section_path: Technique and coaches
section_name: Technique and coaches
paragraph_text: Technique and coaches
  
  Despite his modest stature at 5 feet 9 inches (1.75 m), McIlroy has consistently been among the longest drivers in professional golf throughout his career. He had a "grip-it-and-rip-it" style with a long, fluid swing when he first came out on tour; he began to experience back problems by the age of 19 and required the use of heavy strapping and anti-inflammatory medication while playing. He was warned by a doctor that he likely would develop a stress fracture in his back if he did not change his approach. He then began to work with exercise physiologist Stephen McGregor, who noted imbalances in McIlroy's body: "He couldn't stand on one leg. He didn't have support and stability in his shoulders.... He was very arm-speed-dominated in his golf swing, as a lot of young players are, trying to generate as much speed as they can to launch the golf ball." McGregor, along with McIlroy's long-time coach Michael Bannon, set about rebuilding McIlroy's swing. He started a strict workout regimen, focused on developing strength in his legs and core to generate speed from the ground up and reduce strain on the back. As a result, his clubhead speed became faster than before. As of 2025, McIlroy is capable of producing over 190 miles per hour (310 km/h) ball speed.
  
  McIlroy struggled with his putting at the start of his career and began to work with specialist coach Paul Hurrion in 2008, who stated that McIlroy was overly reliant on hand-eye coordination when putting. McIlroy also was introduced to Bob Rotella's book Putting Out of Your Mind in late 2009. McIlroy later obtained putting instruction from former PGA Tour player Dave Stockton and credited him after winning the 2012 PGA Championship for the improvements in his putting. McIlroy underwent laser eye surgery in 2015, having previously used contact lenses while on the course. He said "I've always felt I struggled reading greens. I've always struggled with my eyes, especially in the summer with hayfever, when you're rubbing your eyes and sometimes things would get under the contact lens," and that after the surgery he had "better than 20/20 vision ". Since 2018, former PGA Tour player Brad Faxon has been McIlroy's putting coach. Faxon was known as one of the best putters on tour during his career.
  
  Despite his modest stature at 5 feet 9 inches (1.75 m), McIlroy has consistently been among the longest drivers in professional golf throughout his career. He had a "grip-it-and-rip-it" style with a long, fluid swing when he first came out on tour; he began to experience back problems by the age of 19 and required the use of heavy strapping and anti-inflammatory medication while playing. He was warned by a doctor that he likely would develop a stress fracture in his back if he did not change his approach. He then began to work with exercise physiologist Stephen McGregor, who noted imbalances in McIlroy's body: "He couldn't stand on one leg. He didn't have support and stability in his shoulders.... He was very arm-speed-dominated in his golf swing, as a lot of young players are, trying to generate as much speed as they can to launch the golf ball." McGregor, along with McIlroy's long-time coach Michael Bannon, set about rebuilding McIlroy's swing. He started a strict workout regimen, focused on developing strength in his legs and core to generate speed from the ground up and reduce strain on the back. As a result, his clubhead speed became faster than before. As of 2025, McIlroy is capable of producing over 190 miles per hour (310 km/h) ball speed.
  
  McIlroy struggled with his putting at the start of his career and began to work with specialist coach Paul Hurrion in 2008, who stated that McIlroy was overly reliant on hand-eye coordination when putting. McIlroy also was introduced to Bob Rotella's book Putting Out of Your Mind in late 2009. McIlroy later obtained putting instruction from former PGA Tour player Dave Stockton and credited him after winning the 2012 PGA Championship for the improvements in his putting. McIlroy underwent laser eye surgery in 2015, having previously used contact lenses while on the course. He said "I've always felt I struggled reading greens. I've always struggled with my eyes, especially in the summer with hayfever, when you're rubbing your eyes and sometimes things would get under the contact lens," and that after the surgery he had "better than 20/20 vision ". Since 2018, former PGA Tour player Brad Faxon has been McIlroy's putting coach. Faxon was known as one of the best putters on tour during his career.