"I can hit more shots": Rory McIlroy discusses recent equipment changes ahead of Augusta Masters

Rory McIlroy was recently seen trying out new equipment. After a dismal performance at the Players Championship in which the World No.3 golfer missed the cut and had a +5, he decided to switch things up.

Now, that change is apparently paying off. McIlroy feels better about his game and how well he can do ahead of the Masters next month.

He said via Golf Monthly:

“Driver was good. Driver was really good. I'm much happier with where I am there. Obviously off the tee is such an important part of the game for me."

He went on to say that he felt like a change was more than in order:

“I knew I just needed to change it up a bit going back to a driver length that I'm a little more comfortable with. But the thing is, going to 44 inch driver with the previous shaft I was using I was too stiff and I couldn't spin it.

“I needed to go to a slightly softer shaft and I can hit more shots with it and feel a bit more comfortable sort of playability-wise. I feel like I can hit a few more shots with it. It sort of hangs in there a little bit for me. So it was good to see. It was good to put it in play today and have to perform pretty well. Drove it well, especially on the back nine. It did pretty well today.”

Though it was a relatively pressure-less practice, the fact that the golfer did well and feels that the equipment was good is a very good sign for his prospects in upcoming matches.

---

Rory McIlroy's putter change has worked out

Rory McIlroy also changed his putter, which is what he was seen practicing with recently. He spoke about the putter that they made for him:

“They made me one back in 2016 when Nike went out of the equipment business, when we all sort of were figuring out what to do, which was an exact replica. I just think what I'm trying to do with lining the ball up, the line on the top instead of on the flange matches up a little bit better for me. Putter was good. Struggled a little bit with the speed... but a new putter in the bag and getting comfortable with that."

Hopefully, the new equipment helps McIlroy get out of his slide. With a real chance at taking back the numero uno spot, he failed in the Players Championship.

At the very least, he could have and probably should have usurped Jon Rahm, who withdrew due to injury.

Rory McIlroy faltered at the Players

Nevertheless, it was one of Rory McIlroy's worst performances and a shocking struggle. Ahead of the biggest golf tournament of the year, it's important to iron out all the kinks.

Perhaps that means replacing equipment. If that helps Rory McIlroy do better, then the game of golf will be better for it. If McIlroy is playing well, it's must-watch. When he, Rahm and Scottie Scheffler are all rolling, they make golf a lot more interesting.