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- Rory McIlroy WITB - What's In The Bag? Amgen Irish Open (12th September, 2024)
Rory McIlroy WITB - What's In The Bag? Amgen Irish Open (12th September, 2024)
Rory McIlroy’s driver is the TaylorMade Qi10, set to 9°, a low-spin driver that provides maximum control and distance
Driver: TaylorMade Qi10 9°, Fujikura Ventus Black 6X shaft
3 Wood: TaylorMade Qi10 15°, Fujikura Ventus Black 8X shaft
Utility: TaylorMade P760 (2), Project X HZRDUS Black 6.5 105 shaft
Irons: TaylorMade P760 (4), TaylorMade Rors Proto (5-9) with Project X 7.0 shafts
Wedges: TaylorMade MG4 46° (09SB), 50° (09SB), 54° (11SB), Titleist Vokey Design WedgeWorks 58° (K), Project X 6.5 shafts
Putter: Custom torched TaylorMade Spider Tour X3, SuperStroke Zenergy Pistol Tour grip
Ball: 2024 TaylorMade TP5x
Grips: Golf Pride MCC grips
Inside Rory McIlroy’s Golf Bag: The Equipment Behind the Power
Rory McIlroy, one of the most iconic golfers of his generation, continues to dominate the game with a powerful and precise swing. Known for his distance off the tee, stellar iron play, and clutch putting, McIlroy's golf bag is filled with carefully selected equipment tailored to his strengths. Let's take a closer look at what clubs McIlroy uses on the course, followed by a detailed analysis of his performances at the Irish Open, specifically at Royal County Down.
What’s in Rory McIlroy’s Bag?
Driver: TaylorMade Qi10 9°
Shaft: Fujikura Ventus Black 6X
Rory McIlroy’s driver is the TaylorMade Qi10, set to 9°, a low-spin driver that provides maximum control and distance. The Fujikura Ventus Black 6X shaft adds extra stability, making it ideal for McIlroy’s fast swing speed, allowing him to attack courses with his signature long, high-trajectory drives.
3 Wood: TaylorMade Qi10 15°
Shaft: Fujikura Ventus Black 8X
For long approach shots or tight tee shots, McIlroy turns to his TaylorMade Qi10 3 wood. The 15° loft and Fujikura Ventus Black 8X shaft give him the control needed to hit high, soft-landing shots while maximizing distance and precision.
Utility: TaylorMade P760 (2)
Shaft: Project X 7.0
McIlroy’s TaylorMade P760 2-iron provides versatility off the tee or for long approaches. The Project X 7.0 shaft is designed to give him a lower, more penetrating ball flight, which helps in windy conditions and when accuracy is critical.
Shafts: Project X 7.0
McIlroy’s irons are a custom blend. He uses the TaylorMade P760 for his 4-iron and his own TaylorMade Rors Proto irons (5-9). These irons are specifically tailored to McIlroy’s preferences, providing him with incredible precision and control. The Project X 7.0 shafts give him the added stability and consistency to control trajectory, spin, and distance.
Shafts: Project X 6.5
McIlroy’s wedge setup is a blend of TaylorMade MG4 wedges for his 46°, 50°, and 54°, and a Titleist Vokey WedgeWorks 58° for his higher-lofted shots. These wedges provide him with versatility around the greens and offer exceptional spin control, especially in tough, fast conditions. The Project X 6.5 shafts give McIlroy the perfect balance of touch and power for his short game.
On the greens, McIlroy uses a Custom Torched TaylorMade Spider Tour X3 putter, which offers stability and forgiveness on long putts and a great feel on shorter ones. His putter is equipped with a SuperStroke Zenergy Pistol Tour grip, giving him the confidence to stay calm and in control when it matters most.
Ball: 2024 TaylorMade TP5x
McIlroy’s ball of choice is the 2024 TaylorMade TP5x, which is known for its high speed, low spin, and exceptional control around the greens. The TP5x offers him the perfect combination of distance off the tee and spin control on approach shots.
Grips: Golf Pride MCC Grips
McIlroy uses Golf Pride MCC grips on his clubs, providing the tacky, responsive feel needed for his fast, powerful swing. These grips offer a secure hold in various weather conditions, giving McIlroy consistency from tee to green.
Rory McIlroy at the Irish Open: Performances and Prospects
The Irish Open holds a special place in Rory McIlroy’s heart. A proud Northern Irishman, McIlroy has competed in the tournament multiple times and even hosted it in previous years. One of his most memorable performances came in 2016, when McIlroy won the Irish Open at The K Club, finishing three shots ahead of the field. The win was particularly meaningful for McIlroy, as it was on home soil and in front of a passionate Irish crowd.
Royal County Down: The Challenge Ahead
The 2024 Irish Open will take place at Royal County Down, one of the world’s most revered links courses. Known for its rugged beauty, deep bunkers, and undulating greens, Royal County Down is a true test of skill, precision, and strategy. The course is located at the foot of the Mourne Mountains, and its coastal setting means that wind is often a factor, making ball control critical.
For McIlroy, playing at Royal County Down is both a homecoming and a challenge. He has played the course numerous times, growing up in Northern Ireland, so he understands the nuances and intricacies that make it so demanding. The key to success at Royal County Down will be controlling distance and trajectory, especially in the unpredictable wind.
Curating His Bag for Links Conditions
At Royal County Down, McIlroy will need to adapt his game to the traditional links-style golf conditions. His TaylorMade Qi10 driver will be crucial for keeping the ball in play off the tee, especially with the narrow fairways and blind shots characteristic of the course. The driver’s low-spin setup will help keep the ball out of trouble in windy conditions.
McIlroy’s TaylorMade P760 2-iron will likely see plenty of action as well, offering a lower, more controllable ball flight that will help him navigate Royal County Down’s tight fairways. His TaylorMade Rors Proto irons are designed to give him pinpoint accuracy, and his wedge game, featuring the Titleist Vokey Design WedgeWorks 58°, will help him master the tricky greens and deep bunkers.
History of Royal County Down
Founded in 1889, Royal County Down Golf Club has hosted numerous prestigious events, including the Walker Cup and several Irish Opens. The course’s combination of challenging bunkers, fast greens, and unpredictable weather makes it a true test for even the world’s best golfers.
McIlroy’s Chances at the 2024 Irish Open
Given his familiarity with Royal County Down and his experience in links golf, McIlroy is among the favorites to contend at the 2024 Irish Open. If he can maintain control of his powerful tee shots and manage the wind effectively, McIlroy has a strong chance of adding another Irish Open title to his impressive resume. With his tailored equipment and strategic mindset, he’s well-positioned to tackle the unique challenges of this iconic links course.
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