Rory McIlroy this week  go into an event with four wedges in his bag and for a first time in his career.

The World No. 6 has replaced his 3-iron so that he will now carry a 49-degree wedge, a 52-degree wedge, a 54 degree and a 59-degree wedge.

“I have started off the year well,” McIlroy said.

Rory McIlroy packing four wedges in his bag for a first ever time in his career.

“I was a little disappointed coming off the second place in Abu Dhabi. I felt like I should have won but there were a lot of positives to take from the week. I played very well. I felt like I could have done a few things better which I have worked on over the last week to go into this tournament in Dubai but all in all I am in a good place and really looking forward to 2014.

“Wedge play has been a big thing. I have added that extra wedge into my bag instead of a three-iron. I figured the distance I am hitting the ball just now, I am going to be hitting more wedges into greens than three-irons. To be able to give myself more variety from 150 yards in I have added that extra wedge.

“I just thought if I could have got my wedges a little closer in Abu Dhabi, it would have made a difference.”

There was even time for a McIlroy assessment of a disappointing season thus far for his beloved Manchester United. Improvement, he reckons, is imminent.

“Juan Mata I thing is going to be a great signing and is going to give them a bit of a lift,” he said. “I think Wayne Rooney is going to sign for another four years, which will be great, and then hopefully they are going to get this French guy, [Yohan] Cabaye, in the summer.”

McIlroy got his first look at this week’s Desert Classic host venue playing 18 holes yesterday (Mon) and in what will be the first of six 18-holers that includes today’s (TUES) Former Champions Challenge, tomorrow’s Pro-Am and four rounds of the event.

And McIlroy has spent the week at the Els Club just with his caddy and manager with his long-time coach, returning home after McIlroy’s share of second place in Abu Dhabi.