Nike vs Titleist: Comparing Rory

On the off chance Rory McIlroy fails to match his recent success this season, many will no doubt be quick to point the finger at an equipment switch so early in his career.

None more so than Sir Nick Faldo, who has already expressed concern of the 23-year-old’s move to Nike from Titleist - the brand that had been associated with the Ulsterman ever since he turned pro in 2007.  

“Equipment is all part of your DNA,” Faldo said several months ago. “The feel of them, how they sound, everything is about feel. I’d be really careful about that. This is a very dangerous time for him.”

Even McIlroy’s good friend Graeme McDowell recently admitted that making wholesale equipment changes in 2011 following his 2010 US Open win contributed to a dip in form, while Englishman Ross Fisher, who transferred to Nike in January last year, revealed he suffered a similar fate.

“It took me some time to become fully comfortable with the new clubs,” said Fisher, who like McIlroy, Kyle Stanley and Nick Watney, moved from Titleist to Nike. “I feel comfortable now with everything in the bag, but it does take some time.”

Okay, I know what you’re thinking. Rory is a different kettle of fish to Ross. He could probably win a major with 14 rods. Maybe. But a number of other top players have struggled to maintain their form when switching brands down the years, most notably major champions such as Corey Pavin, Ernie Els, Jim Furyk and Martin Kaymer.

And in terms of playing Nike equipment, let’s not forget it took Tiger Woods nearly a decade to work his way into a new set of Nike clubs, with the last step coming at the 2010 Open when he bagged the Method putter.

Yes, Nike can attempt to re-create McIlroy’s former clubs to the precise degree and style, but at the end of the day, they won’t ever be the same.

As expected, McIlroy gushed about all his new toys during his press conference on Monday. And it couldn’t have got off to a worse possible start as he missed the cut at the Abu Dhabi Golf Championship this week. But it’s far too soon to judge - even the best have their off weeks.

Of all the transfers, the new ball would appear to carry most risk given few professionals spin the ball more than McIlroy. Dialing in the right ball and driver combination could also prove a major hurdle to overcome, which is something Louis Oosthuizen’s coach Pete Cowen alluded to this week.

“Trajectories will change and how the flight of the ball differs can have an effect on how a player sees a shot - it can have a psychological effect,” said Cowen, who has taught several players who have gone through the process of changing manufacturer, including McDowell. 

“It can also make distance control more difficult. It also affects the short game because how chips react and the ball grabbing the green will differ.”

So what is different about McIlroy's new Nike gear to his old Titleist clobber? Let's take a closer look. Click here to continue reading.