McIlroy’s driver choice continues to underline his shift toward stability without sacrificing speed. The TaylorMade Qi10 provides a slightly more forgiving profile than some of his previous gamer drivers, offering tighter dispersion while still delivering the explosive ball speed Rory relies on.

At Pebble Beach, where fairway positioning matters more than raw distance, the Qi10 allowed McIlroy to stay aggressive without feeling exposed. The flight was controlled, penetrating and predictable — exactly what’s required when the Pacific breeze starts influencing shot shape.