Rory McIlroy Mini-Club Drill
Check your grip. Feel the clubhead.
Your club hasn’t shrunk in the wash. Rory’s little practice club has a purpose: a moulded grip to check your hand position and a weighted head you can feel as you turn back.
This is Long game Card 41 in the Golf Practice Made Fun App. Follow the three steps below and complete 18 slow rehearsals without a ball.
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Watch the mini-club explanation
Watch Ross Eves explain Rory’s mini-club on YouTube ↗
Rory describes using a short, weighted practice club with a pre-set grip to feel the clubhead and check his hand position. Ross Eves discusses the training aid in this video.
Step 1. Check your grip
Use a short, weighted swing trainer with a moulded grip. Place your hands in its grip guides and take your normal golf posture. Practise without a ball.
| Action | What to do |
|---|---|
| Choose the trainer | Use a short, weighted golf swing trainer with a moulded grip. |
| Place your hands | Use the grip guides to check your hand position before starting. |
| Set your posture | Take your normal golf posture in a clear space with room for the whole motion. Keep the clubhead clear of the floor. |
Step 2. Rehearse slowly
Make a slow backswing, feeling the clubhead as you turn. Swing smoothly through to a balanced finish. Reset your grip before each repetition.
| Action | What to do |
|---|---|
| Turn back | Make a slow, comfortable backswing. Notice the weight of the clubhead as you turn. |
| Swing through | Continue smoothly into a balanced finish. |
| Reset | Return to the start and check your grip again before the next rehearsal. |
Step 3. Complete your round
Complete two sets of nine slow rehearsals, resting after nine. Tick off each completed repetition and record your total out of 18.
| Action | What to do |
|---|---|
| First set | Complete nine slow rehearsals, resetting your grip each time. |
| Rest | Take a short rest after nine. |
| Second set | Complete nine more and record your total out of 18. |
Rehearsals completed: ___ / 18. After the practice session, save one short note about your grip or how clearly you could feel the clubhead.
FAQs
What is Rory’s mini-club for?
Rory explains that the short club has a heavier head that helps him feel its position during the swing. Its pre-set grip also helps him check his hand position.
What equipment do I need?
Use a short, weighted golf swing trainer with a moulded grip, plus a clear space for your rehearsal.
Do I hit balls with it?
This practice card uses no ball. Make slow rehearsals, finish in balance and reset between repetitions.
Is gripping down a normal iron the same thing?
It shortens the club you are holding, but it does not give you the moulded grip and weighted-head setup described here. This version of the drill uses the short swing trainer.
How quickly should I swing?
Use a slow, controlled pace. Give yourself time to check your grip and notice the clubhead as you turn.
How do I record the drill?
Complete two sets of nine, resting after the first set. Tick each completed rehearsal and record your total out of 18.
Give your next practice a purpose.
This is Long game Card 41 in the Golf Practice Made Fun App. Find illustrated drills, save your favourites and record your practice.
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