McIlroy to use Titleist for last time

Golf:Rory McIlroy has no fears that ditching the Titleist equipment that has taken him to number one in the world will result in any diminishing of his golfing powers. The US PGA champion's switch to Nike clubs next season, a thought to be worth €200 million over 10 years, has been the subject of much debate with six-time major winner Nick Faldo among those questioning his decision.

Asked by reporters in Dubai this afternoon if he had any concerns the change would jeopardise his confidence or form, McIlroy replied: "No, not at all. I think all the manufacturers make great equipment nowadays and it's all very similar - a lot of them get their clubs made at the same factories. I don't think it will make any difference."

Twice major winner McIlroy will bid a fond farewell to his old clubs at the World Tour Championship that starts on Thursday, the end-of-season showpiece event on the European Tour. "I've started the process of trying a few new things," added the 23-year-old.

"I'm still playing with my Titleist clubs - this is the last week - but I've tinkered about a little bit with the new ones, enough to feel comfortable going into next season."

McIlroy said he felt "proud and honoured" to join the long list of greats to have won the European money-list. "I've had four goes at it and it was great to be able to do it this year," he added. “It's been a phenomenal year but I've still got one tournament left and I want to finish the season strong by picking up two trophies at the end of the week."

McIlroy agreed with many of his fellow players when he said the importance of the World Tour Championship had been diluted after he clinched the money-list title nine days ago. However, he disagreed with Ryder Cup team mate Luke Donald who earlier in the day urged the tour to consider recalibrating the money-list ahead of the tournament in order to keep the excitement going until the final event of the season.

"I think the format is good," said McIlroy. "It's a season-long race - that's the way it is. I guess it is a bit of an anti-climax this week but as I said earlier I would love to pick up both trophies come Sunday."