Rory McIlroy believes there is no risk using new driver at Ryder Cup

Rory McIlroy believes there is no risk in changing his driver on the eve of the Ryder Cup at Gleneagles.

McIlroy has won four times this season, including the British Open, WGC-Bridgestone Invitational and US PGA Championship in consecutive appearances, but used a new Nike driver in practice on Tuesday.

Phil Mickelson famously changed from Titleist to Callaway clubs shortly before the 2004 Ryder Cup at Oakland Hills, lost twice on the opening day in partnership with Tiger Woods and won just one point from four matches at Europe stormed to a record nine-point win.

But McIlroy revealed on Wednesday that he had been practising with the club for months and was all too aware of the Mickelson’s struggles a decade ago.

“Phil Mickelson nearly hit me off the first tee in 2004,” joked McIlroy, who was in Detroit as a spectator after helping Europe win the junior Ryder Cup in Ohio. “I was standing down the left-hand side, so I’m very aware of what he did that week.

“Hey look, Phil changed from one equipment manufacturer to another. This is a driver that I’ve actually been using and practising with since June. I wouldn’t be putting it in the bag if I didn’t feel it was better.

“I think everyone saw yesterday it was the only driver I had out there in the bag. It’s looking likely that it’s going to be in the bag this week.”