McIlroy & Fleetwood Spotted With New TaylorMade Drivers Ahead of Abu Dhabi

In the lead-up to the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship at Yas Links, two of golf’s biggest names were spotted practicing on the range with brand new gear from TaylorMade. Rory McIlroy and Tommy Fleetwood were both seen using new driver heads that only recently appeared on the USGA conforming list. With such top names making the switch, golfers and fans alike are asking if these new drivers are set to shake up their own clubs.

New Driver Sightings on Tour

McIlroy and Fleetwood both carry TaylorMade tour staff status. They were on the practice tee at Yas Links in the first week of November, and each was using a driver that many haven’t yet seen in play. McIlroy appeared to be swinging the standard version of the TaylorMade QiD4, while Fleetwood was working with the low-spin (LS) variant. These clubs have only just made the conforming list, meaning they’re now eligible for tournament use.

 

This move highlights the intersection of equipment changes, sponsorships, and approvals. Many golfers follow the rules on what clubs are allowed at the tour level, and the USGA list shows which driver heads are legal for tournaments. At the same time, some players and fans also keep track of tech announcements and gear changes, watching how they may affect tournaments and betting odds. Many safe non Gamstop betting options use this kind of gear news as part of their research when determining odds for upcoming tour events. That means punters get access to the best odds as well as recent updates on their favourite sport.

About the New TaylorMade Driver Range

TaylorMade’s new driver range has three variants: Standard, LS, and Max. These Qi4D driver heads are the next generation following the Qi35 series. 

 

The conforming list shows the loft options range, with the Standard version offering 8°, 9°, 10.5°, and 12°, while the LS is offering 8°, 9°, and 10.5°. Visual clues include sole-weight ports and front/back weighting layouts that suggest TaylorMade has given fitters and players more adjustability. As yet, news outlets don’t have any tech details.

The Trends Shaping 2025’s Gear

One key shift in 2025 has been the rise of smart golf equipment. New clubs and training tools are using sensors and AI to give players real-time swing and ball data. This tech is contributing to how many professionals and amateurs shape their practice. From swing path to ball flight, players can now get instant feedback, helping them fine-tune their game quicker than ever before.

 

TaylorMade’s drivers fit into that. The Qi4D heads may not have sensors built in, but they’re designed to pair well with swing data tools. 

 

New materials are also making waves in driver design. Thermoforged Carbon and alloys like Z-Alloy are being used to shift weight, change feel, and help boost ball speeds. They can also lower vibration and improve consistency. 

 

Though we’re still waiting on full confirmation, TaylorMade likely used some of these advanced materials in the Qi4D heads. That may explain why pros like McIlroy and Fleetwood are testing them right off the bat.

Why it Matters for the Tour

When we see top players like McIlroy and Fleetwood testing new drivers in a major event week, it sends a message. The timing of the list addition and their practice use suggests TaylorMade is readying the range for full release.

 

It’s an important moment for amateur golfers and gear shoppers, too. When pros switch gear, the new models often filter into retail later. Golfers who follow equipment trends take note. If either McIlroy or Fleetwood performs well with the new model at Yas, interest in the new drivers could rise sharply.

McIlroy’s Equipment History

Rory McIlroy has a history of switching drivers when he feels the fit is right. Earlier in 2025, he trialled the older Qi35 driver at a few events before switching back to the Qi10-series model that helped him complete his Career Grand Slam in April. Now, it seems he may be giving the new Qi4D Standard serious consideration for the coming tournament.

 

Of course, using it on the practice range is just the first step. The real test will be whether he keeps it in his bag during the tournament rounds, under pressure, and whether it helps him maintain or improve his performance off the tee.

Fleetwood’s Equipment Trend

Tommy Fleetwood has also been through a driver evolution this year. Earlier, he used the Qi35 LS and then switched to the Dot version of the Qi35. That gear contributed to his first PGA Tour win at the Tour Championship and a win at the DP World India Championship. His use of the LS version of the new driver suggests he’s fine-tuning his spin, launch, and control off the tee. He’s a player who strikes the ball cleanly, and a low-spin driver could unlock extra distance without sacrificing accuracy.

What to Watch at the Abu Dhabi Event

As McIlroy and Fleetwood tee up at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship, fans and golfers should keep an eye on their driving stats. Will McIlroy carry more than usual? Will Fleetwood reduce his spin rate? Will their drives land in better positions relative to the field? This equipment change offers a test case.

 

Golf enthusiasts should also be on the lookout for comments in press conferences. If either player confirms they’ve switched permanently or are just testing, that signals the next step. 

Implications for Club-Fitting and Amateurs

If this driver range becomes available to the public, golf clubs and fitters will start including it in their demo racks. Players who have struggled with earlier versions might see this as the time to explore a change. Fitters will look at the launch conditions, spin, and dispersion to decide if the Standard, LS, or Max variant fits the individual golfer’s swing.

 

More club fitters now use launch monitors like GCQuad and TrackMan to help players understand how each head performs. These tools show carry distance, spin, angle of attack, and ball speed. It’s changing how both professionals and amateurs choose gear.

 

In retail spaces, simulators are also now more common. Players can test gear on-site, even when indoors. This tech lets fitters test how heads like the Qi4D perform under real swing conditions.

Global Demand Rising for Smarter, Faster Gear

Demand for golf gear in 2025 is growing worldwide. Countries across Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America are showing strong buying trends for gear that includes new materials or smart features. TaylorMade’s release will likely catch attention across these markets, too.

 

As tech continues to advance, the mix of sensors, carbon shells, and forged alloys are giving players more feedback and feel than ever. Golfers want speed and control, and the Qi4D launch may hit that sweet spot. As the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship gets underway, all eyes will be on Fleetwood and McIlroy. And their new drivers.