Mcllroy's tweaks a Masters-stroke

SHORTER DRIVER WORKS WONDERS FOR HIS GAME

- Neil McLeman

RORY McILROY used a new shaft on his driver and the replica of an old putter to win his opening tussle at the WGC Dell Technologies Match Play event – and get back into the swing before The Masters.

The world No.3 started the day by disagreeing with his club manufacturer TaylorMade as he backed proposals to limit driving distances in elite golf.

And he then made six birdies with a copy of his old Scotty Cameron putter to beat Scott Stallings 3&1 in Texas.

McIlroy, who never trailed after the American bogeyed the first hole, also shortened the shaft on his driver after struggling for accuracy off the tee and missing the cut at The Players earlier this month.