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- Rory McIlroy | What's In The Bag? | The PGA Championship 2014 | WITB
Rory McIlroy | What's In The Bag? | The PGA Championship 2014 | WITB
As the 2024 PGA Championship rolls into Valhalla Golf Club, golf fans worldwide are abuzz with anticipation. The reason? Rory McIlroy
Driver: Nike VR_S Covert 2.0 Tour 8.6°, Mitsubishi Kuro Kage XTS 70X shaft
3 Wood: Nike VR_S Covert 2.0 15°, Fujikura Rombax Pro 95X shaft
5 Wood: Nike VRS Covert 19°, Fujikura Rombax Pro 95X shaft
Irons: Nike VR Pro Blade 4-9, Project X 7.0 shafts
Wedges: Nike VR Forged 46°, 52°, 56°, 59° degrees, Project X 6.5 shafts
Putter: Nike Method 006
Ball: Nike RZN Black
Grips: Golf Pride MCC
Rory McIlroy’s Journey Back to Valhalla: A Decade in the Making
As the 2024 PGA Championship rolls into Valhalla Golf Club, golf fans worldwide are abuzz with anticipation. The reason? Rory McIlroy is making a return to the scene of his last major triumph. It's been ten years since McIlroy lifted the Wanamaker Trophy at Valhalla, and the memories of that victory are etched deeply into the annals of golf history. This year, McIlroy aims to end his major drought and secure his first major win in a decade at the same venue where he last tasted glory.
Driver: Nike VR_S Covert 2.0 Tour 8.5°, Mitsubishi Kuro Kage XTS 70X shaft
In 2014, McIlroy's driver was a weapon of precision and power. The Nike VR_S Covert 2.0 Tour, paired with the Mitsubishi Kuro Kage XTS 70X shaft, allowed him to dominate off the tee, driving the ball with unmatched accuracy and distance. That year, his driving was instrumental in his victory, setting up countless scoring opportunities. Fast forward to today, McIlroy's driving remains one of his greatest strengths. While his equipment has evolved, the essence of his game – power and precision – continues to be his hallmark. Returning to Valhalla, he will need to channel the driving prowess that made him unstoppable a decade ago.
3 Wood: Nike VR_S Covert 2.0 15°, Fujikura Rombax Pro 95X shaft
The 3-wood has always been a critical club in McIlroy's bag, providing the perfect blend of distance and control. In 2014, his Nike VR_S Covert 2.0 15° with the Fujikura Rombax Pro 95X shaft was a reliable tool for those crucial fairway shots. This club played a pivotal role in his ability to navigate Valhalla's challenging layout. As he returns this year, the fairway wood will once again be crucial. McIlroy's ability to execute long, accurate shots from the fairway could be a deciding factor in his quest for another major.
5 Wood: Nike VRS Covert 19°, Fujikura Rombax Pro 95X shaft
McIlroy’s 5-wood from 2014 was another vital club, offering versatility and control. The Nike VRS Covert 19° equipped with a Fujikura Rombax Pro 95X shaft allowed him to tackle long par-5s and reach greens in regulation. This year, his choice of fairway woods will play a significant role in how he manages the par-5s at Valhalla, which could be the key to scoring opportunities.
Irons: Nike VR Pro Blade 4-9, Project X 7.0 shafts
Precision with irons was a cornerstone of McIlroy's 2014 game. His Nike VR Pro Blades, with Project X 7.0 shafts, provided the accuracy and feel needed to attack pins and make crucial birdies. A decade later, iron play remains a fundamental part of McIlroy's strategy. His ability to hit greens in regulation and leave himself with manageable birdie putts will be critical in his bid to recapture past glory.
Wedges: Nike VR Forged 46°, 52°, 56°, 59° degrees, Project X 6.5 shafts
The short game often makes or breaks a round, and in 2014, McIlroy's Nike VR Forged wedges were instrumental in his success. The versatility of having a range of lofts allowed him to handle a variety of lies and distances with confidence. As he returns to Valhalla, his wedge play will need to be sharp. Scrambling for pars and converting birdie chances around the greens will be vital for his success.
Putter: Nike Method 006
Perhaps the most critical club in McIlroy's bag in 2014 was his putter, the Nike Method 006. His putting performance, especially under pressure, was exceptional. To win again at Valhalla, McIlroy will need to rekindle that magic on the greens. Confidence with the putter can be the difference between a good finish and a major victory.
Ball: Nike RZN Black
In 2014, McIlroy's choice of ball, the Nike RZN Black, complemented his aggressive style of play. Today, while his ball choice may have changed, the importance of a ball that matches his game remains. Control, distance, and feel are crucial attributes he will rely on as he navigates Valhalla once more.
Grips: Golf Pride MCC
Grips might be an overlooked aspect of a golfer's equipment, but the Golf Pride MCC grips used by McIlroy in 2014 provided the comfort and control needed to perform at his best. Ensuring his grips are in perfect condition will be a small but significant part of his preparation for this year's challenge.
As McIlroy tees off at Valhalla, he carries not just his current equipment but also the weight of history and the hopes of millions. A decade after his last major win, can he find the same magic? Golf fans around the world are eager to find out.