Rory McIlroy makes instant change after Masters disappointment on PGA Tour return

Rory McIlroy added a mini-driver to his bag (Image: Getty Images)

Rory McIlroy has made a swift equipment change in his pursuit of his first PGA Tour victory of the 2024 season at this week's RBC Heritage at Harbour Town Golf Links. The change comes following a disappointing performance at the Masters.

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The Northern Irish golfer had a challenging week at the Masters, with his dream of securing a green jacket and completing the Grand Slam once again unfulfilled. He is back in action just days after his Augusta National appearance, aiming for an immediate comeback at Hilton Head.

In an effort to achieve this, he has introduced a new club to his bag - TaylorMade's new BRNR Mini Driver Copper 13.5-degree, replacing his Qi10 3-wood.

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McIlroy initially started testing the mini driver at the Valero Texas Open earlier this month but chose to stick with his 3-wood for Augusta. However, this time he has decided to make the switch, adding the club to his bag as he seeks his 25th PGA Tour event win.

Rory McIlroy enjoyed a solid start to the week (Image: Getty Images)

His club change seemed to pay off in Thursday's opening round, as McIlroy made a strong start to the week. The four-time major winner began his tournament with a four-under-par 68, getting off to an ideal start with a birdie-three at the first.

McIlroy demonstrated his class at the par-five fifth, chipping in from a bunker for an eagle that took him to three-under-par. Despite a hiccup with a bogey on the 12th, he rallied to finish strong, notching birdies on the 17th and 18th to tie for 10th place, just four shots off the pace set by J.T. Poston.

Reflecting on his performance, McIlroy expressed satisfaction, especially with his closing holes: "It was great to birdie those last two holes. I made two good swings at the last to put it in there close, and nice to finish with a 3."

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He continued: "Yeah, started pretty good, then managed my game quite well during the middle when I didn't have it, and a nice way to finish. Feel like I've got a good chance now to get myself right in the tournament tomorrow morning. I could have definitely made a couple more bogeys around the turn there, and I didn't."

"Made some good up-and-downs. Yeah, pretty pleased with the day."

Regarding his mini-driver, McIlroy revealed limited use due to the day's conditions but anticipated more opportunities to wield it: "I actually think I only hit it three times," he concluded.

"The way the wind was today out of the south means I didn't hit it -- some of the holes I hit it in practice, I was hitting 5-wood off the tee and then there was a couple of holes where I hit mini in the practice round, then hit driver because the wind was into. But it's a great club. It's versatile. I'm sure I'll use it quite a bit over these next few days."

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