Rory McIlroy tests new TaylorMade irons at the start of the year. Is he changing his entire iron set for the first time since 2017?
After a dream year in 2025, Rory McIlroy is already focused on maintaining his success into the next year. The 36-year-old may make a notable change to his equipment, as he is currently testing a new set of irons at the TGL. After switching his driver and golf balls last year, this could be the next significant update for McIlroy.
TaylorMade P7CB Replaces Rors Proto Irons
Since 2017, McIlroy has used irons from the TaylorMade Rors Proto lineup, but at the Crown Australian Open, he switched his 4 to 6 irons to TaylorMade P7CBs. It now appears he may adopt the rest of the set as well. Ahead of his game at Boston Common Golf Club in early 2026, his TGL team released a video where McIlroy was asked, “What’s the most important thing you’re working on right now?” The 36-year-old replied, “I’m trying out a new iron set, which I’m really excited about at the moment.”
Shortly after the video release, Boston Common played against Los Angeles Golf Club in their TGL season opener and won. McIlroy used TaylorMade P7CB irons from 4 to 9 while retaining Project X 7.0 shafts. The P7CB irons are more forgiving than his previous Rors Proto blades, offering him more leeway on his shots.
Whether this will be a permanent switch remains to be seen, but for McIlroy, it would be a significant change in his game, marking the first time the five-time major winner does not use blade irons in his set.
McIlroy to Start 2026 Season in Dubai
McIlroy will officially start his season at the Dubai Invitational from January 15 to 18, providing a clearer look at his bag and iron choices for the upcoming year.
His new TaylorMade Qi4D driver and fairway woods seem set to remain in his bag next year, after he first used them at the HSBC Championship in November.