Rory McIlory explains the reason why he’s changing his swing and what he’s actually trying to achieve

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World number three Rory McIlroy is off to a good start at the season-ending DP World Tour Championship in Dubai.

The Northern Irishman is coming off a T3 finish at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship, where he ended three shots back of eventual winner Paul Waring. McIlroy made two big errors at Yas Links, which ultimately cost him any chance of winning.

McIlroy appears intent on bouncing back quickly and carded a five-under 67 at the Earth Course on Thursday. McIlroy’s swing changes seem to be working, and the four-time major winner discussed precisely what he’s trying to achieve during his post-round media duties.

Rory McIlroy discusses swing changes

Speaking to Sky Sports, McIlroy revealed the alterations are intended to improve his misses.

“I think it will ultimately make my shots a little more consistent, my start lines more consistent,” McIlroy explained.

“The shape of the shot is the same, but just the start line. I sometimes feel when my swing gets off, I will still hit draws and fades, but I have to aim bigger to give myself the margin to make everything a bit tighter. From there, if the golf swing gets better, then my misses will get a bit better too, and they will become a bit tighter.”

McIlroy was then asked whether he’s seen any improvements. “A little bit. My criticism of my game over the last 18 months is that my misses have been too destructive,” he replied.

“My misses have gotten too big. We are not going to hit perfect golf shots all the time, so if you can minimise your misses and at least have them in front of you and not too far to the side, that’s a big thing.”

Rory McIlroy must improve under pressure

If McIlroy wants to end his ten-year wait for major number five, delivering under pressure is a must. At times, the Northern Irishman’s approach play can let him down when he needs it most, and the same can be said for his putting.

Time will tell whether it’s a concentration issue or a technical error. Nevertheless, it’s encouraging to see McIlroy recognise where improvement is needed ahead of the 2025 PGA Tour season.

Recent performances have been positive, and there are very few players who can say they contend as much as McIlroy. Now, the fine details must be ironed out if the Northern Irishman’s barren spell is to end in 2025.

“I think as well when I get under pressure with how I was swinging the golf club, there was this extra move I had to make to open my chest early in the downswing to get the club back on line,” McIlroy added.

“I could do it, and I would match it up; it was fine, but under pressure, that becomes more difficult. So going from the second half of the backswing to the first half of the downswing, if I can get that more consistent and efficient, it should produce better golf shots, especially when I am under pressure at the business end of things at the last nine holes of a tournament.”