Rory McIlroy confirms multiple equipment changes as he races into Dubai Invitational lead

Rory McIlroy raced into the outright lead on day one of the Dubai Invitational, the first DP World Tour event of 2026, and he then made a refreshing admission for all of us amateur golfers when confirming his new choice of irons for the season ahead. 

No matter if you're arguably the greatest European golfer that has ever lived, sometimes you need a little help from your golf clubs – and that's exactly what McIlroy discussed during his post-round analysis with Sky Sports Golf's Tim Barter.

McIlroy, 36, has officially removed his customary Rors Proto blades that he has used ever since he first joined TaylorMade in 2017, and replaced them from 5 to 9-iron in TaylorMade P7CB, a slightly more forgiving set for him. 

GolfMagic Reviews Editor Brad Nash has taken a deep dive into McIlroy's golf bag for 2026, and our Equipment Editor Georgina Black has also explored what this dramatic iron shift means for the grand slam champion moving forwards in her latest Instagram Reel below. 

Armed with new equipment, also including the brand new TaylorMade Qi4D Driver and a new golf ball, McIlroy looked at ease during the first round but especially on his outward nine.

Starting on the 10th, the World No.2 sprinted out the blocks with four birdies in the space of his first five holes with his only blip a bogey on the 12th.

The Ulsterman then made the turn with three more birdies in a row from the 17th, before making his second bogey on the 3rd (his 12th of the round). 

It all added up to a solid 5-under 66, and when all was said and done on Thursday the score left him top of the board. 

After the round, McIlroy opened up to Sky Sports Golf's Barter on exactly why he's made the radical change from blades to more forgiving cavity backs. 

"If there's help to be had, I'll definitely take it," said an honest McIlroy when speaking to Sky's Tim Barter about his new irons. 

"I'd been thinking about it for a while, and even in Dubai at the end of last year I hit a couple of 5-irons that I mis-struck slightly and instead of it coming up five or seven yards short it was coming up more like 10 to 15 yards short. 

"So I asked the guys at TaylorMade to build me up a set. I went to Australia with them (December) and with that firm turf down there, I felt those irons were going through the turf better than the blades.

"I've practiced with them at home since, and also got a new ball in play this week, the new 2026 ball, so overall I've liked what I've seen at home and today was a good test." 

GolfMagic can't yet give you any more details about TaylorMade's new ball for 2026, but watch this space. 

McIlroy leads by one heading into the second round of the Dubai Invtiational, with Scotland's Connor Syme and Spain's David Puig of LIV Golf in a tie for second on 4-under par. 

Defending champion Tommy Fleetwood is in the top 10 after bouncing back with two late birdies for a 2-under 69. 

Fleetwood has been testing the waters with new clothing this week, suggesting an end to his long-term Nike apparel deal. 

Scroll right on the post below to hear McIlroy's comments about his new irons (and ball) in full: