As the 2026 PGA TOUR season approaches, Rory McIlroy prepares to defend his title at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am. This marks the beginning of his 16th season on the tour. Notably, McIlroy has returned to using his trusted RORS PROTO muscle-back irons after a brief experiment with cavity-back irons.
Rory McIlroy’s Return to Blade Putters
McIlroy had initially switched to TaylorMade P7CB cavity-back irons at the start of the year. However, after a few outings on the DP World Tour, including finishes of T14, T3, and T33, he decided to revert to his traditional blades. “That experiment’s over,” he commented during a press conference at Pebble Beach Golf Links in California.
Experimenting with Forgiveness
This experiment was aimed at achieving greater forgiveness on mishits. With the cavity-backs, McIlroy experienced a significant improvement in consistency. He noted that mishits with bladed irons resulted in a distance loss of 10 to 15 yards, while cavity-backs reduced that to about 5 to 7 yards.
Challenges with Cavity-Back Irons
Despite their advantages, McIlroy found the cavity-backs less familiar. He expressed concerns about a “right bias” in ball flight, which impacted his performance. “I felt like the cavity backs just had a little bit of a right bias in them,” he explained. This inconsistency led him to trust his long-standing blade technique more.
Historical Context in Golf
McIlroy believes in the value of feel over sheer forgiveness. In fact, statistics show that 10 out of the 13 winners on the PGA TOUR and DP World Tour this season have relied on blade putters. As the golf world gears up for the upcoming season, traditional blade putters remain relevant and even favored by top players.
With the new season around the corner, McIlroy’s decision to return to blades resonates with many traditionalists. His commitment to the craft and preference for the classic approach keeps the conversation about equipment in the sport alive.
