Proper putting posture. McIlroys posture is the same every time he gets into a putt. There’s no hunch, no excessive knee bend — it looks just right. Its easy to replicate the putting posture. Before you address a putting stroke, place your feet together. Next, align your putter to the ball and take a stance with straight legs. Then bend at the hips and flex your knees slightly. You’ll feel more centered and the eyes will be over the ball, which is ideal for a good putting stroke.

Think “flow” not “jab.” Many golfers make the error of putting the putter back well and then attempting to hit the ball with a quick jab. This makes the putt go offline immediately. McIlroy does an excellent job of being free-flowing with his putter — once it’s pulled back, the club comes through with the same motion. Once you get over the ball, this isn’t the time to try to help the ball into the hole with a jerky motion. Let your putterhead run naturally.

Keep your head steady. It can be hard not to “peek” and see where your putt is headed but since the putting stroke is so short, even the slightest look up can ruin a perfect stroke. McIlroy goes all the way through impact without moving his head, which helps him stay in posture and makes it easier to stroke the ball solidly — right into the center of the cup.