Rory McIlroy has made a remarkable equipment decision at the Dubai Invitational, abandoning the blade irons he has used throughout his professional career in favour of cavity-back clubs.
These new traditionally associated with amateur golfers seeking forgiveness on mishits.
The Northern Irishman's switch comes despite enjoying arguably the finest season of his career in 2025, during which he captured the Masters to complete the career grand slam and played a pivotal role in Europe's Ryder Cup triumph in New York.
Tommy Fleetwood, his Ryder Cup teammate, reacted with characteristic humour: "I'd like to scoff, but I can't see Rory putting a nine-wood in his bag anytime soon!"
McIlroy dismissed any suggestion that pride played a part in his previous equipment choices.
He told the Telegraph: "God, I'm a long way past the ego part of it. If there's help to be had, I'll definitely take it."
The four-time major champion revealed he had been contemplating the change for some time and commissioned TaylorMade to construct a new set.
His reasoning challenged the assumption that last year's triumphs meant his game needed no adjustment.
Rory McIlroy has made a remarkable equipment decision at the Dubai Invitational | GETTYMcIlroy explained: "People will think that and it's understandable, but they don't know the ins-and-outs.
"They just look at the results, which were bigger and better, but statistically, I actually had better years in '23 and '24 than in '25."
Fleetwood expressed admiration for his partner's approach, despite the decision's unexpected nature.
He said: "I think it's amazing that Rory has probably just had his greatest year and he is prepared to make wholesale changes in his quest to get even better."
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Rory McIlroy had a great 2025
| ReutersHe noted that McIlroy has also adopted new metal woods and a different ball.
The world No 3 explained why he remains committed to traditional blades.
Fleetwood said: "For me, my irons have been in a really good place, it's been a really strong part of my game, so it's not on my radar. I like the feel of the blades and the feedback it gives you."
The stigma that once surrounded cavity-back irons in professional golf appears to be fading rapidly.
Five things to know about Rory McIlroy | GETTYFor decades, blades served as a badge of honour among elite players, signalling technical superiority and a refusal to accept assistance.
McIlroy pointed to the evolution in club design as justification for his decision.
He said: "These irons that you set them down, they look pretty much similar to blades and you can do so much more with them now, you can grind the sole and so on."
"There certainly isn't the big disparity between the blades and the CBs that there once was. And when someone as good as Rory is using them, it will make others think. There definitely is no stigma any more."
"All my guys use CBs now, even Brooks [Koepka] and he is one of the best ball-strikers out there."
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