Rory McIlroy and Tommy Fleetwood Use New TaylorMade Drivers in Abu Dhabi
Rory McIlroy and Tommy Fleetwood, both prominent players, were seen testing new TaylorMade drivers while preparing for the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship.
New Equipment at Yas Links
Both golfers, who represent TaylorMade on tour, practiced at Yas Links ahead of the $9 million tournament. McIlroy appeared with the standard model of the TaylorMade Qi4D driver, while Fleetwood used the LS version.
About the TaylorMade Qi4D Drivers
The Qi4D models recently appeared on the USGA conforming list. The range includes three types of driver heads: Standard, LS, and Max, similar to the Qi35 line.
"Following ongoing testing, our athletes have expressed a strong desire to play these products. In order for them to use these in tournament play, we have added them to the USGA conforming list." — TaylorMade statement to Golf Monthly
Uncertainty Around Tournament Usage
The Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship marks the first event of the DP World Tour's Play-Off series. It remains uncertain if these new drivers will be permanently integrated into competition play.
Both players seek victory with the advantage of this updated equipment as they headline a star-studded field in Abu Dhabi.
Author's summary: Rory McIlroy and Tommy Fleetwood trial new TaylorMade Qi4D drivers, now USGA-approved, as they prepare for a key tournament, marking a potential shift in their equipment choices.