Rory McIlroy to use new driver

GLENEAGLES, Scotland -- Rory McIlroy is putting a new driver in play this week at the Ryder Cup, which can be viewed as a risky move given the high-stakes atmosphere of the competition.

McIlroy was quickly reminded of what occurred in 2004, when Phil Mickelson was criticized for changing equipment on the eve of the event where he went 1-3 in a lopsided U.S. defeat at Oakland Hills.

"Phil Mickelson nearly hit me off the tee in 2004," McIlroy said to laughter Wednesday at Gleneagles, where the 40th Ryder Cup begins on Thursday. "I was standing down the left-hand side, so I'm very aware of what he did that week."

McIlroy, 15 at the time, was in suburban Detroit to witness the Ryder Cup after first competing in the Junior Ryder Cup at a nearby venue.

Things are much different now for the world No. 1, who leads a European side that is considered a strong favorite to retain the Cup and win the competition for the third straight time.

McIlroy won three consecutive tournaments this past summer, including the Open Championship and PGA Championship using a Nike Covert driver. He has gone to one called a Vapor this week and has been using it during practice rounds.

"Hey, look, Phil changed from one equipment manufacturer to another," McIlroy said correctly. "This is a driver that I've been practicing 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, and it's looking likely that it's going to be in the bag this week."