While Rory McIlroy is known the world over for his towering drives and exquisite iron play, he’s also one of the most effective players in the game at getting the ball close to the pin when it matters.

The Masters champ ranks just outside the top 20 on tour in strokes gained around the green, and leads the PGA Tour so far this season in proximity of chips to the hole from around the green. 

On average, a Rory chip will land within 5 feet of the hole every time, making the Northern Irishman one of the game’s most ruthlessly efficient chippers. That is, of course, when he does need to chip, which is rare given his Tour-leading 82% Greens or Fringe in Regulation percentage. 

So how does McIlroy ensure perfect contact every time? Thankfully, he gave a very short clinic a couple of weeks ago with TaylorMade’s social media team on hand. The answer, he says, lies in the back arm.

“I like to make [my chips] like an elongated putting stroke in a way,” says McIlroy in the video. “I try not to have a lot of wrist break… and keep my hands and wrists pretty quiet. If anything I feel like I keep my right arm long, and try not to break it like I would in a normal golf swing.”

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McIlroy goes on to detail that this swing thought heavily influences the way he practices his short game, with an emphasis on practicing his chipping using only his back hand and keeping his arm very long.

Check out the full video below for the full one-minute clinic, and be sure to give it a go next time you’re out on the short game area.

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