Rory McIlroy has a new club in his bag which he is going to use on day two at the RBC Heritage

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Rory McIlroy has revealed why he was reluctant to use a new club in his bag on day one of the RBC Heritage.

McIlroy is currently in a tie for 10th after his four-under-par 67 in the first round at Harbour Town.

Birdies at the final two holes salvaged what had been a fairly uneventful round for the four-time major champion.

The 34-year-old also carried a new club with him on Thursday; however, it was rarely utilised.

Rory McIlroy shares reluctance to use mini-driver at Harbour Town

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Ahead of the RBC Heritage, McIlroy revealed that he would be ditching his 3-wood and introducing Taylormade’s new BRNR Mini-Driver Copper 13.5-degree club.

The mini driver is the second generation release and features a club head that’s similar to the driver. The club length is smaller than a driver but larger than a 3-wood. Theoretically, the club should allow for more spin and forgiveness than a big stick but slightly more distance than a 3-wood.

McIlroy was spotted using the club in practice but appeared reluctant to pull it out of his bag on Thursday.

Speaking to the media after his round, he revealed why.

“I hit it a little bit today. I think the way the wind was today out of the south meant that in some of the holes I hit it in practice, I was hitting five wood off the tee,” he said [footage via TenGolf].

“There were a couple of holes where I hit mini in the practice round and then driver because the wind was into. It’s a great club, it’s versatile, and I am sure I’ll use it over the next few days.”

Solid start for Rory McIlroy at the RBC Heritage

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McIlroy will be pleased with his first round in the first event after Augusta. Despite his game not being at the level required, he appears to be in good spirits and eager to play his way back into form ahead of the PGA Championship at Valhalla next month.

It’s remarkable to think his last major victory came nearly ten years ago. Of course, a green jacket is his main goal in order to land a career grand slam. But, at this point, the Northern Irishman must start competing when it matters at majors.

Elsewhere at Harbour Town, Colin Morikawa built on his impressive finish at Augusta with a six-under 65 to hold a tie for second. Ludvig Aberg sits one shot adrift of the American on five under.