CLUBBLY JUBBLY

Rory’s straight down to business despite debuting new equipment

- BY CARL MARKHAM

MASTERS champion Rory Mcliroy was Satisfied with his first competitive round of 2026 using new clubs after shooting a five-under 66 to hold the first-round lead at the Dubai Invitational.

The Northern Irishman has switched from blade to cavity-back irons (inset), the type used by the vast majority of amateur golfers as they are more forgiving.

And he was happy with the transition as he set the early clubhouse target at Dubai Creek Resort.

“If there is help to be had T'll definitely take it. I've been thinking about it for a while? he told Sky Sports.