Rory McIlroy tests new TaylorMade irons at the start of 2026. Will he change 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 season. A change could be on the horizon for the 36-year-old’s club selection, as McIlroy is testing a new set of irons at TGL. Last year, he had already switched his driver and golf balls; now, another significant change might be coming.
TaylorMade P7CB Replace Rors Proto Irons
Since 2017, McIlroy has used irons from the TaylorMade Rors Proto line, but at the Crown Australian Open, he switched his 4 to 6 irons to the TaylorMade P7CBs. It now appears the rest of the set may follow, as shortly before his game at Boston Common Golf Club in early 2026, his TGL team released a video where McIlroy was asked: ‘What is the most important thing you are working on right now?’ The 36-year-old replied: ‘I’m trying out a new set of irons that I’m really excited about at the moment.’
Shortly after the video was released, Boston Common played its TGL season opener against the Los Angeles Golf Club and won. McIlroy used TaylorMade P7CB irons from 4 to 9 and remained with Project X 7.0 shafts. The P7CB irons are more forgiving than his previous Rors Proto clubs and offer him greater room for error on his shots.
Whether this will be a permanent switch to the P7CB irons remains to be seen, but it would mark a significant change in McIlroy’s game. This would be the first time the five-time major champion has not used blade irons in his set.
Rory McIlroy’s Season Kickoff in Dubai
McIlroy will officially start his season at the Dubai Invitational from January 15 to 18, which will provide deeper insight into his bag and iron choice for the coming year.
His new TaylorMade Qi4D driver and fairway woods, which he first used at the HSBC Championship in November, also seem likely to stay in the Northern Irishman’s bag for the next season.