Tiger vs. Rory vs. Nelly by AI - The Perfect Swing Elements Compared

What makes each of these iconic swings unique - and what can you learn from them?

Introduction:

Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy, and Nelly Korda are three of the most technically sound golfers of their respective tours. Each player has a signature swing style that combines power, precision, and consistency. In this comparison, we’ll break down the differences and similarities between these legendary swings, and explore what recreational golfers can learn from their techniques.

Setup Comparison:

Player Stance Posture Ball Position Grip
Tiger Woods Slightly narrower, classic stance Straight back, slight tilt Inside left heel (driver) Neutral, slightly strong
Rory McIlroy Slightly wider, athletic and dynamic Lean and balanced Inside left heel (driver), more centered for irons Neutral
Nelly Korda Perfectly balanced, neutral and athletic Upright, straight back Just inside left heel (driver), more centered for irons Neutral

💡 AI Insight:

Tiger’s Setup: Optimizes power and control with a balanced, grounded feel.

Rory’s Setup: Creates a stable base, setting up for his dynamic movement.

Nelly’s Setup: Prioritizes balance and smooth rotation, maintaining control.

Takeaway Tip: Maintain an athletic stance that suits your natural movement and flexibility.

Takeaway Comparison:

Player Path Arm Movement Clubface Position
Tiger Woods Low and straight, club outside hands Smooth triangle formation Square with gradual wrist hinge
Rory McIlroy Smooth, slightly inside the line One-piece motion, slightly wider Square to path, gradual hinge
Nelly Korda Low and straight, on-plane One-piece, perfectly synchronized Square, no manipulation

💡 AI Insight:

Tiger: Prioritizes a controlled, precise path to maintain power.

Rory: Effortless, flowing takeaway that sets up his dynamic motion.

Nelly: Smooth and precise, ensuring a consistent plane.

Takeaway Tip: Use a one-piece takeaway to maintain connection between the arms and body.

Backswing Comparison:

Player Rotation Width Weight Shift
Tiger Woods Massive shoulder turn, limited hips Wide, straight left arm Slight shift to the right side
Rory McIlroy Full shoulder turn, dynamic coil Wide, extended right elbow Weight loaded onto the right leg
Nelly Korda Controlled shoulder turn, minimal hip movement Wide arc, consistent plane Subtle weight transfer to the right

💡 AI Insight:

Tiger: Stores power with a full shoulder turn and minimal hip sway.

Rory: Maximizes lag and torque through a wide, powerful coil.

Nelly: Creates smooth, balanced motion without excessive movement.

Backswing Tip: Focus on creating width while maintaining balance for better consistency.

Top of Swing Comparison:

Player Club Position Wrist Hinge Balance
Tiger Woods Slightly across the line Fully hinged, loaded Perfectly balanced and coiled
Rory McIlroy Parallel to the target line, balanced Full hinge, ready to release Stable with shoulders fully rotated
Nelly Korda Parallel, square to the target line Subtle hinge, stable position Balanced with minimal movement

💡 AI Insight:

Tiger: Powerful top position with a bit of excess across the line.

Rory: Smooth and poised, loaded for a powerful downswing.

Nelly: Textbook parallel and balanced, promoting control.

Top of Swing Tip: Keep your wrists hinged but avoid overextending for consistent strikes.

Downswing Comparison:

Player Hip Rotation Club Path Lag Retention
Tiger Woods Aggressive clearing of hips Shallowing, inside path Maximum lag held until just before impact
Rory McIlroy Smooth hip turn, dynamic motion Shallow and on-plane Holds lag longer, creating speed
Nelly Korda Gradual hip rotation, fluid motion On-plane, minimal steepness Retains lag while staying balanced

💡 AI Insight:

Tiger: Uses aggressive hip rotation to generate speed.

Rory: Combines smooth hip turn with optimal shallowing.

Nelly: Maintains fluid motion with controlled hip rotation.

Downswing Tip: Focus on clearing the hips first for an inside path.

Impact Comparison:

Player Weight Distribution Shaft Lean Extension Through Ball
Tiger Woods 80% on the left foot Forward, strong compression Full extension, powerful contact
Rory McIlroy Mostly on the left, balanced Less shaft lean, more rotational Extends fully through the strike
Nelly Korda Balanced and centered, fluid motion Slight shaft lean, clean contact Extends through the ball with stability

💡 AI Insight:

Tiger: Compresses the ball with a powerful downward strike.

Rory: Uses rotational power for a strong, high launch.

Nelly: Maintains control, creating pure and consistent contact.

Impact Tip: Focus on weight transfer to your front foot for solid strikes.

Follow-through Comparison:

Player Extension Rotation Balance
Tiger Woods Full arm extension, high finish Complete rotation Perfectly balanced, classic pose
Rory McIlroy Full extension, powerful release Full body rotation, graceful Balanced on left foot, effortless look
Nelly Korda Smooth and graceful, complete finish Full rotation with minimal sway Balanced, poised, and controlled

💡 AI Insight:

Tiger: Balanced and powerful with a classic high finish.

Rory: Effortless, maintaining fluidity throughout.

Nelly: Graceful and poised, showing control over power.

Follow-through Tip: Maintain your finish position to ensure balance and control.

Which Swing Style Suits You?

If you prioritize power and compression, emulate Tiger Woods.

For effortless distance and fluidity, study Rory McIlroy.

If you value grace and consistency, look to Nelly Korda.

Want to see how your swing compares?

The Ultimate Guide to Analyzing and Improving Your Golf Swing with ChatGPT will show you how.

Download. Upload. Improve.

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