The Masters: Rory McIlroy’s driver secrets revealed

Rory McIlroy hits the ball a long way, but how does he do it? Well, I, a professional long driver, got the chance to analyse his swing at the Sky Sports Studio. Here’s what I found.

Some of you may know, but I’ve competed in World Long Drive before, so I know a powerful swing when I see one.

I’ve competed with the best in the world, finishing 3rd in the World Championship in 2023 and T5 in 2024 and the longest ball I’ve hit is 452 yards in competition. 

So, when it comes to hitting a ball a long way I know a thing or two on how to do that. 

I was invited to The Sky Sports Studios ahead of the Masters to check out the the set-up there. We had a really cool experience playing the 12th in Amen Corner in the simulator, but I also tried my hand at analysing Rory’s swing on the AR Sky Scope. 

Luckily, I had some experienced presenters with me, Nick Dougherty and Henni Zeul, who were on hand and to keep me right, but when it came to breaking Rory’s swing down, I was in my element. 

How does Rory McIlroy hit the ball so far?

The one thing he does as the club goes back, his right side loads and get his weight into his back leg, rotating hard into that right hip. This allows him to get set at the top with a big turn keeping his hands high.

He then lets his weight fall back into that left side and uses the ground very effectively pushing hard through his left foot, making his left hip turn hard and his hip clear. This acts as a kinematic sequence on the way down where he uses the ground, his hips turn and everything else falls into sync hallowing out the club and keeping a large part of his body behind the ball at impact. 

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Maximising round force and hip turn are Rory McIlroy’s keys to hitting the ball a long way. He is one of the best at doing it which is why he is one of the longest hitters on tour.

Watch the full video below to see how he does it.

Make sure you catch all The Masters coverage over on Sky Sports Golf. 

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James Tait is bunkered’s Gear Editor. Want to know how the latest Callaway driver, Vokey wedge or Scotty Cameron putter performs? He’s the guy to ask. Better yet, just watch his videos on the bunkered YouTube channel. One of the biggest hitters in the UK, James also competes on the World Long Drive circuit and is a descendent of former Amateur champion Freddie Tait.

Gear Editor