Rory McIlroy is testing new TaylorMade irons at the start of the year, potentially changing his iron set for the first time since 2017.
After a dream year in 2025, Rory McIlroy is already focused on making 2026 just as successful. A change could be looming in the 36-year-old’s club selection as he tests a new set of irons during the TGL season. Last year, he had already switched his driver and golf balls, and now the next significant equipment change might be on the horizon.
TaylorMade P7CBs Replace Rors Proto Irons
Since 2017, McIlroy has used TaylorMade’s Rors Proto irons, but at the Crown Australian Open, he swapped his 4 to 6 irons for TaylorMade P7CBs. It appears the rest of the set might follow, as before his play at Boston Common Golf Club in early 2026, his TGL team released a video where McIlroy was asked what he was currently working on most. The 36-year-old replied, “I’m trying out a new iron set, which I’m very excited about at the moment.”
Soon after the video release, Boston Common competed in their TGL season-opener against the Los Angeles Golf Club and emerged victorious. McIlroy used TaylorMade P7CB irons from 4 through 9 while keeping his Project X 7.0 shafts. The P7CB irons are more forgiving than his previous Rors Proto blades, offering him greater leeway in his shots.
Whether this will be a permanent switch is yet to be seen, but for McIlroy, it would mark a significant change in his game. This would be the first time the five-time major champion does not use blade irons in his set.
McIlroy’s Official Season Start in Dubai
McIlroy will officially kick off his season at the Dubai Invitational from January 15 to 18, offering a closer look at his bag and iron choices for the upcoming year.
His new TaylorMade Qi4D driver and fairway woods seem set to remain in the Northern Irishman’s bag for 2026, following their debut use at the HSBC Championship in November.