McIlroy on song following switch to new Titleist equipment

Anyone that witnessed the final round of this weekend’s Alfred Dunhill Links Championship will have had the pleasure of watching two of Titleist’s Brand Ambassadors do battle as Northern Irish pair Michael Hoey (Pro V1x) and Rory McIlroy (Pro V1x) duelled for the title. The spoils ultimately went to Michael Hoey following a stunning finish which saw him birdie three of the closing four holes to edge out his fellow Titleist Ambassador by two strokes.

Despite narrowly missing out on the title, there is no doubt that the form of Rory McIlroy was worthy of note. A final round of 65 (-7) on the Old Course, which included a simply stunning outward half of 30, was evidence that the reigning U.S. Open Champion is poised for a strong end to the season as he looks to topple fellow Pro V1x loyalist Luke Donald at the top of the 2011 Race to Dubai Rankings.

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This form was particularly rewarding to see from a Titleist perspective as Rory decided the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship was the perfect time to put the new 712 MB irons and Vokey Design SM4 wedges into play for the first time. This decision followed a successful testing session during practice under the watchful eye of Titleist Tour Technician Mattias Jelver.

As Rory began his testing of the new 712 MB iron, the latest iteration of Titleist’s tour-proven muscle back design, Mattias suggested that the world number three test a stronger version of his current Project X iron shaft in light of his physical development. Rory has worked tirelessly on his fitness and is able to swing it harder and faster than ever thanks to his physical conditioning. Rory really liked the look and feel of the new 712 MB head and coupled with the stronger Project X 7.0 shaft, the set provided a stronger flight with slightly reduced spin. The move from a Project X 6.5 into a Project X 7.0 helped improve Rory’s ball speed by 2-3 mph which ultimately delivered the young Ulsterman an extra 5 yards of distance with each iron.

Rory was clearly delighted with his new set of 712 MB and headed to the course during Tuesday practice to put them through their paces alongside his new Vokey Design SM4 wedges. It clearly didn’t take Rory long to adjust to his change in specification and the decision and the new equipment went straight in the bag for the event itself. Four sublime rounds of golf later and it would seem that player and equipment have quickly found a perfect harmony.

After a successful fit with our Tour Team, Rory’s new specifications are listed below:

Model: MB (712)
Composition: #3-9
Shaft: Project X 7.0
Length: Standard (#6 iron @ 37.5”)
Loft: 1° Strong (#6 iron @ 30°)
Lie: Standard (#6 iron @ 62.5°)
Grips: Golf Pride Multi-Compound Black/Yellow .580 (+1/64”)
Swingweight: D2

Model: Vokey Design SM4 (Raw Finish)
Loft / Bounce: 46.07, 54.08, 54.11, 60.04
Shaft: Project X 6.5
Length: Standard
Lie: Standard
Grips: Golf Pride Multi-Compound Black/Yellow .580 (+1/64”)
Swingweight: D5 (46.07 @ D3)

Equipped with the new 712 MB and Vokey Design SM4 Wedges, we will watch with great interest as Rory heads into the home straight of the European Tour season with realistic designs on both the Race to Dubai title and the coveted number one spot in the Official World Golf Rankings.

Add comment October 4th, 2011

Hoey Shines through at the Home of Golf

Titleist Brand Ambassador Michael Hoey wrote another wonderful chapter in the remarkable story of Northern Irish Golf as the Ulsterman finished spectacularly at the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship to record a two shot winning margin from fellow countryman and Titleist Ambassador Rory McIlroy.

Hoey, who began the week in 271st in the Official World Golf Rankings carded a stellar final round of 68 at St Andrews, which included three birdies in his final four holes, for a winning total of 22-under par (266). What a way to close out a tournament and claim the Championship!!! This was Michael’s second European Tour Title of the season after an earlier season success at the Madeira Islands Open in May. The win at the Alfred Dunhill Championship came with a first prize of €588,148 and propelled Michael into the world’s top 100; into 15th spot on the Race to Dubai standings; and ensures his place at the season-ending Dubai World Championship later in the year.

“It’s just amazing what winning a big tournament can do for you,” said Hoey. “Winning the Dunhill Links will open a lot of doors for me and getting into huge tournaments like the Dubai World Championship is one of the biggest benefits. I’m ecstatic.”

Victory for Hoey comes hot on the heels of last week’s win by fellow Titleist Ambassador Kenneth Ferrie who claimed the title at the Austrian GolfOpen and continues the momentum for the new 712 series irons on the European Tour. 712 series irons have found their way into the winner’s circle on numerous occasions on the PGA Tour with the likes of Nick Watney (712 AP2), Chris Kirk (712 CB) and Scott Stallings (712 AP2) all claiming victory with the new irons. Kenneth Ferrie’s win in Austria marked the maiden victory for 712 series irons on the European Tour with the likeable Geordie trusting 712 CB for his success and this momentum has continued with Michael Hoey trusting 712 AP2 on his way to victory at the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship. There has been an overwhelming acceptance for the new 712 series irons across the worldwide professional tours and this new iron line, available in AP1, AP2, CB and MB models, will begin shipping to golf shops across Europe from mid-November. Stay tuned to Team Titleist for more information on this exciting new iron line over the weeks to come.

Huge congratulations to Michael Hoey, who will be looking to continue his fantastic form for the remainder of the season and is no doubt already looking forward to the Dubai World Championship where he will have the opportunity to play for one of the richest prizes in all of golf.

Here’s a closer look at Michael Hoey’s Titleist equipment:

Ball: Pro V1x
Driver: 910D3 8.5°
Fairway: 910F 13.5°
Irons: AP2 (712 Series) 3-PW & AP2 (710 Series) #2 Iron
Wedges: Vokey Design Spin Milled 54°, 58°

As well as being the choice of the champion, Michael Hoey, Titleist also topped the golf ball count at the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship with the iconic Pro V1 franchise accounting for 100 players compared to 22 for the nearest competitor. In addition, Titleist also topped the counts for irons, hybrids and wedges at the event.

Add comment October 4th, 2011