{"id":611088,"date":"2026-04-16T16:49:13","date_gmt":"2026-04-16T16:49:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/611088\/"},"modified":"2026-04-16T16:49:13","modified_gmt":"2026-04-16T16:49:13","slug":"prepare-like-a-pro-with-robert-rock","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/611088\/","title":{"rendered":"Prepare Like A Pro With Robert Rock"},"content":{"rendered":"<p id=\"elk-5ab2f96c-7a89-4f25-8c8a-790f32812a51\">Two-time DP World Tour winner Robert Rock has one of the best swings in the game and he\u2019s known for his committed practice routine and impressive technical knowledge. In fact, he\u2019s so respected by his peers that he\u2019s now started coaching some of them, including Matt Wallace and Oliver Wilson.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-646039d7-472e-4104-afa9-26840fcb15c8\">You can benefit from Rock\u2019s vast experience and know-how from playing the game at the top level for nearly three decades and helping other pros improve their technique and performance, as well. In this article (and video above), he\u2019ll demonstrate how he prepares for a tournament, so you can use his insights and drills to hone your game.<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-long-game\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\"\/>Long Game<a id=\"elk-65dae883-4db0-433c-a5fe-d370ec64fa84\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\"\/>Reset the fundamentals<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-8ddb802b-4103-47ff-9190-9aa3b9d95057\">I would start my week when playing in tournaments by resetting my swing on a Monday. You want to realign everything so you know you\u2019re starting from the same point, because it\u2019s easy to go backwards and slip into bad habits when you\u2019re playing a lot of rounds without working on your technique.<\/p>\n<p>I\u2019ve got checkpoints on all the fundamentals, like grip, alignment, posture and positions in my takeaway and backswing. You can use alignment sticks, a camera and the <a data-analytics-id=\"inline-link\" href=\"https:\/\/trsgolf.com\/products\/trs-slider?srsltid=AfmBOooiYsjxP_D5Yqh8Sw_PS1WOOjcUrntnsySFYPdDUSJTNXk0lqR2&amp;rfsn=8804875.88055c&amp;utm_source=refersion&amp;utm_medium=affiliate&amp;utm_campaign=8804875.88055c&amp;subid=golfmonthly-us-9323831958235578433\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"sponsored noopener nofollow\" data-url=\"https:\/\/trsgolf.com\/products\/trs-slider?srsltid=AfmBOooiYsjxP_D5Yqh8Sw_PS1WOOjcUrntnsySFYPdDUSJTNXk0lqR2\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-hl-processed=\"hawklinks\" data-google-interstitial=\"false\" data-placeholder-url=\"https:\/\/trsgolf.com\/products\/trs-slider?srsltid=AfmBOooiYsjxP_D5Yqh8Sw_PS1WOOjcUrntnsySFYPdDUSJTNXk0lqR2&amp;rfsn=8804875.88055c&amp;utm_source=refersion&amp;utm_medium=affiliate&amp;utm_campaign=8804875.88055c&amp;subid=hawk-custom-tracking\" data-merchant-name=\"TRS Golf\" data-merchant-id=\"582779\" data-merchant-network=\"Refersion\" data-merchant-url=\"trsgolf.com\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"inline-link\">TRS Slider<\/a>, a training aid that improves your swing path by keeping everything connected, to help you get reset and into the right positions.<\/p>\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\" style=\"padding-top:56.20%;\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/3sg28DAqLSU2MQDGmwYfYZ.jpg\" alt=\"Robert Rock using the TRS Slider training aid\"   loading=\"lazy\" data-new-v2-image=\"true\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/3sg28DAqLSU2MQDGmwYfYZ.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/3sg28DAqLSU2MQDGmwYfYZ.jpg\"\/>\n<\/p>\n<p>The TRS Slider is a training aid that helps you feel the correct swing path<\/p>\n<p>(Image credit: Howard Boylan)<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-1657b473-c525-4adc-8556-b417e9aedf4b\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\"\/>Build feels with slow-motion swings<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-e0aee4cf-d72e-4c99-adc6-227566f4f61a\">I like to do slow motion drills to make sure my swing is doing what I think it is. It\u2019s so easy to get that wrong and I do it all the time \u2013 you think you\u2019re doing one thing, and then you look at it on camera and it\u2019s miles off. Make sure you get the movement right slowly to start with and then build it up just doing practice swings with a 7-iron.<\/p>\n<p>A couple of things I like to check are the clubhead position in the takeaway and making sure I\u2019m stretching enough to the top of the backswing. You want to feel lined up and powerful. If you don\u2019t get leverage in the backswing, you\u2019re going to be limited in terms of how much clubhead speed you can produce.<\/p>\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\" style=\"padding-top:56.24%;\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/97VRMJDuXuKyJCChMXcpCh.jpg\" alt=\"Robert Rock Golf Swing\"   loading=\"lazy\" data-new-v2-image=\"true\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/97VRMJDuXuKyJCChMXcpCh.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/97VRMJDuXuKyJCChMXcpCh.jpg\"\/>\n<\/p>\n<p>(Image credit: Howard Boylan)<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-414be9c8-78bb-4e51-8bac-0ab7c9a824de\">You should also focus on your rhythm. It can be difficult to have calmness and patience to take your time in the backswing and right to the top, especially if you haven\u2019t played a lot. Help your rhythm by feeling like you\u2019re pausing for a second or two at the top of your backswing, even though the reality is a fraction of that time.<\/p>\n<p>Even if you can\u2019t get to the range or hit any balls, you can practice your backswing in your garden or house.<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-e0440359-f125-4398-8a8f-6a48d5d6460c\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\"\/>Work through the bag and check yardages<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-ef6b5168-7eaf-4afb-869e-c36ca92e1655\">When you begin hitting balls, start with 10 or 20 shots to loosen your body up. When you feel loose and like you\u2019re really hitting your positions start videoing around every other shot to make sure your swing is where it should be. Don\u2019t move on until you can see that your positions are correct.<\/p>\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\" style=\"padding-top:56.24%;\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/b8qwxkhxLeWFFMsxA7nY24.jpg\" alt=\"Robert Rock golf swing\"   loading=\"lazy\" data-new-v2-image=\"true\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/b8qwxkhxLeWFFMsxA7nY24.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/b8qwxkhxLeWFFMsxA7nY24.jpg\"\/>\n<\/p>\n<p>(Image credit: Howard Boylan)<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-9e27bd6b-c1fe-4c31-8e09-35de39bc96aa\">Once they are, go through the bag hitting all your clubs to remind yourself of the tiny adjustments. For example, with driver you want to make sure your stance is wide enough, the length of the swing is correct, and you maintain a good rhythm.<\/p>\n<p>Having started with a 7-iron, I\u2019ll then do the longest iron in the bag, then driver, then back down to wedges. You can also check your yardages while you\u2019re doing this. I like to use a Foresight Sports GCQuad, but there are now more and more affordable launch monitors like the Shot Scope LM1, you can go to a Trackman range, or laser the flags and targets at a driving range.<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-short-game\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\"\/>Short Game<a id=\"elk-31d2363d-f350-4da7-86c3-df1abaa00c9c\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\"\/>Dial in your wedges<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-4d73e136-8ca6-4fb2-a148-8e545ff36359\">I hit a lot of shots with my 52\u00b0 wedge, so that\u2019s the most important one for scoring for me. I\u2019ve got to hit the right shots, so I have a few favourites \u2013 a 100-yard shot, 107 yards if I hit it full, and 112 yards if I push it to the max. I do it with the same set-up and swing length, but I change the tempo and pace of the swing and control the speed with the turning of my chest.<\/p>\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\" style=\"padding-top:56.28%;\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/dnMYWdW8LGuywCii25Kjpa.jpg\" alt=\"Robert Rock TRS Golf\"   loading=\"lazy\" data-new-v2-image=\"true\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/dnMYWdW8LGuywCii25Kjpa.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/dnMYWdW8LGuywCii25Kjpa.jpg\"\/>\n<\/p>\n<p>(Image credit: Howard Boylan)<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-d4892b07-93aa-4f16-a8ec-076e70d94bd1\">The max swing is as hard as I dare hit it with this technique, without messing the strike up. In terms of the technique, I\u2019m a little more upright with slightly higher hands, keep the weight a little more on my left side through the swing and don\u2019t use my wrists as much.<\/p>\n<p>I\u2019ve basically copied this off Thomas Bjorn and found these adjustments give me a more reliable start line and help me replicate those different paces I want for the different shots.<\/p>\n<p>You hit a lot of shots with your wedges so work on three reliable yardages with each wedge in your bag and you\u2019ll lower your scores.<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-8457b0a7-46ce-40ee-958e-44f81c042df5\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\"\/>Develop a go-to 50-yard shot<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-1b2d13d9-0cf1-40a7-8f1c-d9655de3cffa\">A good 50-yard shot will save you a lot of shots, especially if you aren\u2019t playing regularly. You should always be able to get it closer than a full shot. It\u2019s a bit of technique and a lot of practice. I use a 60\u00b0 wedge and play it a bit like we talked about for the full wedge shot.<\/p>\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\" style=\"padding-top:56.24%;\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/faggaWWL9KKoFP5YeuUkpa.jpg\" alt=\"Robert Rock TRS Golf\"   loading=\"lazy\" data-new-v2-image=\"true\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/faggaWWL9KKoFP5YeuUkpa.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/faggaWWL9KKoFP5YeuUkpa.jpg\"\/>\n<\/p>\n<p>(Image credit: Howard Boylan)<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-ae4781f6-c864-4640-83fd-dbcb467ae562\">I\u2019m trying to get a minimal divot and it\u2019s a nice wide swing, which is about waist height for me with a moderate tempo. A good thing to think about is maintaining a long right arm (for right-handers). You don\u2019t want to hit down into the ground too much because having your weight slightly on the left to start with will give you your low point.<\/p>\n<p>A wide swing with a shallower attack angle and minimal divot gives you more margin for error. If you can hit the 50-yard number with the right strike, divot, spin and flight, you can adapt pretty well to difference distances around that. You can get feedback on your landing distance with a launch monitor or lasering the flag you\u2019re aiming at and checking the pitchmark or eyeballing where it lands in relation.<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-putting\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\"\/>Putting<a id=\"elk-809bb668-3616-42b7-aded-86a48e258ca6\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\"\/>Starting Putts On Line<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-4e8bd8c9-1b18-411e-b4ea-f478315cab13\">The most important part for me is holing-out. You might not make many of your mid-range putts, but you\u2019ve got to expect putts inside 5 feet to go in to capitalise on good approach shots and save pars. Start line is vital on these putts.<\/p>\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\" style=\"padding-top:56.28%;\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/NgBCPQ2Y4HmwuZXHEyahua.jpg\" alt=\"Robert Rock TRS Golf\"   loading=\"lazy\" data-new-v2-image=\"true\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/NgBCPQ2Y4HmwuZXHEyahua.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/NgBCPQ2Y4HmwuZXHEyahua.jpg\"\/>\n<\/p>\n<p>(Image credit: Howard Boylan)<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-4e50d089-c33b-41e5-925a-547cdf9642a8\">I like to use a putting mat that gives me feedback on the clubface and path through the stroke, and a tee gate to send the ball through.<\/p>\n<p>I also use a line on the ball to tell me if I\u2019m striking it well and rolling it properly end over end. Without the mat, you can use that line to aim the ball on your target line and through the gate. It\u2019s also helpful to have a camera directly over the ball to film your stroke.<\/p>\n<p>Stay in your posture and hold the finish position to make sure you don\u2019t come out of the putt too soon. To get the right speed, you want the ball to hit the back of the hole when it goes in.<\/p>\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\" style=\"padding-top:56.24%;\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/uqusSS6goLBGa6eQ7tasoa.jpg\" alt=\"Robert Rock TRS Golf\"   loading=\"lazy\" data-new-v2-image=\"true\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/uqusSS6goLBGa6eQ7tasoa.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/uqusSS6goLBGa6eQ7tasoa.jpg\"\/>\n<\/p>\n<p>(Image credit: Howard Boylan)<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-85b398f5-72fe-407b-8625-900b3ad5c8e6\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\"\/>Calibrate your pace<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-5896670b-9dca-435a-8564-b956962b37e3\">Lagging all your long putts within a few feet will make your life a lot easier. I putt backwards and forwards across the green with a two-colour ball split down the centre line, focusing on getting the ball to roll true, end over end. You don\u2019t need to aim at a hole. If you\u2019re striking it true on longer putts, then you\u2019re more able to judge your distance control.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Two-time DP World Tour winner Robert Rock has one of the best swings in the game and he\u2019s&hellip;\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":611089,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[566],"tags":[64,63,755,85],"class_list":["post-611088","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-golf","tag-au","tag-australia","tag-golf","tag-sports"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/611088","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=611088"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/611088\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/611089"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=611088"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=611088"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=611088"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}