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  • Rory McIlroy WITB (5th June, 2025) - What's In The Bag? The RBC Canadian Open @ TPC Toronto Osprey Valley

Rory McIlroy WITB (5th June, 2025) - What's In The Bag? The RBC Canadian Open @ TPC Toronto Osprey Valley

Rory's Qi35 "Dot" is not your average off-the-rack driver. This is a Tour-specific beast, a slightly more compact, "smashed-in" version of the retail Qi35 that offers a lower-spinning, more penetrating ball flight for McIlroy's astronomical swing speed.

June 05, 2025

Rory's Rhapsody: A Grand Slam, a Driver Drama, and the Quest for More Green

Alright, gather 'round, golf fanatics and casual observers who just tune in for the meltdowns! It's 2025, and if you haven't been paying attention to Rory McIlroy, then you've clearly been living under a rock, possibly one that's been pelted repeatedly by golf balls driven by said McIlroy. This year, the man from Holywood has been less a golfer and more a golfing phenomenon, a whirlwind of birdies, bogeys, and enough drama to make a Kardashian blush. Let's dive into the glorious, chaotic, and frankly hilarious ride that has been Rory's 2025 season so far.

Remember those dreary years, the ones where the Masters was less about green jackets and more about Rory's valiant but ultimately futile attempts to complete the Grand Slam? Well, those days are as dead as a Bryson DeChambeau diet plan. This year, Augusta National finally succumbed to the inevitable. After a decade of near misses, shattered dreams, and enough "is this his year?" headlines to wallpaper a mansion, Rory McIlroy walked off the 18th green in April with a victory that sent shockwaves through the sporting world. It wasn't pretty, mind you. It was a nail-biting, gut-wrenching playoff against Justin Rose, a man who probably thought he'd finally caught a break only to have Rory rip it from his grasp like a toddler snatching a biscuit. The roar that went up when that final putt dropped wasn't just for a Masters win; it was for the completion of the career Grand Slam, a feat that puts him in the same hallowed breath as Nicklaus, Woods, Hogan, Player, and Sarazen. Let's be honest, it was about bloody time. The collective sigh of relief from golf pundits worldwide probably registered on the Richter scale. The memes that followed were, shall we say, chef's kiss. From "Rory finally found his green jacket, it was in his other jacket!" to "Augusta: We tried, we really tried to keep it from him," the internet rejoiced.

But let's rewind a bit, because even before the Masters, Rory was already doing Rory things. His 2025 campaign kicked off with a bang, or rather, a series of precisely struck bangs, at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am in late January/early February. Now, Pebble Beach is one of those "cathedrals of golf," as Rory himself so eloquently put it, a place steeped in history. And what better way to kick off your PGA Tour season than by absolutely dominating it? He finished 21 under par, leaving poor Shane Lowry, his good mate and Ryder Cup partner, by two strokes in California. It was a proper masterclass, a clear signal that this year, Rory was not messing around. He wasn't just showing up; he was showing off. The victory celebration, according to sources, involved an "In-and-Out Burger and good wine." Because even Grand Slam chasing, multi-millionaire golfers need their fast-food fix, right? It just adds to the charm, or perhaps the edginess, depending on your perspective.

Then came The Players Championship in March, often dubbed the "fifth major." Another colossal win for McIlroy, who battled J.J. Spaun in a Monday finish playoff. The Players victory wasn't just another trophy; it cemented his status as the first two-time winner on the PGA Tour in 2025. It also meant a cool $4.5 million in his bank account, which, let's be honest, is enough to buy a small island and still have change left over for a private jet to get there. The man was on a roll, a seemingly unstoppable force of nature, armed with a golf swing that could launch a small satellite into orbit.

Now, no Rory season would be complete without a dash of controversy, a pinch of public outcry, and a dollop of "what's going on with his equipment?" Enter the non-conforming driver drama at the PGA Championship in May. Ah, the sweet symphony of outrage! It emerged that Rory's driver, a trusty companion, had been deemed non-conforming by the USGA due to wear and tear. Apparently, the face had thinned out enough to provide a "trampoline effect," giving him a slight bit of extra distance. Because, you know, Rory needs more distance. It was like finding out Usain Bolt was wearing spring-loaded shoes.

McIlroy was, to put it mildly, "pissed off." Not necessarily about the driver itself, but about the confidential information being leaked to the media. He pointed out that Scottie Scheffler's driver had also failed the test, but only Rory's name got splashed across the headlines. The man had a point. It's tough being a superstar when everyone's scrutinizing your clubface like it's a suspicious lump on a cat. He opted for a media blackout after his rounds at the PGA Championship, citing fatigue and a desire to protect various parties involved. Which, let's be honest, is a very polite way of saying, "I'm not going to sit here and let you lot grill me about a slightly bouncier piece of metal when I'm trying to win major championships and maintain my sanity." He finished a disappointing T47th at the PGA, proving that even with a potentially "hot" club, sometimes the magic just isn't there. Or maybe the controversy just threw him off his game. Who knows? All we know is, Rory being "pissed off" is almost as entertaining as him sinking a 30-foot putt.

So there you have it: a career Grand Slam, two significant victories, and a driver controversy that had golf nerds clutching their pearls. Rory's 2025 season is a masterclass in high-stakes golf, sprinkled with enough personality and drama to keep us all thoroughly entertained. And the best part? It's only June.

Rory McIlroy's Arsenal: A Deep Dive into the Tools of a Champion

When you're Rory McIlroy, you don't just pick clubs; you cultivate an extension of your own magnificent swing. His bag is a finely tuned collection of TaylorMade weaponry, each piece meticulously chosen to unleash his prodigious power and delicate touch. Forget your weekend warrior's hand-me-downs; this is serious hardware, designed to propel dimpled spheres into orbit and then coax them gently into small holes.

Let's dissect the components of Rory's attack, starting with the big stick, the cannon that launches missiles down the fairway:

The Qi35 "Dot" is not your average off-the-rack driver. This is a Tour-specific beast, a slightly more compact, "smashed-in" version of the retail Qi35 that offers a lower-spinning, more penetrating ball flight for McIlroy's astronomical swing speed. The 9-degree loft, combined with the incredibly stiff Fujikura Ventus Black 6X shaft, is a testament to the sheer force Rory generates. This shaft, known for its stability and low spin characteristics, ensures that even his most aggressive swings remain under control, preventing the dreaded high, ballooning shots that plague mere mortals. It’s the kind of shaft that laughs in the face of centrifugal force.

Similarly, the Qi35 3-wood is a powerhouse designed to cover immense yardage. At 15 degrees, it’s a flat-out rocket launcher. The Fujikura Ventus Black 8X shaft, even stiffer and heavier than the driver shaft, provides the ultimate stability for those long, piercing shots off the tee or from the fairway. When Rory needs to reach a par-5 in two or find a tight fairway, this club is his chosen weapon, a precision instrument disguised as a brute.

Ah, the utility iron, the "long iron alternative" for those who prefer piercing stingers to fluffy hybrids. Rory's P770 "Proto" 3-iron at 20 degrees is likely a blade-like design, offering superior control and workability for those shots where accuracy is paramount, but distance is still required. The Project X Black HZRDUS 6.5 105 shaft is a mid-to-low launch, low-spin shaft, perfect for keeping those long iron shots on a consistent, controlled trajectory, even in windy conditions. It's for when he needs to cut through the wind like a hot knife through butter, with a flight path flatter than a pancake.

This is where things get personal. "Rors Proto" is a clear indication that these irons are custom-made, likely a blend of the feel and workability of a blade with a hint of forgiveness. The True Temper Project X 7.0 shafts are the stiffest and heaviest available in the Project X line, a choice typically reserved for players with elite swing speeds who demand maximum control and feedback. These irons are surgical instruments in Rory's hands, allowing him to shape shots with incredible precision and attack pins with daring aggression. When he's dialled in, these are the clubs that make you question the laws of physics.

A mixed bag in the wedges, which is common among Tour pros. The TaylorMade MG4s provide consistency through his shorter irons, with different bounce options (09SB and 11SB) for versatility in various turf conditions. The addition of a Titleist Vokey Design WedgeWorks 58° (K grind) is interesting. The K grind is known for its wide sole and high bounce, making it incredibly forgiving out of bunkers and in soft conditions, but also versatile enough for open-faced shots. The Project X 6.5 shafts ensure a consistent feel and trajectory across his wedge game. It’s like having a specialized tool for every type of delicate, high-spin shot around the greens.

Putter: Custom torched TaylorMade Spider Tour X3, SuperStroke Zenergy Pistol Tour grip 

The putter is often the most personal club in the bag, and Rory's "custom torched" Spider Tour X3 suggests a unique aesthetic touch to a proven performer. The Spider Tour X series is renowned for its high MOI (Moment of Inertia), offering exceptional stability and forgiveness on off-center strikes. The SuperStroke Zenergy Pistol Tour grip is a popular choice among Tour pros, providing a larger, more consistent surface for the hands, which can help minimize wrist manipulation and promote a smoother putting stroke. This is the club that can either win or lose tournaments, and Rory clearly wants something that feels just right.

Ball: 2025 TaylorMade TP5 

The TP5 is TaylorMade's five-piece Tour ball, designed for maximum distance, spin control, and feel. Rory made a significant switch to the TP5, noting improved control, especially with shorter irons and in windy conditions. The "RORS" printed via the MySymbol program is a nice personal touch, just in case he forgets whose ball it is when he's busy smashing it 350 yards.

Grips: Golf Pride MCC  

These are a common choice on Tour, offering a hybrid design with cord on the top section for all-weather control and rubber on the bottom for enhanced feel. They provide a comfortable yet firm connection between McIlroy's hands and his clubs, crucial for maintaining control during his powerful swing.

Canadian Conquest? Rory's Prospects for the RBC Canadian Open and the Qi35 Renaissance

As we look ahead to this week's RBC Canadian Open, which begins Thursday, June 5, 2025, at TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley, Rory McIlroy is very much back in the spotlight after skipping last week's Memorial Tournament. His presence here is a clear indication that he's back to business after the emotional rollercoaster of completing the Grand Slam at Augusta and the subsequent PGA Championship driver drama. McIlroy is the +450 favorite, a testament to his historical dominance in this event with two wins and four top-10 finishes in his four previous starts.

However, golf expert Eric Cohen of SportsLine is "completely fading McIlroy" at this event, despite his favorite status. Cohen suggests that for Rory, this is likely a "tune-up event" ahead of next week's US Open at Oakmont. While acknowledging McIlroy's "incredible history in Canada," Cohen expresses concern about his irons, which have reportedly "lost strokes in each of his last two solo events since The Masters." This perspective suggests that while Rory's talent is undeniable, his focus might be more on preparing for the major rather than a full-throttle assault on the Canadian Open title. Still, a "tune-up" for Rory often means a top-5 finish for anyone else, so don't count him out entirely from contending.

The biggest buzz, perhaps even overshadowing his Grand Slam, has been his ongoing love-hate relationship with his drivers, culminating in his recent decision to ditch last season's beloved Qi10 driver and 3-wood in favour of this season's Qi35 models. This isn't just a casual switch; it's a statement.

For much of the early season, Rory had been a staunch loyalist to his Qi10 "Dot" driver. He even won Pebble Beach and The Players with it. He famously stated that the Qi10 was "probably the best driver I've had in the last few years." So, what gives with the switch to the Qi35? The answer, like most things in professional golf, is nuanced and revolves around marginal gains and the eternal quest for perfection.

The reports suggest that the driver controversy at the PGA Championship was the straw that broke the camel's back. While the Qi10 had been a faithful companion, the fact that it failed a conformity test, even due to wear and tear, likely pushed Rory and his team to re-evaluate. More importantly, it seems the underlying reason for the switch stems from his earlier change to the 2025 TaylorMade TP5 golf ball. Rory noted that with the new TP5 ball, he was getting a "slight increase in spin with the driver [Qi10]."

Enter the Qi35. TaylorMade's new Qi35 line, particularly the "Dot" model Rory is now using, is designed for lower spin and a more penetrating flight. According to TaylorMade's VP of Tour Operations, Keith Sbarbaro, "After doing some testing at home the last few weeks, he found the Qi35 spinning slightly less, this less spin matched up perfectly with his new ball." In essence, the new ball, while fantastic for his short game and iron control, was making his old driver spin a touch too much for his liking. The Qi35, with its inherent lower spin characteristics and a slightly shorter shaft (while maintaining the same swing weight), provides the optimal launch conditions and accuracy he demands. It's a classic case of equipment needing to be perfectly married to the ball.

The move to the Qi35 3-wood follows a similar logic. Rory was reportedly looking for something "hotter" that could consistently fill the staggering 300 to 310-yard gap in his bag. The Qi35 3-wood, with its improved ball speeds and penetrating flight, offers that extra firepower while maintaining control. He's also apparently swapped his Qi10 5-wood for a P770 3-iron, capable of covering 250 yards with a piercing trajectory, further emphasizing his desire for control and versatility.

While the RBC Canadian Open might be considered a "tune-up" by some, Rory's history at this event suggests he'll be a formidable force. His decision to embrace the Qi35 driver and 3-wood, along with the P770 3-iron, indicates a focused approach to optimizing his long game for precision and power, particularly with the US Open looming. Rory isn't just resting; he's reloading, fine-tuning his arsenal, and preparing for the next assault on major championships. He’s already completed the Grand Slam, but knowing Rory, he’s probably already got his eyes on becoming the first player to complete it twice, just to really stick it to the golf gods. And with a freshly dialed-in driver and a new-found sense of liberation, who’s to say he won't? The golf world, still buzzing from his Masters triumph, can only wait with bated breath and popcorn ready for the next chapter of Rory's magnificent, edgy, and often hilarious saga.

Driver: TaylorMade Qi35 “Dot” 9°, Fujikura Ventus Black 6X shaft

3 Wood: TaylorMade Qi35 15°, Fujikura Ventus Black 8X shaft

Utility: TaylorMade P770 “Proto” (3) 20°, Project X Black HZRDUS 6.5 105 shaft

Irons: TaylorMade Rors Proto (5-9), True Temper Project X 7.0 shafts

Wedges: TaylorMade MG4 46° (09SB), 50° (09SB), 54° (11SB), Titleist Vokey Design WedgeWorks 58° (K), True Temper Project X 6.5 (46-54), Project X 6.5 (58)

Putter: Custom torched TaylorMade Spider Tour X3, SuperStroke Zenergy Pistol Tour grip

Ball: 2025 TaylorMade TP5

Grips: Golf Pride MCC grips

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