Thursday, May 14, 2009

Golf Swing Tempo

Golf Swing Tempo - Is A Golf Fundamental


The golf swing tempo IS a fundamental of the golf swing. It would appear to be the most overlooked and underwritten about. What doesn't help, is that half of what I read on the subject is just nonsense anyway.

Just start your swing at the top. Like facing a pitcher with a baseball bat in your hands.

The fundamentals of golf:
Grip
Posture
Ball Position
Alignment
Pre-swing Routine

The fact, lets put it in 3rd Place, right behind grip and alignment. The reason being is that, if you have a basic understanding of swing technique, then Swing Tempo is the glue that holds it all together. Pausing at the top of your back swing, for anywhere between a pause and 2 seconds is the stuff that will bring it crashing down. In fact this will more than likely cause you to 'Cast,' or come over the top in the swing. With good tempo, the left knee should be starting it's Downswing move to the left, just as the hands and club are reaching the top of the back swing.

It is often said that most high handicappers swing too fast. This is not, in fact, the case. Most swing too slow, but their swings look fast because they lack a decent tempo. Either a really quick take away that then slows on the way to impact, or the reverse. Ernie Els' 'Big Easy' swing, is in fact, exactly the same tempo as Phil Mickelson's and VJ Singh's. Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player's were slightly faster. Where the tour pros do not vary, is in the ratio of their swings. THIS IS KEY! The tour pros ALL swing at a 3 To 1 Ratio. However long they take getting to the top of their back swing is 3 Times that of getting the club head back to impact!

So there you go. Probably the simplest fundamental you ever read. Get to the range with some type of timing device, and swing to a 3 TO 1 Ratio. The magic thing about it is, that you will find yourself so engrossed with listening to the Beats, that all other swing thoughts (particularly negative ones), will leave your head. Try different tempos (NOT RATIOS) and find the one that suits your personality.

0 comments:

Post a Comment