make his PGA Tour season debut at Pebble Beach. This return to his trusted Rors Proto blade irons marks a pivotal moment in his game, showing a commitment to the style that has defined his success.