Rory McIlroy is confident that changing his Titleist equipment will not adversely affect his game.
McIlroy being presented with a Race to Dubai-winning Members Clip
The World No 1's impending switch to Nike as part of a deal said to be worth 250 million over 10 years means that this week's European Tour season-ending DP World tour Championship will be his last tournament playing with the equipment that has seen him make such a meteoric rise to the top.
While the likes of Nick Faldo have expressed concern over what effect such a switch could have, McIlroy is confident it won't hurt his game.
Asked by reporters in Dubai on Tuesday if he had any concerns the change could have a negative impact, 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.
"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."
Having already wrapped up the money lists on both sides of the Atlantic, this week's European finale has lost some of its potential interest, leading World No 2 Luke Donald to suggest recalibrating the money-list ahead of
the tournament in order to keep the excitement going until the final event of the season.
McIlroy doesn't agree.
"I think the format is good," he said. "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."
Of winning the Race to Dubai, the Northern Irishman added: "I've had four goes at it and it was great to be able to do it this year.
"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."
Having picked up his second major win in as many years at the US PGA Championship in August, some are already wondering if, like Tiger Woods, he might be eyeing Jack Nicklaus' overall record of 18 major triumphs.
"I've always said I'm never going to put a number on it," he said. "I don't want to do that, I just want to get my third.
"When I get my third then I want to try and get my fourth. A career grand slam is probably the next obvious goal."
golf365.com