Tiger Woods has always been very careful in guiding his son through the game of golf. Inspired by his late father, Earl Woods, the GOAT prepares Charlie Woods for mental challenges in golf by employing distraction techniques similar to those his father used. In a 2022 interview, Woods explained, “It’s getting to a point where I can’t get in his head, and then no one else can get in there, either.” That’s a good thing. But, you know what’s even better? His son is possibly adapting some Rory McIlroy moves.
Tiger Woods’s advice to his son came in late 2022 when the GOAT advised his son: “I told [Charlie], ‘don’t copy my swing, copy Rory’s. Have you ever seen Rory off balance in a shot?” The results are already here, however. Both Charlie Woods and Rory McIlroy showcase a free-flowing, powerful swing action, a hallmark of Rory’s style. During their transitions, Rory maintains his right arm in front of his chest, and throughout most of his backswing, he exhibits an aggressive squat and rotation. From their wide stances and takeaways to their squats, arm movements, and finishes, Charlie and Rory’s swing styles align significantly.
This improvement, in turn, has impressed the hosts of Talk Birdie To Me (Podcast). Beginning with McIlroy’s praise, Australian golf veteran Mark Allen said, “Rory McIlroy, who doesn’t move on his follow-through? I mean, it’s just completely opposite to what we’ve been taught our entire lives. Well, there goes my theory because I always say to people, ‘Hit it as hard as you like as long as you catch the middle of the face and stay balanced.’” Of course, the follow-through praise! The Northern Irishman’s follow-through, however, exemplifies balance and smoothness. Additionally, his stable finish indicates a well-executed swing, while his full extension of arms and club allows for a complete energy release, enhancing distance and accuracy.
Following that, Allen shared how Tiger Woods advised his son to copy McIlroy’s swing instead of his own. “That’s exactly the advice that Tiger Woods gives his boy. So, I’ve heard Tiger Woods say this a couple of times: ‘Don’t watch me, watch Rory,’ because Rory hits it as hard as he can as long as he middles it and as long as he finishes balanced. That’s the skill that I want you to develop. And it’s funny, you know, every time I watch Tiger’s son play, what’s his name? It’s not Charlie. Every time I watch Charlie swing the club, every time they put him on the telly or I see it on a post, he’s got a Rory McIlroy.”
Charlie Woods has shortened his backswing, providing better adjustment with much better control over his irons, allowing for greater precision in his shots. Additionally, it will help him sync up his longer clubs more effectively.
But what makes the Irishman’s swings so good that even Tiger Woods appreciated them? Well, Rory McIlroy’s impressive and accurate swing results from several key factors, including his outstanding body rotation, effective kinematic sequence, and robust release pattern. He optimizes energy transfer by using his lower body as the main source of power while maintaining a stable upper body. This technique allows him to generate considerable speed and strength, despite his relatively smaller build. How does the Irishman achieve this, however?
How does Rory McIlroy bring his A game through his swings?
As per an analysis by Golf Digest, Rory McIlroy explains his swing: “I’m just trying to get the club a little more neutral at the top, trying to feel like I sort of have more awareness of what my left arm is doing in the back swing, instead of what I felt like I’ve got so right-sided in my thoughts recently, so trying to initiate the back swing with the left arm and the club going back and just letting that left arm sort of rotate up onto the plane. That’s sort of what I’ve been trying to feel.” Here’s a further understanding of what’s really going on.
McIlroy begins with a balanced setup, standing with flared toes and slightly pinched knees, which creates a stable foundation for his swing. The triangular shape formed by his arms and shoulders helps maintain synchronicity, setting the stage for a powerful swing. During the takeaway, he demonstrates controlled movement by keeping his lower body quiet and coiled while shifting his weight to his trail leg. This positions his body behind the ball, allowing for a deep arm position at the top of the backswing and avoiding a steep descent.
At the top, McIlroy keeps his left heel down, enhancing his coil and increasing the X-factor, which helps store power for the downswing. As he initiates the downswing, he pushes against the ground with his knees, particularly moving his left knee toward the target, generating significant power.
Through impact, his torso remains behind the ball, applying body mass to the shot. His left leg pulls back after moving toward the target, channeling energy into his arms and clubhead. Finally, his follow-through reflects stability and balance, finishing tall with arms extended and the club resting on his shoulders.
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