#172 Rory McIlroy's 2025 Golf Swing Analysis by Sportsbox AI 3D

The Podcast analyzes Rory McIlroy's swing, particularly his lower body movement, which contributed to his victory at the 2025 Players Championship.

Using 3D swing data, three key components are examined: lateral pelvis movement (Sway) for power generation, vertical movement to utilize ground forces for speed, and the X-Factor/Stretch between the upper and lower body for torque generation.

Golf Academy 360° expert Henrik Jentsch explains how McIlroy effectively uses these elements to generate speed and consistency in his swing and offers tips for golfers to improve their own game. Finally, the source highlights the possibility of analyzing your own swing using an app.

The overarching hip movement patterns (specifically the pelvis, which is closely tied to hip movement) that played a crucial role in Rory McIlroy's 2025 Players Championship victory are summarized as follows:

Lateral Pelvis Movement (Pelvis Sway): Rory McIlroy employed a pronounced lateral pelvis movement. He shifted his pelvis 2.1 inches away from the target during the backswing and moved it 5.1 inches toward the target at impact. This total lateral movement of 7.2 inches allowed him to build swing momentum and transfer explosive energy to the ball. Contrary to the common belief that golfers should stay centered during the swing, top players demonstrate controlled lateral movement to maximize energy transfer.

Vertical Pelvis Movement (Vertical Motion): In addition to rotation, Rory used the ground to generate speed. His pelvis lowered by 2.4 inches during the backswing and rose by 1.4 inches at impact, resulting in a total vertical movement of 3 inches. This vertical motion increased ground reaction forces, enabling Rory to push off the ground efficiently and generate clubhead speed. Correct vertical movement is thus crucial for maximizing power.

X-Factor and Stretch: Another key advantage was Rory’s ability to separate his upper and lower body during the swing, creating significant stretch that stores and releases energy.

During the backswing, Rory achieved a maximum X-Factor of -70°, meaning his chest was rotated 70° more than his pelvis.

During the transition, he increased this stretch to 77°, generating even more stored energy.

At impact, he efficiently reduced this angle to just 5°, maximizing his rotational speed for a powerful strike. This ability to generate and then close the X-Factor is a major reason for Rory’s exceptional driving performance. Efficient use of the X-Factor stretch can significantly boost clubhead speed.

In summary: Rory McIlroy's victory was largely attributed to an efficient combination of lateral and vertical pelvis movement, along with the creation and utilization of the X-Factor. This combination allowed him to develop both power and precision in his swing.

The analysis of his 3D swing data by Henrik Jentsch of Golf Academy 360° powered by Sportsbox AI 3D emphasizes the importance of these movement patterns for Rory’s outstanding performance.

The lateral pelvis movement played a crucial role in Rory McIlroy's power generation by enabling him to build swing momentum and transfer explosive energy to the ball. Specifically, the analysis of his 3D swing data revealed that Rory performed a total lateral pelvis movement of 7.2 inches. This consisted of a 2.1-inch shift away from the target during the backswing and a 5.1-inch movement toward the target at impact.

This lateral movement is even referred to in the report as "The Engine of Power." It allows Rory to shift from one side to the other, generating speed in the process. Contrary to the belief that golfers should stay centered during the swing, the best players utilize a controlled lateral "Sway" to maximize energy transfer. The lateral pelvis movement is therefore a crucial factor in Rory McIlroy's powerful swing development.

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