Rory McIlroy Reveals Golf Ball Change Ahead Of The Masters
Could the new golf ball be the catalyst to Rory's Masters success?
Rory McIlroy arrives at Augusta National with the Green Jacket the only thing standing between him and the career Grand Slam. In doing so, the Northern Irishman would join an elite club of just six individuals who have managed that feat.
McIlroy has long been touted as a future-Masters champion and in previous tournaments, expectancy rather than ability has seemingly hampered his chances. That said, he has a trick up his sleeve this year in the form of a new golf ball.
Speaking to Damon Hack at the Golf Channel, the 32-year old revealed: "Friday [at the Valero Texas Open] was a good sort of litmus test for it. I just went back to a golf ball that's a little more stable in the wind, a little less spin, so just getting to grips with that again was good. I'm excited about that, I think that's going to be really good for me."
McIlroy has a full TaylorMade set-up throughout his bag, including the TP5x golf ball. It is not yet known specifically which ball he will now use but from practice round images it looks to still be a TaylorMade TP5x of some sort, perhaps a prior iteration or new prototype. Regardless, with winds of up to 30 mph forecast this week, stability and less spin for a player that is capable of generating a lot appears to be a good thing.
As well as a new golf ball, McIlroy has a new mindset of how best to compete at Augusta National: "Just patience, discipline, don't make big numbers," he said of how to play himself into contention on Sunday. "It's very, for me anyway, it feels like a very negative way to think, but it's the way to play around this place. You don't have to do anything spectacular."
Whilst the four-time Major champion believes you don't have to do anything spectacular to win at Augusta National, his Masters record is impressive. He has recorded six top-10 finishes in his last eight appearances; including a career-high fourth place in 2015 - won by Jordan Spieth.
McIlroy also admitted to spending time with Tiger Woods at his home in Florida. The Northern Irishman said: "He's hitting it well. He's chipping well. He's sharp. It's just the physical demand of getting around 72 holes here this week." Woods will compete in the tournament just 14-months on from the car accident that nearly ended his career.
Get the Golf Monthly Newsletter
Subscribe to the Golf Monthly newsletter to stay up to date with all the latest tour news, equipment news, reviews, head-to-heads and buyer’s guides from our team of experienced experts.
Video: Things you didn't know about Rory McIlroy
James joined Golf Monthly having previously written for other digital outlets. He is obsessed with all areas of the game – from tournament golf, to history, equipment, technique and travel. He is also an avid collector of memorabilia; with items from the likes of Bobby Jones, Tiger Woods, Francis Ouimet, Arnold Palmer, Lee Trevino, Adam Scott and Ernie Els. As well as writing for Golf Monthly, James’ golfing highlight is fist bumping Phil Mickelson on his way to winning the Open Championship at Muirfield in 2013. James grew up on the east coast of England and is the third generation of his golfing family. He now resides in Leeds and is a member of Cobble Hall Golf Club with a handicap index of 1.7. His favourite films are The Legend of Bagger Vance and Tin Cup.
-
Transgender Golfer Hailey Davidson Banned From LPGA After Gender Policy Update
The LPGA has updated a key policy meaning that from the 2025 season, athletes who transitioned following puberty will not be allowed to play in its competitions
By Mike Hall Published
-
PuttOut Medium Putting Mat Review
Sam De’Ath discusses how the PuttOut Medium putting mat can help you hole more putts
By Sam De'Ath Published
-
PGA Tour Reveals Player Of The Year And Rookie Of The Year Nominations
Overall, seven players are in line for either the Jack Nicklaus Award or the Arnold Palmer Award, with the winners due to be revealed by the end of the year
By Mike Hall Published
-
Rory McIlroy Posts Heartfelt Message To 'Hero' And 'Inspiration' Rafa Nadal Following Tennis Icon's Retirement
The Spanish tennis player has left the game after 22 Grand Slam victories - and four-time Major winner McIlroy joined in with the messages of congratulations
By Jonny Leighfield Published
-
Rory McIlroy Proves Fierce Loyalty To Caddie With Heartfelt Message In Race To Dubai Victory Speech
Addressing Harry Diamond after winning the Race To Dubai, McIlroy thanked his best friend and called any stick he had received this year "unwarranted"
By Jonny Leighfield Published
-
Tearful Rory McIlroy Reacts To Seve Ballesteros Comparisons After Equalling Spaniard's Order Of Merit Record
In a highly-emotional interview immediately after holing the winning putt at the DP World Tour Championship, McIlroy was asked about equalling Severiano Ballesteros' European Tour Order of Merit record
By Jonny Leighfield Published
-
Rory McIlroy Wins DP World Tour Championship To Clinch Double Victory In Dubai
The World No.3 has landed a sixth Race To Dubai title - capped off by a third DP World Tour Championship victory at Jumeirah Golf Estates' Earth Course
By Jonny Leighfield Last updated
-
DP World Tour Championship Tee Times: Round Four
Rory McIlroy and Rasmus Hojgaard are the final pairing as the DP World Tour season concludes at the Jumeirah Golf Estates Earth Course
By Mike Hall Published
-
Scheffler Vs Schauffele Vs McIlroy: How The Stats Compare
Rory McIlroy said Scottie Scheffler and Xander Schauffele have ‘separated themselves’ so we looked at the stats…
By Paul Higham Published
-
Rory McIlroy 'Would Pay For The Privilege' Of Playing In The Ryder Cup
Rory McIlroy can see the argument for players being paid to play in the Ryder Cup, but thinks it would upset the "purity" of the event for the Europeans
By Paul Higham Published