Exclusive Interview: Rory McIlroy's Coach Michael Bannon

Michael Bannon, Rory McIlroy's Coach offers some candid insights into the work he has done with the Northern Irishman over the years.

Rory McIlroy's Coach, Michael Bannon, has been with him from the age of 8. Here he offers some advice based on the cornerstones of Rory's own incredible technique that has helped him become one of his generation's true elite golfers.

Point your buckle at the ball

A sloppy setup leads to a sloppy swing. The best thing Rory McIlory did to improve his address position was to increase his hip tilt. Try this: Get into your setup with your hands on your hips and your knees flexed. Use your fingers to push your hips back. Your rear end should “pop” out a bit, creating a crease in your trousers just below your belt. You’re doing it correctly if your belt buckle points just beyond the ball, not straight out in front of you. The right amount of hip hinge stabilizes your turn for a tighter coil during your backswing.

Pull-Back Drill

Get into your address position without a club, then crisscross your arms, left over right, so your palms face away from each other. Start your swing by pulling your right hand straight back. See how this forces your left shoulder to turn, and how connected your arms feel to your upper body? If you notice the same feeling when you take real swings, you’ll make a perfect takeaway.

Turn, Turn, Turn

We always work on limiting Rory’s turn, but you should work on rotating more— and not just your shoulders. The next time you practice, turn your lower body more than you normally would. Try to get your belt buckle to point away from the target when your reach the top. This extra hip turn is what allows your shoulders to rotate a full 90 degrees. The only rules? Keep your right knee flexed and your hands on the right side of your head. If your hands end up behind your head, you’ve lost control.

Lift and Step

To feel the way Rory leans into his irons, make your regular backswing but allow your left heel to come off the ground as you reach the top. When you start back down, replant your left heel. Do it hard—so hard that you feel your weight move immediately to your left side. Once you plant, push off the ground with your left foot, firming up your left leg. This creates a post strong enough to support a strong turn through the ball.

Who Is Rory McIlroy's Coach?

Michael Bannon has been McIlroy's coach since the player was eight years old.

He has helped McIlroy secure four Majors and won European Coach of the year in 2011.

He has been the club professional at Hollywood Golf Club and Bangor Golf Club, which he left in october 2012 to coach Rory full-time.