Equipment

Foresight GCQuad: A Launch Monitor That Can Grow the Game?

Published

9 years ago

Apr 17, 2017

It’s hard to imagine that a $14,000 launch monitor could be the ticket to bringing more people to the sport of golf, but the more time you spend using Foresight’s new GCQuad the more you see the potential. And there may be no company that sees a greater potential for growth in golf right now than Foresight.

“There are 25 million people playing golf, at least occasionally, in the United States,” said Jon Watters, Foresight’s Vice President. “We think we can help triple those numbers.”

Foresight made its first splash in the golf world in 2010. The San Diego-based company released the GC2, a camera-based launch monitor barely bigger than a dozen golf balls that was not only extremely accurate and easy to use, but sold for roughly half the price of leading launch monitors.

“It was the first time a camera-based system was able to go head to head with a radar-based system,” Watters said.

While well received, the GC2 played a secondary role to radar-based launch monitors among die hards because it didn’t provide club head data. That changed in 2013 when the company released HMT (head measurement technology), a complimentary launch monitor that attached to the GC2 to provide the whole picture at impact: ball and club data. It wasn’t just a “me too” product; its club data was arguably more accurate than what leading radar systems produced.

Foresight’s GCQuad.

This year, Foresight is launching an all-in-one unit called GCQuad that the company says is twice as accurate as it previous models. It’s also at least twice as fun thanks to an add-on software called “Zombie Golf” that will sell for $495. Our Zak Kozuchowski exchanged emails with Watters about Foresight and the GCQuad for the Q&A below.

WRX: Shortly after launch, the GCQuad was already oversold by more than a month. Who is buying the new units, and why are they buying them?

Jon Watters: We extended a special offer to existing customers that allowed them to trade-in their existing technology as a partial payment for the new GCQuad unit. We have been overwhelmed by the response and corresponding orders that resulted from this offer. It was really cool to see two units from our first 10 production units getting traded-in for GCQuads. I think that speaks to the quality of design and engineering that goes into all the technology we produce here in San Diego.

Why they buy the new GCQuad may vary between customers, but again I think it’s because of the reputation we have earned in the marketplace in delivering the very best technology available today. In fact, all the new features in the GCQuad are a result of customer feedback and requests to make the experience with our products even better and easier to use.

WRX: How have launch monitors changed golf? Has Foresight made a specific impact?

JW: Launch monitors have impacted just about every aspect of golf. In many ways it’s similar to how smartphone technology has impacted our lives. In the span of a decade they went from a luxury item to being an integral part of our everyday lives. The same goes for launch monitors. Today, launch monitors are an integral part of instruction, fitting and even recreational gameplay because people are getting immediate, tangible benefits from using them. Our specific influence on this shift comes from making the launch monitor more accurate, reliable, user-friendly and cost-accessible to everyone who enjoys the game.

We were also the first company to make a launch monitor that could effectively support true-to-life golf simulation. Golf simulators used to have a reputation as “entertainment devices” and weren’t viewed as a serious golf tool. Now, thanks largely to our technology’s ability to go indoors without compromising accuracy or reliability, you see golf simulators everywhere: retail stores, hotels, recreational facilities and in the homes of casual players and tour pros alike. This simply wasn’t the case before Foresight Sports existed.

WRX: What allows Foresight’s launch monitors to be so accurate? How was the new GCQuad made to be more accurate than GC2 and HMT? Basically, the question I’m getting at is, “What’s Foresight’s competitive advantage at the moment?”

JW: There are two key things about our technology that offer a distinct advantage when it comes to accuracy. The first is positioning. Camera-based technology like ours allows our launch monitors to be optimally positioned to measure — not calculate — what happens at the moment of ball and club impact. Measuring from any other position, such as behind the golfer as other technologies do, means critical elements of data are being missed that simply can’t be calculated, validated or reproduced from other captured information.

The second key advantage of our launch monitors is the virtually unlimited ceiling of technological advancement. Just as with computer processors, image-capturing technologies continue to rapidly redefine the state of the art when it comes to size, power and precision. Like its GC2 predecessor, the GCQuad leverages the most advanced technologies available today — faster processors, higher resolution image sensors, next generation connectivity — it’s all in there. To put this in perspective, our GC2 was the most advanced and accurate launch monitor in the industry when we released it in 2010. Today, the GCQuad captures 10 times as much information as the GC2. Our core capturing and analysis technologies only continue to evolve and get better.

WRX: Can you foresee a time when people would rather play golf on a launch monitor instead of “real” golf?

JW: Absolutely. In fact, since the inception of golf simulators, there has been a segment of players who prefer the virtual game experience to the “real” experience. Back in the late ’90s I saw this firsthand when I was involved with an indoor golf facility in Louisville, Kentucky. And by all indications, the segment of players who prefer the virtual experience is only going to grow.

The reason why virtual golf is poised to see explosive growth is two-fold. The first reason is the evolution of the technology itself. Every aspect of the virtual golf experience continues to get better – more accurate, more real, more cost accessible – making it harder to justify the advantages of the “real” experience. When you add in the ability to engage players with gaming experiences like shooting at zombies or playing a round at a famous course with three other players from around the world, the appeal of virtual golf becomes obvious.

The second reason is the inherent scaling limits of the traditional game. We can build a facility full of state-of-the-art simulation bays at a fraction of the cost – and space requirements – of a golf course development or expansion. The reality is that worldwide land resources are limited, and new golf course creation is becoming increasingly harder to justify. The traditional game of golf is now in a state of attrition, and anyone who doesn’t see that isn’t paying attention. In my opinion, the virtual experience is critical for the game of golf to be viable moving forward, and I believe technology companies like ours will play a key part in making this happen.

WRX: You mentioned Zombie Golf. How did that come about?

JW: Zombie Golf is actually the first gaming app created by our in-house Game Studios team. The genesis of the idea itself came from a creative session we held with the team late last year. Everyone was encouraged to bring a game idea to the session that would engage, entertain and hopefully inspire a new audience of non-players to get in the game of golf. After discussing a myriad of ideas, Zombie Golf was unanimously voted the first game we would build to launch in conjunction with the PGA Show and the GCQuad introduction.

Beyond its appeal to both golfers and non-golfers, we see Zombie Golf evolving into a multi-level game that might even spill over into traditional golf play. Imagine playing a round of golf on one of our virtual courses and having zombies suddenly invade your course. That’s what we call changing the game!

Learn more about Foresight and the GCQuad at foresightsports.com.

Related Topics:foresight launch monitors

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42 Comments

Pingback: GolfWRX Members Choice: Best launch monitor of 2021 – GolfWRX
Bernardo L Barkley

Jul 22, 2020 at 11:04 am

I love my Quad best golf purchase I ever made hands down, only cause it takes the pictures at impact. Helped me game and helped me understand my swing better, and on top of that it is portable this hands down the best launch monitor out there

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Pingback: Will A $14,000 Launch Monitor Help Or Kill The Game Of Golf? | Dog Leg News
Barry

Apr 19, 2017 at 12:29 am

Golf is dead! Golf is to complicated and expensive for the selfie generation. Girls hit the gym and social media, guys go cycling etc. where you can be ‘good’ and reach a decent level within 2 years. I love golf and play it a lot but it is just not attractive enough in these times. Sadly said!

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Matt

Apr 18, 2017 at 9:49 pm

This idea will definitely pull people off of the course to go play a game indoors. Good. I’m tired of a 5hr rounds of cart golf. The ones that truly love the game will stay and play and keep some courses afloat some will sink. The ebb and flow of golf depends on the die-hards, and them passing the game on.

Can’t keep growing a game it’s got to shrink at some point…

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J Zilla

Apr 18, 2017 at 5:40 pm

I can definitely see this growing the game (however that’s defined) especially in major cities like NY or Tokyo. I can’t even imagine how the average NYer is even able to play regularly lugging their clubs on the train or driving an hour out of the city. But I can see a simulator range a few blocks away having a lot of appeal.

Throw in some goofy games like the Zombie thing and put them into places like Dave & Busters and now you have more people playing at night or during the winter and it’s fun for the average non-serious golf person similar to how TopShot golf is.

I guess it comes down to the definition of growing the game, though. I mean I consider myself a pretty serious golfer even though most of time is spent on the typical outdoor range not on a course. How is that any different than playing on a simulator? Might even be better for my game simulating holes instead of standard range work

Reply Report comment
- TR1PTIK
  
  Apr 19, 2017 at 10:10 am
  
  +1
  
  Reply Report comment
Josh

Apr 18, 2017 at 10:41 am

So trackman gets crushed on these boards for being ‘too expensive’ but this will grow the game? Seems like sponsored content and should be labeled as such in all fairness.

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Patrick norm

Apr 18, 2017 at 7:27 am

Golf grew because of the advent of seeing players like Palmer and Nicklaus on television. There was an explosion of players and courses throughout the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s. There was also the explosion of baby boomers who when unable or unwilling to jog or play tennis transitioned to golf. Now that boomers are slowly leaving golf, they are not being replaced by millennial athletes . I introduced my 3 kids to golf at an early age and currently non of them play because of time and expense.
I don’t know if this less expensive launch monitor will re introduce them to golf , but it fits the explosion of the smart phone, tablet and lap tops. And most importantly, time. Maybe these guys are onto a trend. We need more meillenials in golf to,replace the baby boomers. It’s called critical mass and golf is barely hanging on.

Reply Report comment
Mat

Apr 18, 2017 at 7:10 am

So Wall-E was a documentary, huh…

Reply Report comment
- Matt
  
  Apr 18, 2017 at 9:40 pm
  
  +10
  
  Reply Report comment
Harry

Apr 17, 2017 at 4:52 pm

Likely to grow the acade space game but not the actual game unless it gets a few new folks to step outside to a course. Plus it’s not like an arcade will be selling clubs (and if so not decent ones). The real market is as it has been- pros, instructors, and fitters.

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Tyler

Apr 17, 2017 at 3:06 pm

i think the GC2 is what the major golf retailers use in their hitting bays. Employees have told me they are off about 30% on distance.

For example i was hitting a 9 iron 125-130 in a bay. Same day went to the outdoor range, no wind. I was about 135 all day with it. My usual distance for a nine iron.

Just give me the outdoor’s and a laser.

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chinchbugs

Apr 17, 2017 at 1:41 pm

$14k makes that $3k set of irons seem not that bad…. #SorryBob (Parsons)

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Barry

Apr 17, 2017 at 1:18 pm

I can see this being a great way for newer teachers and average golfers to have a more affordable launch monitor.

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Ron

Apr 17, 2017 at 12:14 pm

This is not the future of golf. Notwithstanding the investment, which I’ll get to next, there is NO ONE I currently know that calls me up on a beautiful summer day and asks me to come spend a few hours in their dark basement rather than playing the real sport outdoors. Simulated rounds are good for winter, and that’s it. And even then, I still golf in Jan and Feb if we get a mild day. The market for these is fitters and indoor simulators. People who do personally purchase will do it for two reasons. 1) Practice and the need for good information. And these are the serious ones who know what to do with that information. or 2) for fun. If you are buying it for the practice, not only do they need to be serious golfers, but they also have to be able to afford a $15k investment. The market there is SO small. If you are buying it for fun, you already have affordable options out there like Opti Shot that cost less than $500. Sure the accuracy and data isn’t great, but it’s just for fun. If simulated golf was truly the “future of golf”, I would have expected by now to see a lot more of my buddies owning Opti Shots. And here’s the other thing, you also need SPACE to use it! You can’t just set this up in your living room and even most basements don’t have the required ceiling height. There are so many reasons why these things are never going to take off. They’re great in the markets they are in right now. I think the only time we will see somewhat of an uptick in this market for personal LMs, is when affordability meets accuracy. The closest I’ve seen so far is the SkyTrack that you can get for under $2k. But even that isn’t jumping off the shelves. Get out there and play.

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- larrybud
  
  Apr 17, 2017 at 3:23 pm
  
  You realize half the country doesn’t play golf for the better of 3-4 months?
  
  Reply Report comment
KC

Apr 17, 2017 at 11:35 am

A $14K launch monitor is going to grow the game?! This is honestly the stupidest thing I’ve read on WRX.

Reply Report comment
- Thus
  
  Apr 17, 2017 at 4:09 pm
  
  Indoor golf facilities are growing, people are too busy too play 4 hour rounds, and the weather is not always sunny.
  These things are growing golf whether you are a hater or not.
  Not all units are being brought for personal use only.
  
  Reply Report comment
david

Apr 17, 2017 at 10:56 am

What an f’d up world…all phones have done aside from turning the human race into fat fat zombies who look down at a screen all day as they walk into oncoming cars, is slowly put an end to human communication and interaction. I suppose golf courses will eventually be obsolete in the same way. I’m glad I’m now in my 60’s and won’t be around to see the ugly future we have painted for our race.

Reply Report comment
- JD
  
  Apr 17, 2017 at 11:05 am
  
  Those microchips in those phones also make devices keeping you alive well into your 90’s pal…
  
  Reply Report comment
  - Pal
    
    Apr 17, 2017 at 11:23 am
    
    Yeah pal. Keep your opinion to yourself and be thankful for all those amazing microchips keeping you alive.
    
    Reply Report comment
  - freowho
    
    Apr 17, 2017 at 8:57 pm
    
    But the world is overpopulated. We need people to die. Have you seen the movie Wall-E? Playing golf on simulators is not about being time poor. It’s because people can’t walk anymore.
    
    Reply Report comment
toad

Apr 17, 2017 at 10:40 am

Companies like this are definitely the future of golf. Kinda sad… golf is meant to be played outside in the fresh air. That being said, you’ll see more Zombie golfers in the future.

Reply Report comment
- JD
  
  Apr 17, 2017 at 11:01 am
  
  Totally agree, but would you rather play virtual golf at Pebble Beach in your own home, or drive 30min for a $60 tee time, only to play on crap greens and bunkers that aren’t taken care of…. Unless you’re paying $100+, you’re not playing true golf on a well manicured course.
  
  Reply Report comment
  - Truth
    
    Apr 17, 2017 at 11:32 am
    
    Sounds like you need to move somewhere with better golf courses if all you’re playing on are those with crap greens and unkept bunkers. I play “true golf” all the time on great semi-private courses that run me $40-50/round. If you define “true golf” as a round that is only played on PGA tour quality tracks then maybe you should find a different hobby. And, frankly, if you’re investing $14K in a LM or sim because you’re such a course snob then you’re part of the reason why those local courses can’t keep up with the high standard of conditions you so nobly demand.
    
    Reply Report comment
    - ooffa
      
      Apr 17, 2017 at 12:23 pm
      
      C’mon, Truth, Leave the guy alone. Just because in the trailer park town you live in you can play a nice course for 50 bucks doesn’t mean it’s like that everywhere.
      
      Reply Report comment
    - JD
      
      Apr 17, 2017 at 12:27 pm
      
      Read below man. Their price point is no where near competitive to create demand. They will continue to just try to grow their market share of pro golfers and golf shops and are completely ignoring 85% of the market…
      
      I moved from Mich to VA and there is quite the difference with public courses and how far your $ takes you…
      
      Reply Report comment
  - TR1PTIK
    
    Apr 17, 2017 at 12:56 pm
    
    I think your definition of “true golf” is a little different from the guys who invented the game or my own. I agree that bunkers with massive footprints and the like in them is unacceptable, but expecting every course in the world to be of similar quality to PGA Tour courses is a bit unreasonable or realistic. Play it as it lies.
    
    Reply Report comment
  - toad
    
    Apr 18, 2017 at 12:10 am
    
    Very good point… When they get cheap enough I wouldn’t mind having one. Especially if I still live in the Northwest.
    
    Reply Report comment
N. D. Boondocks

Apr 17, 2017 at 10:35 am

Other games I’d like to see and play during our long (long, long) winter….
Golf Battleship
whack the ballpicker
tic tac toe
caps (like the beer drinking game)
duck shoot (like the carnival game)
that challenge shooting range in the dirty harry movie

Reply Report comment
- Burton
  
  Apr 17, 2017 at 12:06 pm
  
  It’s not compatible with Foresight, but E6 offers a Carnival Shooting Game through E6 Cloud.
  
  https://e6golf.com/e6-cloud/
  
  Reply Report comment
Adam

Apr 17, 2017 at 10:14 am

I can see this being the case in very crowded urban environments or in winter. However, fact is you’re still hitting off a mat. Half of the challenge is dealing with lies, wind, hazards, breaks on the green, green speeds, etc.

Reply Report comment
- TR1PTIK
  
  Apr 17, 2017 at 11:39 am
  
  Probably the most valid comment so far. Regardless of price (and $14K is a good price currently) the ability for larger facilities to incorporate this kind of technology will help grow the game because it makes the game more accessible and enjoyable for a whole new demographic. I’d hate to see the traditional golf course go away (hopefully that will never happen), but the potential to grow the game is there. All of you guys complaining about cost because you want one in your garage are completely missing the big picture. It is unlikely that a $1000 LM will ever be made that also incorporates the same level of accuracy. If you want, we can use the smartphone analogy again. Look at the price? Has it changed much over the past decade? If anything, prices have gone up slightly. Yes, there are smartphones available at more affordable prices, but they are inferior in quality and function because they use older technologies to reach those price points. To that point, it is possible one day to get a GC2-quality device for ~$1000, but it will look like a toy in comparison to whatever current-gen products come to market. The biggest drawback of this technology is like Adam said, no wind, no variation in lie, or breaks on the green.
  
  Reply Report comment
Dat

Apr 17, 2017 at 9:56 am

Great! Now reduce the price by $13,500 and then you can “grow the game” lol.

Reply Report comment
- Mathieu Fournier
  
  Apr 17, 2017 at 11:26 am
  
  Exactly
  
  Reply Report comment
JD

Apr 17, 2017 at 9:53 am

If they’re going to compare these to smartphones, then lets continue with the analogy…

Apple was only widely successful as a company when they put a device (iPhone) in our hands that was 1st better than anything else, and 2nd affordable to the masses. Prior that they were branded as a luxury computer company, marketed for all but available for few.

Now to Foresight… without question putting launch monitor data in people’s hands makes golf affordable because you can practice for free and play virtual courses for free… something everyone would take advantage of…. for the right price…

These things need to get to the $1000 range to have any sort of ROI for us golf fans. If they are truly looking to “grow the game” and grow their business, they should really learn from Apple… your software is your IP, get the cost to manufacture down and make it a reasonable price point, and these would be in the garage of every MILDLY interested golf fan…

Avg golfer does not need club path data and all that noise, we want distance, club head speed, spin rate and enough data to put a reliable line on the ball. If you had $1000 for a golf season, would you spend it on 10-12 rounds of golf, or unlimited rounds of virtual golf, rain or shine, in the comfort of your own home…

Reply Report comment
Dick Kusleika

Apr 17, 2017 at 9:51 am

Action Figure Man: the how to buy action figure man episode

Reply Report comment
Jack Nash

Apr 17, 2017 at 9:13 am

14 G’s? Grow the Game? Why, if that’s the case, I’ll take 2.

Reply Report comment
Pike

Apr 17, 2017 at 8:55 am

Zombie golf… What a time to be alive.

Reply Report comment
ooffa

Apr 17, 2017 at 8:54 am

Nice Ad

Reply Report comment
- Cris
  
  Apr 17, 2017 at 11:40 pm
  
  I think there should be some disclosure stating that this is paid advertisement. This sound like an article, but rather like an advertorial.
  
  Reply Report comment

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Whats in the Bag

Christiaan Maas WITB 2026 (June)

Published

1 hour ago

Jun 11, 2026

GolfWRX Staff

Driver: TaylorMade Qi4D LS (8 degrees)
Shaft: Fujikura Ventus TR Blue 6 X

3-wood: TaylorMade Qi10 (15 degrees)
Shaft: Fujikura Ventus Black 9 TX

Irons: TaylorMade P770 (3), TaylorMade P7CB (4), TaylorMade P7TW (5-PW)
Shafts: Fujikura Ventus Black HB 10 X, True Temper Dynamic Gold X100

Wedges: TaylorMade Prototype (50-SB09), TaylorMade MG5 (56-HB12, 60-LV07)
Shafts: True Temper Dynamic Gold S400

Putter: TaylorMade TP Juno

Ball: Titleist Pro V1x

Grips: Golf Pride Tour Velvet Cord

Check out more in-hand photos of Christiaan Maas’ clubs here.

Equipment

TaylorMade MySpider Tour and Tour X: More customizable build options now available

Published

1 hour ago

Jun 11, 2026

Alistair Cameron

TaylorMade Golf’s MySpider program underwent a substantial overhaul over the last month. Firstly, the company launched the option to customize the Spider ZT model, and now the program has returned with the MySpider Tour and MySpider Tour X.

The revamped page now gives golfers complete control over every visual and functional detail of their putter on the popular Tour and Tour X head, with every cosmetic idea thought of. In MySpider Tour, golfers can choose from four head finishes, 16 paint fill colors, nine Surlyn face insert colors, three aluminum insert options, six sightline configurations, and four hosel options — L-neck, small slant, double bend, center shaft. Six sightline options are available in MySpider Tour, including the optically engineered True Path alignment system. MySpider Tour X gives builders the option of four head finishes, four hosel configurations, and five sightline options, also including True Path alignment.

One of the more interesting features of the new MySpider program is the availability of three distinct face insert options. Along with the usual Surlyn Pure Roll insert trusted by Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy, which can be customized from nine colors, golfers can now also select firmer options. Two are offered with the black aluminum Pure Roll insert, slightly firmer than the traditional insert, or for the firmest feel, golfers can choose from two colors of milled aluminum inserts.

Another fun addition to the MySpider Tour is the ability to use the “Tommy Sightline.” The custom alignment aid design, which was first drawn onto Tommy Fleetwood’s putter by PGA Tour Rep James Holley, is based on the milled sightline on his Spider ZT head. There are five shorter lines on the left and right of a longer central line serving as the traditional short line alignment aid.

See below for the full specifications sheet for MySpider Tour and Tour X:

MySpider Tour

MySpider Tour X

Equipment

Then and now: Comparing Rory McIlroy’s current setup to his record-breaking 2019 Canadian Open victory

Published

4 hours ago

Jun 11, 2026

Alistair Cameron

In Rory McIlroy’s first appearance at the 2019 RBC Canadian Open, he crushed the record books to earn his 16th PGA Tour title in dominating fashion, winning by seven shots over Shane Lowry and Webb Simpson.

McIlroy’s score of 22-under-par 258 is the lowest 72-hole score to date at the Canadian Open, and his closing 61 is also the best final-round score in the history of one of golf’s oldest tournaments. Finally, with his win in 2019, McIlroy became only the sixth player to win the career Triple Crown, adding to his victories at the U.S. Open in 2011 and The Open Championship in 2014, joining Tommy Armour, Walter Hagen, Arnold Palmer, Lee Trevino and Tiger Woods in a coveted list.

So, with that, why not compare his current setup to the clubs he used to break all the records?

Driver

2019: TaylorMade M5 (9 degrees), Shaft: Mitsubishi Tensei CK Pro White 70 TX
2026: TaylorMade Qi4D (9 degrees @8), Shaft: Fujikura Ventus Black 7X (45 5/8 inches)

McIroy led the Tour in Strokes Gained: Off-the-Tee in 2019; he’s doing the same in 2026. Between now and then, McIlroy has switched from the Mitsubishi Tensei CK Pro White 70 TX (a shaft with slightly more feeling in the tip) to the original Fujikura Ventus Black 7X, having just made the change to the heavier version from playing the 60X.

What’s interesting about McIlroy’s 2019 setup is that the weighting on his driver is actually set in the high-draw setting, using the T-Track weighting system, whereas in the Qi4D, he’s currently using a heavily rear-weighted setup. (Two 13-gram weights in the rear and only two 4-gram front weights.)

The TaylorMade M5 driver he played in during his Canadian Open win was the company’s first head that they claimed to design to initially exceed the USGA’s COR limit, and then injected with tuning resin to bring it back in bounds.

Fairway woods

2019: TaylorMade M6 3-wood (15 degrees), Shaft: Mitsubishi Tensei CK Pro White 80 TX; TaylorMade M5 5-wood (19 degrees), Shaft: Mitsubishi Tensei CK Pro White 90 TX
2026: TaylorMade Qi4D 3-wood (15 degrees), Shaft: Fujikura Ventus Black 8X; TaylorMade Qi4D 5-wood (18 degrees), Shaft: Fujikura Ventus Black 9X

The TaylorMade M6 fairway wood that McIlroy was using during the 2019 season is still in the bag of some of the best golfers on Tour in 2026. Just check out Justin Rose’s winning setup from the Farmers Insurance Open earlier this year. This year, though, McIlroy has still been searching for his top-end-of-the-bag setup, having played both the new Qi4D and the Qi10, which he won the Masters with.

The same shaft swap can be seen in the fairway woods as the driver, along with slightly less loft on the 5-wood.

Irons

2019: TaylorMade P750 (4) Buy here, TaylorMade P730 (5-9), Shafts: Project X 7.0
2026: TaylorMade P760 (4), TaylorMade Rors Proto (5-9), Shafts: Project X 7.0

The biggest difference between McIlroy’s custom set and the stock P730s is the groove design. While the P730s were constructed with 14 MX-9 grooves on their milled faces, McIlroy’s proto heads instead use the higher-spinning, 16-groove layout of the TW2 grooves. Other big differences between the sets are that McIlroy’s 7- and 8-irons have thinner toplines, are 1 degree stronger in loft, and are 1/4 inch longer than the original P730 builds.

With McIlroy’s 4-iron, the switch from P750 to P760 sees a transition to a two-piece construction with Speed Foam in it, which allows McIlroy to launch the ball slightly higher, with more workability.

Wedges

2019: TaylorMade Milled Grind (48-09SB), TaylorMade MG Hi-Toe (52-09SB, 56-09SB, 60-LB09), Shafts: Project X Rifle 6.5
2026: TaylorMade MG5 (46-09SB, 50-09SB, 54-11SB, 60-08LB @61), Shafts: Project X 6.5 (46-54), Project X 6.5 Wedge (60)

Between 2019 and 2026, McIlroy’s focus on his short game has been much more apparent. It was the reason why he switched back to the TP5 golf ball, to help with launch, spin and control with his wedges leading up to his career Grand Slam victory in 2025. The most apparent changes to McIlroy’s wedge setup are his lofts and bounce. He’s slowly delofted his pitching to a sand wedge, but has increased the loft on the lob wedge, bending his current 60-degree to 61. With that, adding more loft to his lob wedge also slightly increases the bounce and leading-edge sit point, so, as a result, he plays a lower-bounce lob wedge compared to 2019. The MG5 wedges are also softer than the first Milled Grind option from 2019. McIlroy also no longer plays the full-face grooves found on the Hi-Toe.

Putter

2019: TaylorMade Spider X
2026: TaylorMade Spider Tour X

Notice anything similar. Yes, the copper finish on Rory McIlroy’s Spider X putter in 2019 is a slightly more reflective finish than the recently released torched PVD finish. McIlroy was using the True Path alignment system, but now uses only a single white sightline.

Ball

2019: 2019 TaylorMade TP5 (#22)
2026: 2025 TaylorMade TP5 (RORS)

As mentioned above, McIlroy had transitioned from the TP5 to TP5x golf ball since his victory in Canada in 2019, but now is black with the same style of golf ball as his victory at Hamilton Golf & Country Club.

Grips

2019: Golf Pride Tour Velvet Cord
2026: Golf Pride MCC

Interesting, McIlroy actually used Golf Pride’s Tour Velvet Cord grips during his victory in 2019 (it was during a 2+ year switch to the corded TV) as opposed to his usual MCC grips, which he has played for most of his career.