Ten years ago Phil Mickelson put new clubs and a new ball into play in a Ryder Cup and it backfired massively. But could Rory McIlroy be tempted to try the recently approved prototype Nike Vapor driver at Gleneagles?

The world No 1, who has won two majors this season using the Nike Covert driver, tested the club on the range on Sunday and put it in play for Tuesday's practice round alongside Sergio Garcia and Martin Kaymer.

According to reports, the four-time major winner drove the green 340-yard 14th in practice and holed the putt for an eagle two.

Golf Channel's Todd Lewis reported on Sunday that McIlroy would make a decision on potentially changing "the most important club" in his bag as the week progresses.

In 2004 at Oakland Hills, Mickelson changed to a Callaway ball, a Callaway driver and Callaway fairway woods but kept his Titleist irons in his bag. He lost twice with world No 1 Tiger Woods as his partner, won with David Toms but then lost to Sergio Garcia in the singles in a record US defeat.