The variable-profile Compression Channel on Vapor Pro was last seen on Nike's VR Pro driver lineup a few years ago. To achieve the combination the four-time major was looking for, Nike engineers blended two key technologies - Nike's FlyBeam reinforced Covert Cavity Back design, and a re-engineered Compression Channel - from recent driver offerings to generate increased ball speeds and stability. Aside from the head shape feedback, McIlroy wanted add more stability and speed to Vapor Pro. McIlroy played a major role in the design process of Vapor Pro - a 460cc driver that features a pear-shaped profile like his VRS Covert 2.0 Tour driver. But I think everyone saw yesterday, it was the only driver I had out there in the bag."įollowing the driver swap, McIlroy went on to win three points for the victorious European side, including a decisive 5-and-4 rout over Rickie Fowler during Sunday singles. “I wouldn’t be putting it in the bag if I didn’t feel it was better. "This is a driver that I’ve actually been using and practicing with since June,” said McIlroy. What few realized at the time was that McIlroy had actually been working with the new driver since June - McIlroy reportedly saw 8 yards of additional carry with Vapor Pro - and felt comfortable enough with the club's performance to put it in play for the first time. Given McIlroy's success this season with Nike's VRS Covert 2.0 driver, some speculated that pulling one of the most consistent clubs from his bag at the biennial matches was an incredibly risky move. Rory McIlroy turned heads at the Ryder Cup when he arrived at Gleneagles with a Nike Vapor Pro driver in the bag. World Golf Championships-Dell Technologies Match Play