Back to the Golf Newsfeed

Rory McIlroy on gaining distance: Want to 'know I have it if I need it'

Rory McIlroy prompted a metaphorical double-take on social media last week when images surfaced of the Northern Irishman tinkering with a new driver shaft that produced Bryson DeChambeau-like golf ball speed (191 mph). On Wednesday, he acknowledged he continues to chase more distance.

“I think length has always been an advantage in this game,” he said at the CJ Cup. “I've always been pretty long. I think what I want to do is at least know that I have it if I need it.”

McIlroy said his recent tinkering wasn’t necessarily related to the well-known gains that DeChambeau has made in recent months but he did say it’s the way the U.