World No. 1 Rory McIlroy revealed he’s been testing new drivers, fairway woods, irons and balls since helping steer Europe to victory in the Ryder Cup.

In one of golf’s worst-ever kept secrets, McIlroy will sign with Nike before the year is out and in a deal reputedly to be worth over $200m to the 23-year old.

And while McIlroy will be among five new Nike signings, it’s believed Nike has also enticed one of Cleveland/Srixon’s chief designers to also make the switch.

Rory McIlroy reveals he’s been testing ‘new’ clubs since the Ryder Cup. (Photo – Jenny Matthews/www.golffile.ie)

But after posting a six under par 66 on the opening day of the season-ending DP World Tour Championship Dubai to trail just a shot behind World No. 2 Luke Donald, McIlroy indicated he’s already found favour with a full set of 14 clubs and the only issue remains the golf ball.

“After the Ryder Cup I started to test a little bit but then I’ve six or seven weeks to really get into it but I am pretty much set with everything,” he said.

“It’s just a matter of getting a little more comfortable and playing a few rounds with them and I should be okay.”

And in contrary to Nick Faldo’s comments McIlroy will struggle making the change, the two-time Major winning McIlroy disagreed.

“I’m very confident they will get it spot on and I feel like with the changes I have made in equipment that I have got into using clubs a little easier than other players.

“I’ve got a set of irons and I’ve got the woods sorted and it’s just a matter of getting the ball dialled in and I will be good.

“But it’s the feel of the golf ball I find is the most important thing to get right because all the manufacturers make great equipment these days.”

McIlroy’s first-ever club was a 5-wood he was presented with at just two years of age.

His first full set of clubs were Mizuno’s but then at 14 years of age he switched to Titleist and has remained faithful to the company ever since – well until the company with the swoosh swooped to sign the double Major winner.