Hit the Rory McIlroy Ryder Cup Spinner
How Did Rory Hit That Spinning Chip Shot in the 2023 Ryder Cup? Find out here!
Hey friends and fellow golfers! Coach Erik Schjolberg here from EJS Golf Academy. Many of you have asked me about that incredible shot by Rory at the Ryder Cup on hole 17. It was truly remarkable, with the ball staying low and having an impressive amount of spin. In this short video, I will explain how he achieved such an amazing shot.
Now, before we dive into the details, I want to mention that I have other videos that go into depth about adding spin to your shots. You can find those on my YouTube Channel. You will find other techniques used by the other professional golfers I coach and amateurs just like you.
Rory McIlroy played the ball off his back foot with the face of the club open. You're probably wondering why he did that. Well, playing the ball off the back foot allows him to have more control and feel with his hands. By keeping the face open, he can create the sensation of closing it slightly, similar to executing a draw shot.
Let me demonstrate how he did it.
The ball was struck with a low trajectory and had an incredible spin rate of around 8000 RPMs. The launch angle was approximately 28 degrees, which resulted in a similar carry distance. By incorporating a rotational movement resembling a draw shot, Rory was able to generate immense spin while keeping the ball flight low.
This technique is quite impressive and requires precise execution. However, with practice and dedication, you can add a touch of Rory's magic to your own game.
Adding spin to your shots can be advantageous in certain situations. It allows you to control the ball's trajectory and optimize its performance on the green. Additionally, a shot with high spin can stop quickly upon landing, preventing it from rolling too far away from the target.
To replicate Rory's technique, start by positioning the ball slightly back in your stance. This will ensure contact is made before the club reaches its lowest point in the swing arc, creating that low trajectory. Then, open the clubface slightly, which will give you more freedom with your hands and make it easier to close the face during impact.
As you swing through the ball, focus on rotating your forearms, almost as if you were trying to draw the shot. This action generates the necessary spin while maintaining a low ball flight. Remember, it may take some time to perfect this technique, so be patient and keep practicing.
Now, let's talk about why Rory chose this particular shot. The situation on hole 17 at the Ryder Cup likely called for a low and spinning shot. The pin was located on an elevated green, surrounded by obstacles. By playing the ball off his back foot and with an open face, Rory could control the trajectory, ensuring the ball stayed low enough to avoid any hazards. The added spin allowed him to stop the ball quickly on the green, reducing the risk of it rolling past or off the surface.
I want to clear up the difference between height and spin for stopping a golf ball. Height vs. spin is no contest. If you want to have the most control over your golf shot, learn to execute spin on your chips and pitches vs. trying to hit lob shots. The outcome from the lob shot is much less controllable than a spinning pitch shot.
It's important to note that this technique may not be suitable for every situation. Golf is a sport that requires adaptability, and shot selection depends on variables such as wind, pin position, and hazards. Nevertheless, learning different shot variations and understanding their advantages will undoubtedly improve your overall game.
In conclusion, Rory's incredible shot at the Ryder Cup was the result of skillful execution and smart shot selection. By playing the ball off his back foot and utilizing an open clubface, he was able to achieve a low trajectory with tremendous spin. Incorporating his technique into your own game can enhance your shot-making abilities and give you greater control over the ball.
Thank you for watching this short video, and I hope you found this explanation helpful. If you want to learn more about adding spin to your shots or other golf techniques, feel free to check out my other videos on the EJS Golf Academy channel. Until next time, keep practicing, and may your shots be as impressive as Rory's!
