People have stopped me ever since the 2011 US Open ended and asked, "Is Rory's swing really perfect like they say it is? The announcers said it is THE perfect golf swing."
Interestingly, I was asked the same question after the Masters that same year about Charl Schwartzel's swing.
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From the end of the takeaway onward, these two swings could hardly be more different. Both are very good, however. Very good indeed.
So, Whose Swing Is Better?
In the video below, you'll learn how these dramatically different top of swing positions (Schwartzel—left, McIlroy—right) lead to equally dramatic differences in their downswings.
I heard a Sports Talk Radio guy say, "Charl's swing was perfect. But, Rory's is more perfect." Ok. Chalk up one more reason why mainstream golf instruction is a confused mess. If you want to cut through that confusion with data-driven feedback, try our AI swing analyzer to see exactly how your mechanics compare to elite-level models.
In the video analysis at the bottom of this page, we'll clear up that mess and look at how well they match up with Chuck Quinton's swing models taught on this site.
Rory's Far from an RST Model...
One quick look at Rory McIlroy at impact tells us that his swing is quite a bit different from the Rotary Swing Tour (RST) concept.
Many will find his open shoulders and bent trail arm reminiscent of the original Rotary Swing (RS1), and with good reason. Rory has a high-performance model RS1-type swing in many respects.
Rory McIlroy's impact position differs significantly from the RST model. Watch the video below to learn how he deviates and why.
Note: To switch between RST and RS1 instructional videos in your Video Player Learning System, simply use the "Instruction Preferences" page from your Member Tools menu (top right of this page).
...But Schwartzel's Pretty Close to the RST
On the other hand, 2011 Masters Champion Charl Schwartzel displays many RST attributes in his swing.
The contrast between the swing styles of these 2011 Majors champions is quite dramatic. In the video analysis below, I highlight the significant differences between the two.
More importantly to the RST student, I highlight how depth of backswing is a determinant for much of what follows in the downswing. Understanding this principle is central to structured learning systems like the GOAT Drill system, which trains trail side loading and transition sequencing through progressive, measurable reps.
This key swing characteristic is often a learning hurdle for the developing RST student. Understanding the role of backswing depth in the swing and why it is important to the downswing transition is a key element in understanding why the transition is structured the way it is.
If you're an RST student, the video below will help your understanding of why you may struggle in the early downswing. Pairing this analysis with a tool like our AI swing analyzer gives you objective, frame-by-frame feedback on your own backswing depth and impact position.
Want to Feel This in YOUR Swing?
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Watch part 2 now to see how you're moving your body in the opposite direction of the pros!
