Breaking Into the Game: Juniors

Join Michael Bannon, longtime coach to Rory McIlroy, as he helps juniors improve their play while enjoying the learning process. Each segment in the series features valuable tips and advice, and there is a special appearance by Rory as well.

Michael Bannon discusses the benefits of getting juniors involved with golf and shares his teaching philosophy. Rory McIlroy joins to reveal how Bannon’s coaching was instrumental when breaking into the game.

Michael Bannon reveals the keys to a proper club fitting and the other preparations you should make for a junior breaking into the game.

In Hole 3, Michael Bannon teaches the basic fundamentals of striking a golf ball and reveals why it’s important to learn the game from the green back to the tee.

In Hole 4, Michael Bannon reveals the setup and putting stroke keys for juniors breaking into the game. Don't over-complicate it early on, just focus on the fundamentals and having fun.

The Gate Drill is a great way to practice starting putts on the correct line. Have friendly competitions to improve your putting while having fun.

Michael Bannon explains a 9-hole putting game that can be played on the putting green. Choose different types of putts and get a feel for putting in a competitive setting.

Practice speed control by eliminating the hole from the equation, using the edge of the green instead.

In Hole 5 of Breaking Into The Game, Michael Bannon teaches the low bump & run and high pitch, then helps your junior develop a plan for when to use each shot.

Michael Bannon demonstrates the proper setup and technique for pitch shots around the green.

Michael Bannon shares why juniors breaking into the game should practice bunker shots without a ball and reveals why a buried lie isn’t always a bad thing.

In Hole 7, Michael Bannon teaches setup fundamentals. Start without the club and focus on establishing proper alignment and learning how to rotate the body.

Michael Bannon introduces the club, starting with the all-important grip. He shows the three different ways to grip the club and shares a story about Rory changing his as a junior.

In this part, Michael Bannon breaks down how to slowly work your way up to making a full swing, while focusing on rhythm and tempo.

Michael Bannon reveals how a smooth takeaway will help generate speed. Swing speed is important and it’s easier to develop when your young, so don’t be afraid to grip it and rip it!

In Hole 8, Michael Bannon discusses proper etiquette, modifying the scorecard and ways he helped make it fun on the course when Rory McIlroy was breaking into the game.

In Hole 9 of Breaking Into The Game, Michael Bannon reveals how to take your range game to the course and Rory McIlroy joins to share his best advice for junior golfers.