Some things change, some things stay the same for Rory McIlroy in 2026.

McIlroy, the second-ranked golfer in the world, looked the part Thursday in an opening 5-under 66 at the 2026. Dubai Invitational at Dubai Creek Resort in the United Arab Emirates. The Northern Irishman turned in even par before birdieing six of the nine holes on the back side to come home in 31 and take the solo lead into the second round.

What's perhaps more impressive is that he did it with new irons and a new golf ball, too. McIlroy took his TaylorMade RORS prototype irons out of the bag and replaced them with the new P7CB irons, and he is also using an unreleased 2026 TaylorMade TP5 golf ball.

So far, so good for McIlroy.

Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland and caddie Harry Diamond walk on the 13th hole on day one of the Dubai Invitational 2026 at Dubai Creek Resort on January 15, 2026 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

"Yeah, I've been thinking about it for a while. And even in Dubai at the end of last year, I hit a couple of 5-irons that I mis-struck slightly, and instead of it maybe coming up 5 or 7 yards short, it was coming up more like 10 to 15 yards short," McIlroy said of the iron switch. "So I asked the guys at TaylorMade to build me up a set. And I actually went down to Australia with them, and with that firm turf down there, I felt like those irons were going through the turf better than the blades. And I practiced with them at home since.

"And I've got a new golf ball in play this week as well, the new 2026 ball. So overall, I like what I've seen at home, and today was a good test for it, and I felt like everything was pretty good."

His lead is one shot over Connor Syme and David Puig, who didn't arrive in Dubai until Wednesday after spending Monday and Tuesday in the United States at LIV Golf's preseason media event in Florida. The 24-year-old Spaniard had five birdies in his opening 67.

Perhaps the highest praise for McIlroy's round came from good friend Shane Lowry, who played alongside McIlroy on Thursday and opened in 2-under 69.

Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland and Shane Lowry of Ireland share a joke as they walk on the ninth hole on day one of the Dubai Invitational 2026 at Dubai Creek Resort on January 15, 2026 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

Lowry was asked why he believes his best golf is yet to come, and his answer revolved around McIlroy's game.

"I don't know, just the desire to be better and win more and do better," he said. "And I think a lot comes from people you hang around. I'm very fortunate that Rory is a good friend, and to see what he's achieved. And obviously I know, I'm not stupid enough to think I'm going to win a Grand Slam or anything, but I look at him, and he's a great kind of person for me to reach towards. And I always say if I can get even close to him in every tournament and do well coming in, I can have a chance to win.

"I'm a firm believer the people you surround yourself with you kind of become. So, yeah."

This article originally appeared on Golfweek: Rory McIlroy leads Dubai Invitational 2026 with new irons, golf ball