Rory McIlroy reveals one tactic that helps him avoid water with his shots

Northern Irish golfer Rory McIlroy did a segment with golf teaching company Operation 36, during which he shared several tips and anecdotes about the sport, including what he does to avoid finding the water with his shots.

In the video that Operation 36 shared on its social media, the 4-time major champion is seen explaining his approach to a chip shot. He said that in such shots he tries to go a "little bit further" as they are a "scoring opportunity" for him. In the caption, Operation 36 noted down a swing tip from the star, which also included how he tries to avoid the water. The caption said:

"When you're facing a mid-range shot, think of it as an extended chip shot. Use a shoulder-to-shoulder swing, focusing on your target and blocking out any distractions, like water or bunkers. It's a scoring opportunity, so take dead aim and trust your technique."

The segment with Rory McIlroy aired on Golf Pass in August this year.

---

"I'm not as much as a risk taker in my profession as I used to be" - Rory McIlroy

Rory McIlroy (Source: Getty)

Rory McIlroy is one of the most formidable golfers on the circuit currently. However, this year has been heartbreaking for the 35-year-old after consecutive close defeats. He narrowly lost at the BMW PGA Championship, Irish Open, and the US Open. The US Open was his chance of ending his decade-long major title drought.

According to McIlroy, he is not taking as many risks as he once used to, and this change in approach has both benefitted as well as hurt his game. He said in an interview with Normal Sport (via Mirror):

"I'm not as much as a risk taker in my profession, like in golf, as I used to be," he said. "I think in some way, that's helped me because I've become a lot more consistent player. But maybe in other ways, it's held me back over the last couple of years. Like the way my final days have gone, I'll go out and shoot 70 or 69 and play a pretty solid round of golf, but it's not enough to win."

McIlroy bagged all four of his major tournament titles before the age of 25, becoming only the third player to do so after Jack Niklaus and Tiger Woods. His last major success came at the 2014 PGA Championship against Phil Mickelson by one stroke at Valhalla Golf Club, Kentucky.