Rory McIlroy’s simple ‘belt-buckle’ drill will eliminate common mistake and increase driving distance
Five-time Major champion Rory McIlroy has shared a straightforward drill designed to help golfers rotate more effectively through impact.
The 2025 Masters Champion and long-awaited career Grand Slam winner believes rotation is key to both distance and consistency.
Long regarded as one of the game’s most powerful yet fluid ball strikers, the Northern Irishman claims that too many amateurs think about the wrong things during their swing.
Instead of obsessing over complex swing mechanics, he recommends a simpler, body-driven drill that produces natural speed and increases distance without sacrificing control.
Rory McIlroy believes good rotation is key in a golf swing
When addressing common advice amateurs receive regarding transition, McIlroy’s advice is staunch: “I do not recommend squatting in the middle of your golf swing.
“Transition-wise, you are loading onto your left side anyway, and then it’s just more of a (natural rotation).”
The world number two reinforced that golfers should let the movement happen naturally rather than forcing it.
What McIlroy feels most golfers lack is not a squat, instead good hip rotation.
He stated: “The thing that I see a lot is people don’t get enough rotation through impact, and they don’t turn their hips enough.”
So, what is Rory’s simple drill that you can use?
Use your belt buckle as a guide and instant feedback on golf swing rotation.
McIlroy explained: “Try to feel as if your belt buckle is looking at the target at impact more than anything else, because that’ll produce maybe a little more speed.”
Why use Rory McIlroy’s belt-buckle drill?
Using your belt buckle as a reference is a handy visual that will help simplify the complex motion of a golf swing.
Instead of stressing about hand positions or mechanical manipulations, McIlroy encourages golfers to feel their tips leading the downswing.
This creates a more open, athletic impact position, allowing the arms and club to flow naturally.
To practice it, the Green Jacket winner suggests exaggeration at first through intentionally turning the belt buckle to face the target during swings.
Over time, he believes the motion blends seamlessly into a golf swing, generating more rotation, speed and consistency on strikes.
McIlroy suggested, “It’s a great way to learn,” before launching a perfect example drive.
The drill also helps eliminate one of the most common amateur slip-ups, which is a lack of rotation of the hips, otherwise known as ‘stalling the hips’.
A lack of proper rotation means golfers tend to pull the club with their hands, leading to slices and inconsistent contact points with the ball.
By focusing on turning their belt buckle towards the target, players can square the clubface more reliably, which, in turn, will promote extra power, speed and distance.
The extra rotation will add clubhead speed without the need for extra effort.
Greater rotation through impact translates into longer, more powerful shots without sacrificing any control of the golf club.
READ MORE: Phil Mickelson’s ultimate ‘one-arm’ drill will instantly improve setup and chipping