On Sunday afternoon, Rory McIlroy etched his name into golfing immortality by winning the 89th Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club. The victory marked his first green jacket, completed his career Grand Slam, and ended an 11-year major championship drought. In a dramatic playoff against Justin Rose, McIlroy showcased resilience, skill, and the right equipment to conquer one of golf’s toughest stages. Let’s dive into the highlights of his triumph and the tools that powered his performance.

A Rollercoaster Journey to the Green Jacket

McIlroy’s path to the 2025 Masters title was anything but straightforward. Entering the final round with a two-shot lead, he faced early adversity with a double-bogey on the first hole, briefly losing the lead to Bryson DeChambeau. But McIlroy’s mental fortitude shone through. He battled back with clutch birdies, including a memorable approach on the 15th that set up a crucial birdie putt, which CBS commentator Jim Nantz called the “shot of a lifetime.”

The drama peaked on the 18th hole, where McIlroy missed a short par putt, forcing a sudden-death playoff with Rose, who had surged with a final-round 66. Returning to the 18th tee, McIlroy delivered a pinpoint approach to four feet, sinking the birdie putt to seal the victory. “It feels incredible,” McIlroy said post-round. “This is my 17th time here, and I started to wonder if it would ever be my time.” His emotional celebration—falling to his knees on the 18th green—reflected the weight of a decade-long quest finally fulfilled.

With this win, McIlroy became the sixth golfer in history to complete the career Grand Slam, joining legends Gene Sarazen, Ben Hogan, Gary Player, Jack Nicklaus, and Tiger Woods. He also became the first European to achieve the feat, cementing his legacy as one of golf’s all-time greats.

The Equipment Behind the Victory

McIlroy’s performance was powered by a carefully curated bag of TaylorMade equipment, tailored to his aggressive yet precise playing style. Here’s a breakdown of the clubs and ball that helped him navigate Augusta’s demanding layout, based on reports from the tournament:

• Driver: TaylorMade Qi10 (9 degrees)
  Shaft: Fujikura Ventus Black 6X
  McIlroy’s driver was a cornerstone of his success, delivering booming drives that set up scoring opportunities. On the 18th in the playoff, his fairway-splitting drive showcased the Qi10’s reliability under pressure. The Fujikura Ventus Black shaft provided the low-spin, penetrating ball flight needed to maximize distance on Augusta’s long par-4s and par-5s.
• Fairway Woods: TaylorMade Qi10 (15 degrees and 18 degrees)
  Shafts: Fujikura Ventus Black 8X (15 degrees), Fujikura Ventus Black 9X (18 degrees)
  These fairway woods gave McIlroy versatility off the tee and on long approaches. His ability to shape shots with the 3-wood and 5-wood was critical on holes like the par-5 13th, despite a costly mistake into Rae’s Creek. The Ventus Black shafts ensured stability for his high-speed swing.
• Irons: TaylorMade P760 (4-iron), TaylorMade Rors Proto (5-9)
  Shafts: Project X 7.0
  McIlroy’s iron play was a highlight, particularly his approach on the 15th, where he hooked a shot around trees to six feet. The Rors Proto irons, custom-designed for him, offered precision and feel, while the P760 4-iron provided extra distance for Augusta’s longer par-3s and par-4s. The stiff Project X shafts complemented his aggressive iron swings.
• Wedges: TaylorMade MG4 (46-09SB, 50-09SB, 54-11SB, 60-08LB)
  Shafts: Project X 6.5 (46-54), Project X 6.5 Wedge (60)
  Around Augusta’s slick greens, McIlroy’s wedge game was vital. The MG4 wedges delivered spin and control, helping him scramble effectively despite four double-bogeys in the tournament—a Masters record for a champion. His bunker shot on the 18th in regulation, though not converted, showed the wedges’ forgiveness.
• Putter: TaylorMade Spider Tour X
  Grip: SuperStroke Zenergy Pistol Tour
  McIlroy’s putting was a mixed bag, but clutch putts—like the playoff birdie on 18—made the difference. The Spider Tour X’s stability helped him navigate Augusta’s undulating greens, and the SuperStroke grip provided comfort during high-pressure moments.
• Ball: TaylorMade TP5
  A key change for 2025, McIlroy switched from the TP5x to the TP5 before the season, citing better spin and control on short shots. “I loved how it was reacting around the greens,” he told Golfweek. The TP5’s softer feel aided his touch on Augusta’s firm surfaces, contributing to his five birdies in the final 11 holes.

A Game-Changer for McIlroy and TaylorMade

McIlroy’s equipment choices reflect years of refinement with TaylorMade, a partnership that began in 2017. His recent switch to the TP5 ball was a calculated move, emphasizing short-game performance at a course where precision matters as much as power. Posts on X from golf equipment insiders like @GolfRetailing and @Fully_Equipped celebrated the win, noting how McIlroy’s full TaylorMade setup—driver to putter—played a role in his Grand Slam achievement.

Looking Ahead

At 35, McIlroy’s 2025 Masters win signals a potential new chapter. With the career Grand Slam secured, he’s free to chase more majors without the burden of Augusta’s elusive title. His $4.2 million prize and green jacket are just the start—next up is the PGA Championship at Quail Hollow, where he’ll aim to build on this momentum.

For golf fans, McIlroy’s victory is a reminder that even the best need the right tools to conquer their demons. His TaylorMade setup, from the Qi10 driver to the TP5 ball, was the perfect complement to his talent and tenacity. As Jack Nicklaus said post-tournament, “This will take the world off his shoulders, and I think you’ll see a lot more great golf out of Rory McIlroy.”

Here’s to more epic battles—and maybe a few more green jackets—in Rory’s future.