Rory McIlroy’s Pre-Round Warm-Up Routine: A Masterclass in Putting
Looking to improve your putting? Learn from one of the best in the world, Rory McIlroy, as he shares his pre-round putting warm-up routine. This concise guide covers the key elements of Rory’s putting practice, focusing on the "why" behind each step, to help you fine-tune your skills on the green.
Step 1: Aligning with the Putting Mirror
Rory begins his routine by setting up the EyeLine Golf Putting Alignment Mirror on the straightest putt he can find. This mirror helps him ensure that his putter is perfectly aligned with the target line. As Rory explains, “the line on the putter should match this black line on the mirror,” which guarantees accurate aiming before every stroke.
Why It Matters: Proper alignment is crucial for consistent putting. By matching the putter’s line with the mirror, Rory confirms that he’s aimed correctly, reducing the chance of misalignment during the round.
Step 2: Eye Position and Stroke Arc
Once the mirror is in place, Rory focuses on his eye position. He prefers his eye line to be just inside the ball, which encourages a natural arc in his putting stroke. However, Rory emphasizes that your eyes should be positioned wherever you can best see a straight line.
Think of it like aiming a rifle—if your dominant eye isn’t looking straight down the barrel, it’s incredibly difficult to aim correctly and hit your target. Similarly, for Rory, positioning his eyes just inside the ball helps him see the line better and maintain the ideal arc in his stroke.
Why It Matters: Eye positioning directly affects the stroke path. For Rory, positioning his eyes inside the ball helps him maintain the ideal arc, leading to more precise putts.
Step 3: The Spiral Putting Drill
After setting up, Rory practices a spiral putting drill, starting from three feet and working out to eight feet. The goal is to make each putt consecutively. If he misses, he starts over. This drill not only sharpens his accuracy but also adds a layer of pressure, simulating the conditions of a tournament.
Why It Matters: The spiral drill helps Rory build confidence and consistency. By putting under pressure, he prepares mentally for the high-stakes situations he’ll face during a round. leading to more precise putts.
Give Rory's warm-up routine a try before your next round.
FUN FACT: 16 of the Top 20 Players in the World use an EyeLine Golf Putting Mirror.