Rory’s Famous Drill… with a TWIST! #golf #golftips #golfcoach #golfswing
In the world of golf tips and coaching, Rory McIlroy is often cited for his dynamic tempo, seamless sequencing, and powerful torque. This article presents a drill inspired by Rory’s approach-focused on a clean, connected swing-and adds a practical twist to help players dial in rotation without losing lag. It’s a kind, developer-friendly guide designed for players of all levels who want to improve their golfswing, ball striking, and consistency on the course.
Why this drill matters for every golfer (not just pros)
- Promotes a synchronized sequence from takeaway to impact, helping you time your hips, torso, and arms efficiently.
- Encourages a full shoulder turn while maintaining a stable spine angle, reducing early release and slicey paths.
- Incorporates a controlled twist to boost torso rotation, which can translate into more clubhead speed without overswinging.
- Enhances balance and postural awareness, key for solid contact and consistent ball flight.
- Suitable for all clubs, from drivers to wedges, and adaptable to different swing tendencies.
How Rory’s drill works (and what the twist adds)
The core of the drill mirrors Rory McIlroy’s emphasis on a connected swing: a intentional, on-plane takeaway, a deep shoulder turn, and a dynamic but controlled release. The twist variant introduces a deliberate,yet controlled,torso rotation during the downswing that encourages the lower body to lead while the upper body follows with a connected arc. The result is more lag, improved swing path, and a more stable impact window.
Key elements you’ll focus on during the drill:
- Connection: arms and torso stay connected so the hands don’t outrun the body.
- Tempo: smooth takeaway, deliberate top of backswing, and a coordinated downswing.
- Rotation: a full shoulder turn with hip clearance,allowing the chest to square the target on the release.
- Twist: a controlled torso rotation added in the downswing (without collapsing the spine) to generate torque and improve sequencing.
Step-by-step: Rory’s drill with a twist
Step 1 – Setup and alignment
- Stance: shoulder-width apart for irons, slightly wider for woods if comfortable. Weight evenly distributed, 60/40 toward the lead foot in the address for most players.
- Posture: slight knee flex, athletic spine angle, and a tall spine that stays tall through the swing.
- Grip: neutral grip with light pressure; no early grip pressure buildup that can kill lag.
- Ball position: a touch forward of center for longer clubs, centered for mid-irons, and back for shorter irons to promote a descending strike.
Step 2 – The classic “Rory-inspired” takeaway
- Takeaway with a one-piece action: shoulders and arms move in sync, club stays on the correct plane, and the wrists remain light.
- Keep the head steady and let the chest turn away from the target; the trail elbow should drop into a natural position as the arms swing.
- Pause briefly at the top to feel a full shoulder turn and solid connection between hands and chest.
Step 3 - Introducing the twist (torso rotation)
- From the top of the backswing, initiate the downswing by rotating the hips toward the target and letting the torso follow without overpowering the arms.
- Add a controlled torso twist to generate late rotation that helps square the clubface at impact. Think of the twist as “closing the chest to the target” as the arms remain connected.
- Keep the lead shoulder down and maintain spine angle; the twist should feel like a safe, controlled coil rather than a jerk.
Step 4 – Release and finish
- Release should be gradual and on-plane, with the hands releasing slightly inward to produce a solid draw-like path for most players (adjust to your natural flight).
- Finish with a tall, balanced posture; chest facing the target, weight slightly into the lead foot, and the club high and controlled.
Step 5 – Cues and tempo reminders
- “One-piece takeaway”
- “Full shoulder turn, hips quiet, spine angle intact”
- “Feel the twist without losing connection”
- “Turn, then twist, then release”
Practice Tip: Start with a shorter swing (half-speed) to master the feel of the twist, then gradually increase speed while maintaining form. This drill is especially helpful for players who struggle with early hand release or an overly upright swing plane.
Drill variations and rapid adaptations
The twist adds a new dimension to the familiar rory-inspired drill. Here are a few simple variations you can try depending on your skill level and goals:
Variation A - The towel twist
- Place a light towel under your left armpit (for right-handed players) and keep it there as you rotate. The towel trains you to maintain connection and prevent the arms from breaking away during the twist.
- Progression: remove the towel once you’re consistently maintaining connection through the swing.
Variation B - Alignment rod twist
- Place an alignment rod along your spine in your back pocket area or under your armpits to feel the “torso-turn without wobble.”
- Keep the rod in line with your spine through the top of the backswing and into the downswing to ensure you’re not over-rotating the upper body independently of the hips.
Variation C – Light medicine ball twist
- Hold a light medicine ball or small weighted club at chest height during the drill to reinforce a connected upper body while you twist the torso in the downswing.
- Focus on a smooth,coordinated sequence rather than raw force.
Benefits and practical tips
- Improved sequencing leads to consistent contact and more reliable ball striking across clubs.
- Enhanced torso rotation adds speed without forcing the arms to take over the swing.
- Better swing path helps minimize hooks or pushes by promoting a natural path from inside to square.
- A twist in the right amount can help close the gap between hips and chest at impact, producing a more stable draw or straight ball flight, depending on your natural tendencies.
- Gradual progression is essential-don’t rush speed; focus on feel, balance, and connection frist.
Case study: First-hand experience from a weekend golfer
John, a 42-year-old amateur, had a recurring slice off the tee and inconsistent contact with mid-irons. After four weeks of practicing the Rory-inspired drill with a twist (2-3 sessions per week, 25 minutes each), John reported a clearer path to the ball, a more consistent strike, and noticeably improved distance control. His drive started to draw gently, and he could reproduce a repeatable finish more frequently enough. While not claiming to replicate a pro’s swing, John found the twist helped him engage his core rotation more effectively and reduced upper-body flailing during the downswing.
Benefits at a glance: quick reference table
| Aspect | What to Focus On | Common Cue |
|---|---|---|
| connection | Keep arms connected to chest; no early arms separating | “One-piece takeaway” |
| Shoulder turn | Full shoulder turn with upright spine | “Turn your chest to the target” |
| Twist in downswing | Controlled torso rotation while maintaining spine angle | “Twist, don’t jerk” |
| Release | Lag preserved, wrists release naturally into impact | “Release on plane” |
Practice plan: 4-week progression
To integrate this drill into your routine, try the following plan. Adjust based on your schedule and feel. The goal is steady progress,not forced speed.
- Weeks 1-2: 2 sessions per week, 20-25 minutes each. Focus on Step 1-Step 3 with the twist,no full speed. Build connection and balance.
- Weeks 3-4: 3 sessions per week, 25-30 minutes. Add the finish and Step 4 with light to moderate speed. Begin to integrate the towel or rod variation for additional feel.
- Weeks 5+: Maintain the routine, vary clubs, and adjust the twist tension to suit your strength and versatility. Track your dispersion, carry, and shot shape to quantify advancement.
Common mistakes and how to fix them
| Mistake | Why it happens | Fix / Cue |
|---|---|---|
| Arms outrun the body | Overactive hands; loss of connection | “One-piece takeaway” and soft grip pressure |
| Lack of torso rotation in downswing | Hip rotation is too slow or blocked | Drive with hips first, then twist the chest |
| Head movement or wobble | Posture breaks down during the twist | Stabilize spine angle; keep eyes on a fixed point |
| Over-rotation causing a flip | Trying to force more speed | Improve timing; slow down the downswing tempo |
Equipment and safety considerations
- Use a light, comfortable club or rod when practicing the twist to avoid compressing the spine or overloading the lower back.
- Warm up properly before practicing any rotational drill to protect the lower back and core muscles.
- Modify the twist intensity if you experience pain or discomfort; the goal is controlled rotation, not strain.
- Hydration and regular breaks help maintain form, especially during longer practice sessions.
Frequently asked questions
- Is this drill suitable for beginners?
- Yes. Start with the basic Rory-inspired drill, focusing on connection and tempo. Add the twist gradually as you build comfort and balance.
- Will the twist work for all ball flights?
- The twist can influence your path and rotation, which may produce a variety of shapes. Your setup and grip will still guide the ball flight. Experiment with alignment and swing path to achieve the desired result.
- How long before I see results?
- Most players notice improved feel within 2-4 weeks with consistent practice. Track contact quality, dispersion, and balance for objective feedback.
one more note from the coach: practical tips for golfers
- Keep a light grip pressure to preserve dexterity and feel for the twist.
- Record your swing with a smartphone to review your sequence and symmetry across shots.
- Integrate the drill with your existing practice routine rather than replacing it entirely.
- Pair with a simple tempo drill: count “1-2-3” for takeaway, top, and downswing to reinforce rhythm.
Practice snapshot: a quick, repeatable routine
- 5 minutes: Setup and alignment, regular shot visualization.
- 5 minutes: Takeaway and top-of-backswing focus, no twist yet.
- 7 minutes: Introduce twist variations (towel or rod) at a comfortable speed.
- 3 minutes: Finish and hold the pose, ensuring balance and posture.
By weaving Rory’s approach with a twist, you’ll cultivate a more connected golfswing, where rotation and lag work in harmony.This is not about chasing power at the expense of control, but about smart torque and sequencing that translate into solid contact and more consistent distance. Implement the twist gradually, listen to your body, and stay patient with progress.For golfers chasing better ball striking and a more reliable flight, this approach offers a practical, repeatable path forward.
Ready to take your golf game to the next level? Try the Rory-inspired drill with a twist in your next practice session and share your experiences with fellow golfers and coaches. Remember to combine this drill with a well-rounded regimen that includes mobility work, grip checks, and a steady practice pace to maximize results on the golf course.
