Rory's early-2026 equipment setup has quickly become one of the most talked-about stories in golf gear, with the biggest headline being his move into the TaylorMade Qi4D metalwoods. Any change at the top of McIlroy's bag draws attention, but a driver and fairway switch is especially significant given how central ball speed, launch and dispersion are to his game.
The changes do not stop there. Reports from the opening events of the season suggest a wider reshuffle throughout the bag, including a move into P7CB Irons for added consistency and control, while a trusted Spider Tour X putter remains in place on the greens. Together, the setup points towards a clear performance focus -- blending speed and forgiveness at the top end with precision and predictability through the scoring clubs.
In this Golf Gear Direct write-up, we break down Rory's 2026 What's In The Bag in detail, explore why these equipment changes matter, and look at how the new Qi4D-led setup has performed so far in competitive play. We'll also highlight what everyday golfers can learn from his choices when building or upgrading their own bag.
McIlroy began his 2026 campaign in Dubai with a strong week overall at the Dubai Invitational (15-18 January 2026), finishing tied-third after a final-round charge in a dramatic finish.
He then headed into the Hero Dubai Desert Classic the following week, where reports noted a ragged third round that left him well off the lead on Saturday.
When McIlroy changes gear, it's usually because the numbers force the decision. For 2026, multiple sources point to Qi4D becoming the driver of choice at the top of his bag, replacing his previous gamer, with matching Qi4D fairway woods also featuring.
The list below reflects the most widely reported 2026 setup, focusing on the key changes around Qi4D and the supporting clubs that complete the bag.
| Category | Model | Reported Specs / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Driver | TaylorMade Qi4D | 9° with Ventus Black |
| 3 Wood | TaylorMade Qi4D | 15° with Ventus Black |
| 5 Wood | TaylorMade Qi4D | 18° with Ventus Black |
| Long Iron | TaylorMade P760 | 4-iron retained as a transition club at the top end |
| Irons | TaylorMade P7CB | Reported move into P7CB (commonly listed 5-9) for added forgiveness and consistency |
| Wedges | TaylorMade MG5 | Reported lofts: 46°, 50°, 54°, 60° (often noted as bent to 61°) |
| Putter | TaylorMade Spider Tour X | Frequently referenced as a key part of his setup |
| Golf Ball | TaylorMade TP5 | Reported switch linked to preferred launch/spin in the scoring shots |
When a player like McIlroy commits to a new driver and fairway family, it usually points to better performance in at least one of the big three areas: ball speed retention, improved dispersion, or more playable launch and spin. Qi4D has been launched with tour input across the driver and fairway lineup, and multiple reports have connected that rollout directly to early adoption among TaylorMade staffers.
