Rory McIlroy returning to trusted irons ahead of Pebble Beach title defence

The Masters champion arrives at his first PGA Tour start of the season after abandoning a recent equipment trial, opting to move away from cavity-back irons and back to the blades he has long trusted. The switch experiment delivered mixed results, with a third-place finish at the Dubai Invitational followed by a tie for 33rd at the Hero Dubai Desert Classic.

McIlroy has since confirmed he will not continue with the new set-up, choosing instead to rely on proven equipment as he targets a strong showing at the prestigious California event.

"I had a strong finish to the season last year, played well in the Middle East, went on to Australia, which was a great experience, sort of messed around with some different iron set-ups and sort of messed around with like a different ball and a few equipment changes," McIlroy said at a press conference.

"That experiment is over - back to the trusty irons that I have played basically my whole career. (My) game feels in good shape.

"I had two weeks in Dubai to sort of shake the rust off, played OK, wasn't anything spectacular, but I have had two nice weeks at home and done some practice. I feel pretty good coming in here."

Following his triumph at Pebble Beach, McIlroy carried that form through the season by lifting a second Players Championship title and later sealing the career grand slam with a dramatic play-off victory over Justin Rose at Augusta.

The Northern Irishman is hoping a strong performance this weekend can once again provide the spark and confidence needed as he looks ahead to the tests still to come.

"It was a perfect way to start the year here last year, (so I am) hoping for something similar this week," he said.

McIlroy will be joined at the PGA Tour's first 'Signature Event' of the season by World No 1 Scottie Scheffler.