Did you know the average PGA Tour pro can shape their shots in both directions on command? It’s a skill that separates the elite from the weekend warriors. No one exemplifies this better than Rory McIlroy. The Northern Irishman has never finished outside the top 10 in Strokes Gained: Tee-to-Green during his entire PGA Tour career. Thus, it automatically makes him the perfect guide for anyone looking to add this weapon to their arsenal.

But here’s the surprising truth: shaping shots isn’t nearly as complicated as most amateurs believe.

“A lot of this stuff, to be very simple, you can do through your setup,” McIlroy revealed during a masterclass session with GOLF Top 100 Teacher Chris Como. The 4x major champions believe most golfers overcomplicate shot shaping when the fundamentals are quite straightforward.

His approach is refreshingly simple: you set your body toward where you want the ball to start. Then, position the clubface toward where you want it to finish, and swing along your foot line. This method strips away all the technical jargon and gives golfers a clear, actionable path to controlling ball flight.

When McIlroy wants to hit his signature draw, he aims his body right of the target while keeping the clubface slightly left of his swing path. Conversely, for a fade, he aims left of the target with the clubface positioned slightly right of his swing direction. What’s particularly interesting is that contrary to what many instructors teach, McIlroy maintains virtually the same hand position regardless of the shot shape he’s trying to produce.

“At no point am I thinking that my hands have to be ahead or behind,” he explains. “I’d say my hand position for both shots is pretty consistent.”

Shot shaping isn’t just about looking impressive; it’s a strategic necessity on many golf courses. When faced with dogleg holes, tucked pins, or forced carries, the ability to curve the ball on command can save strokes and open up scoring opportunities. Golf Digest described Jordan Spieth‘s shot-shaping effort in their ‘My Shots’ series as “an absolute clinic on how to control trajectory and shape.”

Rory McIlroy has used this skill throughout his career, most notably at major championships where precise control of trajectory and curvature is essential. But how can average golfers develop this same skill? Let’s look at some practical training methods.

Training drills to master different shot shapes similar to Rory McIlroy’s advice

For amateur golfers looking to develop these skills, several effective training drills mimic the techniques used by tour professionals. Tiger Woods famously practiced the “9-to-3 drill,” hitting half-shots while focusing on controlling the clubface through impact. This drill helps develop the feel for different shot shapes without the pressure of a full swing.

McIlroy’s style closely mirrors Jack Nicklaus’s, who always recommended adjusting your stance instead of your swing. “Never punish yourself for hitting it straight” was one of Tiger’s key principles when practicing shot shaping.

Start by directly aiming your body left or right while keeping the clubface pointed at the target, then make your normal swing along your body line.

Ball position also plays a crucial role in shot shaping. For a fade, placing the ball slightly forward in your stance helps promote an outside-to-in path, while positioning it back encourages the inside-to-out path needed for a draw. The key is committing fully to whichever shot you choose—half-hearted attempts at shot-shaping almost always end poorly.

So, what’s stopping you from adding these shot-shaping skills to your game? Take Rory McIlroy’s advice and start with the fundamentals: Aim your body where you want the ball to start, point the clubface where you want it to finish, and swing along your foot line. Master this simple approach, and you’ll be attacking pins like a tour pro in no time.

What shot shape gives you the most trouble on the course? Let us know in the comments section below!