Rory McIlroy's Driver Speed: Wide Stance, Right Hip
Grant Horvat has height but lacks speed. Rory McIlroy shows him how he sets up and what it feels like when he really wants to hit a long drive, then encourages him to forget about the target so he can unleash his speed.
To be continued
What the lesson shows
For Rory McIlroy, speed starts at an address: Build a solid foundation from which you can swing hard. When he wants to hit the ball far, he pass the ball, almost at the level of the front foot, broadens the base a little using only his right foot, and feels his left arm and the club shaft form a single line. He also tries to start his swing a little faster from the ball. At the top, he feels the weight shift to his left, and then he has the sensation of hit the ball with your right hip: Be as relaxed and open as possible at the moment of impact, so that your upper body acts like a sling.
For Grant Horvat, the problem is mental: he swings as if he wants to hit a good shot. Rory McIlroy asks him to stop thinking about the target or the contact, just to get the club moving as quickly as possible; we'll tighten up the spread later. His idea: Increasing its maximum speed increases its cruising speed. It's also inspired by an indoor medicine ball throw: plant your left foot, slide to the right, then plant your right foot, and everything moves forward together.
The Exercise, Step by Step
- Move the ball forward in your stance, almost to the level of your front foot.
- Move your right foot out slightly to widen your base, without moving your left foot.
- Align your left arm and the club shaft at address.
- Get off the ball a little faster and drive through at the top.
- As you come down, feel your right hip strike the ball and push off with your lower body.
- During speed drills, forget about the target and swing the club as fast as possible; then tighten up your grip.
Key Takeaways
Mistakes to Avoid
- Trying to pull off a great move during a speed session.
- Thinking about the target and the contact to the point of holding back your swing.
- The lower body does not move away from the impact.
- A stance that's too narrow to swing hard.
Driving Range Mode
Keep it in plain sight, on the rug.
- Speed drill without looking at where the ball is going
- Advanced drives and a wide right foot
- Medicine ball throws that mimic the weight transfer of a swing
Your Questions
How does Rory McIlroy set up for a long drive?
He moves the ball forward almost to the level of his front foot, widens his stance slightly with his right foot, and feels his left arm and the club shaft form a single line.
How does he feel on the downswing?
He feels as though he’s hitting the ball with his right hip, so he can be as free and open as possible at impact. His upper body then acts like a slingshot.
Why forget the target?
Because trying to hit a perfect shot slows down your swing. Rory McIlroy advises learning first to swing the club quickly, then refining your aim. Increasing your maximum swing speed raises your average swing speed.
Does he do physical exercises to improve his speed?
A little gym work, including jumps and medicine ball throws. He visualizes this throw as part of his swing: weight shift to the left, slide to the right, then everything moves forward together.
Learn More
Video posted on YouTube by its creator (Rory McIlroy). Best Golf Tips selects and summarizes the best free lessons, without hosting them.