Masters champion Rory McIlroy has expressed satisfaction after navigating his first competitive round of the new year with a fresh set of clubs, posting a five-under-par 66 at the Dubai Invitational. The Northern Irishman, who has switched from traditional blade irons to more forgiving cavity-back models, set the early clubhouse target at the Dubai Creek Resort on Thursday 15 January 2026.
A Forgiving Transition Pays Early Dividends
McIlroy revealed his equipment change has been under consideration for some time, prompted by specific incidents late last season. "Even in Dubai at the end of last year I hit a couple of five-irons I mis-struck slightly," McIlroy told Sky Sports. He noted that with his old blades, those shots would come up five or seven yards short, but the discrepancy was more pronounced. This led him to request a new set from his equipment sponsor, TaylorMade.
"If there is help to be had I'll definitely take it," McIlroy stated, acknowledging the performance benefits cavity-back irons offer. He also has a new golf ball in play this week but reported positive feedback from practice and was eager to test it in competition.
Fast Start Highlights New Setup's Potential
The four-time major winner wasted no time demonstrating his comfort with the new setup. Starting from the 10th hole, McIlroy raced to the turn in an impressive 31 strokes. He was inches from an eagle on his opening hole, setting the tone for a run that included seven birdies in his first 10 holes.
His wedge play was particularly sharp, with approaches on five par fours landing inside 11 feet of the pin. The round's only setbacks were a missed short putt on the 12th and a failed escape from a greenside bunker on the third hole, which resulted in a bogey. McIlroy felt opportunities were missed on the more challenging second nine as the wind picked up, but overall he was content.
A Solemn Pause and the Leaderboard
Play was temporarily suspended at 10:30 AM local time for a moment of remembrance. The pause honoured young golfer Emanuele Galeppini, who was due to be junior captain at Dubai Creek this year, and the 39 other victims of the New Year's Day fire in Crans Montana, Switzerland.
On the course, England's Matt Wallace made a charge to briefly lead at seven under par. After an opening bogey, Wallace recorded six birdies and an eagle between the third and 11th holes before dropping a shot at the 12th.
Reflecting on his day, McIlroy summed it up positively: "It was good, I got off to a great start... Overall a nice way to start the year." His opening 66 with the new, more forgiving irons provides a solid foundation for his 2026 campaign.
