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The Driver Rory McIlroy Currently Uses in Competition

ByThe Golfer

← Golf Equipment | Golf Clubs


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Quick Answer

  • Rory McIlroy is currently gaming the TaylorMade Stealth 2 Plus driver.
  • He’s been a TaylorMade loyalist for years, rocking their high-end woods.
  • This driver is built for speed and forgiveness, thanks to its advanced carbonwood face technology.

Who This Driver Is For

  • Golfers who want to emulate the equipment choices of top-tier professionals and understand what makes them tick.
  • Players actively seeking cutting-edge driver technology to boost their ball speed, gain more distance off the tee, and improve their overall game.
  • Anyone fascinated by the intricate details of PGA Tour players’ setups and how equipment influences performance at the highest level.

What Driver to Check First for Rory McIlroy’s Setup

  • Driver Head Model: Confirm it’s the TaylorMade Stealth 2 Plus. This is the specific model he’s chosen for its blend of adjustability and performance.
  • Loft Setting: Verify the precise loft. Pros often dial this in for optimal launch conditions. Check the manual or verify with the manufacturer.
  • Shaft Specifications: This is critical. You need to know the manufacturer (e.g., Fujikura, Mitsubishi), model, flex (like X or TX), and weight. It’s tailored to his swing.
  • Lie Angle: Professionals frequently have custom lie angle adjustments. Don’t assume it’s a standard setting.
  • Weight Track Configuration: The ‘Plus’ model has a movable weight track. Note where that weight is positioned, as it affects spin and shot shape.

Step-by-Step Plan for Understanding Rory McIlroy’s Driver Choice

  • Action: Identify the exact TaylorMade Stealth 2 Plus driver head.
  • What to look for: The ‘Plus’ designation signifies a specific head design with a movable weight track for fine-tuning.
  • Mistake to avoid: Confusing it with the standard Stealth 2 or the Stealth 2 HD. These have different designs and adjustability features.
  • Action: Confirm the specific loft setting Rory is using.
  • What to look for: Tour players often opt for lower lofts to maximize control and minimize spin, or adjust their standard loft for specific course conditions.
  • Mistake to avoid: Assuming he’s using a stock 9-degree or 10.5-degree setting straight out of the box. It’s almost always adjusted.
  • Action: Pinpoint the exact shaft specifications.
  • What to look for: Note the brand (e.g., Fujikura), model (e.g., Ventus Black), flex (e.g., 7X, 8X), and weight. This is tailored to his swing speed and tempo.
  • Mistake to avoid: Thinking any stiff shaft will replicate his performance. The shaft is a meticulously matched component.
  • Action: Check the configuration of the movable weight track.
  • What to look for: Observe where the single weight is positioned along the track. This adjustment impacts the club’s center of gravity, affecting launch angle and spin.
  • Mistake to avoid: Overlooking this adjustment. For the ‘Plus’ model, it’s a key element in tailoring the driver’s flight characteristics.
  • Action: Research recent tour reports and verified equipment sources.
  • What to look for: Websites that specialize in PGA Tour player setups, recent major championship coverage, or official TaylorMade tour van reports are your best bet.
  • Mistake to avoid: Relying on outdated articles or general consumer reviews. Pro equipment can change, and their specs are far more granular.
  • Action: Investigate any other custom modifications.
  • What to look for: Look for details about specific grip types, ferrule colors, or any non-standard build elements from the tour van.
  • Mistake to avoid: Assuming his driver is built exactly like one you’d find at a retail store. Pro clubs are almost always bespoke.

Understanding Rory McIlroy’s Driver Choice: The Stealth 2 Plus

Rory McIlroy is a golfer who demands peak performance from every club in his bag. His choice of the TaylorMade Stealth 2 Plus driver isn’t by accident. This driver is engineered for players who generate significant clubhead speed and require a blend of forgiveness and control. The defining feature is the 60X Carbon Twist Face, which is designed to maximize ball speed and reduce spin. For a player like Rory, who hits the ball incredibly hard, this technology is paramount. The ‘Plus’ model is distinguished by its traditional shape, a single movable weight track, and a smaller footprint compared to the standard Stealth 2. This allows for more precise adjustability, enabling players to fine-tune launch conditions and spin rates to match their specific swing dynamics and course strategy. It’s a driver built for those who want to work the ball and have a high degree of control over their trajectory, which is exactly what Rory needs to compete at the highest level.

Common Mistakes When Researching Rory McIlroy’s Driver

  • Mistake: Assuming all TaylorMade Stealth 2 Plus drivers are identical.
  • Why it matters: Professional golfers’ equipment is highly customized. What you see on the shelf is a starting point, not the finished product for a tour pro. Their clubs are built to their exact specifications.
  • Fix: Always seek out the specific details of Rory’s driver: the exact loft, the precise shaft model and flex, and the placement of any movable weights.
  • Mistake: Using outdated information about his driver setup.
  • Why it matters: Player equipment can and does change. Sometimes it’s a minor tweak, other times a significant switch. Relying on old data can lead to incorrect assumptions.
  • Fix: Prioritize information from the current golf season and from reputable tour-tracking websites or recent interviews.
  • Mistake: Underestimating the importance of the shaft.
  • Why it matters: The shaft is arguably the engine of the driver. It dictates tempo, energy transfer, and impact consistency. A mismatch can kill performance, no matter how good the head is.
  • Fix: Pay extremely close attention to the shaft’s manufacturer, model name, flex rating (e.g., X, TX), weight, and any specific tipping or butt trim details.
  • Mistake: Focusing solely on the driver head without considering adjustability.
  • Why it matters: Modern drivers, especially the Stealth 2 Plus, have adjustable hosels and movable weights. These features are crucial for dialing in performance and are often heavily utilized by pros.
  • Fix: Understand how the adjustable hosel (loft and face angle) and the movable weight track (spin and shot shape) contribute to the overall performance of the driver.
  • Mistake: Not understanding the nuances between different Stealth 2 models.
  • Why it matters: TaylorMade offers the Stealth 2, Stealth 2 Plus, and Stealth 2 HD. Each is designed with a slightly different player profile and performance characteristic in mind. The ‘Plus’ model is often chosen for its workability and lower spin potential.
  • Fix: Recognize that the ‘Plus’ model has a more traditional shape and a single weight track for fine-tuning, whereas other models might offer more draw bias or forgiveness.
  • Mistake: Believing that Rory’s driver is a “one-size-fits-all” solution.
  • Why it matters: His swing is incredibly powerful and technically refined. His equipment is a direct reflection of that, meticulously matched to his unique biomechanics.
  • Fix: Understand that his setup is highly personalized. What works for him might not work for an average golfer, and vice versa.

FAQ

  • What is the exact model of Rory McIlroy’s current driver?

Rory McIlroy is currently using the TaylorMade Stealth 2 Plus driver.

  • What kind of shaft is typically in Rory McIlroy’s driver?

He is widely known to use a Fujikura Ventus Black shaft, often in a 7X or 8X flex, but this can vary. Always verify current specs from reliable tour reports.

  • What is the loft of Rory McIlroy’s driver?

Rory often opts for a lower loft, typically around 9 degrees, but he may adjust this based on course conditions or specific tournament needs. Check the manual or verify with the manufacturer for precise details.

  • Does Rory McIlroy use a stock driver off the shelf?

No, professional golfers like Rory use heavily customized clubs. His driver is built and adjusted precisely to his individual swing characteristics and performance preferences.

  • Why does Rory McIlroy favor the Stealth 2 Plus model?

The Stealth 2 Plus offers a compelling combination of advanced speed technology, adjustability for fine-tuning launch and spin, and a more traditional shape that appeals to players who like to shape shots. This aligns perfectly with Rory’s powerful and controlled game.

  • Can I purchase the exact driver Rory McIlroy uses?

You can buy a TaylorMade Stealth 2 Plus driver, but it will not be an exact replica of Rory’s. His specific shaft, loft setting, and any custom modifications are unique to him and his tour setup.

  • How critical is the shaft in Rory McIlroy’s driver setup?

The shaft is incredibly critical. It’s engineered to match his high swing speed and tempo, ensuring optimal energy transfer, consistent impact, and the precise launch conditions he needs to maximize distance and accuracy. It’s a vital component of his driver’s performance.

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