Have you got Rhythm?
How’s your rhythm…not on the dance floor; on the golf course?

Virtually every instructor in the game of golf would agree that tempo and tension are critical factors in a successful golf swing. So often you’ll hear the television golf commentators refer to a player’s poor golf shot being the result of not completing the backswing or a bad transition from the backswing to the downswing. These are all comments about tempo. Another reference to tempo is under pressure, players will play “tight”. They are alluding to the tension in the player’s grip and/or body that causes an undesired shortened backswing, a restricted body turn and usually an unwelcomed abbreviated follow-through.

For tournament players at the highest level, pressure is the usual culprit that is the source of swing flaws. The result is a golf swing that loses championships. Most of us have the same swing enemies; poor tempo and too much tension. However, these are often not related to the same type of pressure. They have more to do with either a lack of fundamentals, or confidence in our golf swing or most often, a fear of hitting a bad golf shot. These are things we have done so often we actually come to expect them.

Let’s first address the issue of tension. Very often I see amateurs with a quick and elongated backswing and a decelerated down and through swing followed by an abbreviated follow-through. They take the golf club away from the golf ball in a quick jerky motion that does not allow their body to turn in sync with their arm swing. This jerky beginning is most often the result of too much tension in the grip, from holding the golf club too tight. The proper grip pressure is holding the golf club as lightly as possible, while still controlling the club’s movement. Relaxing the grip will also reduce tension in the arms and shoulders allowing for a smooth and relaxed beginning of the golf swing.  As you begin the downswing and your arms swing the golf club through the golf ball, your grip pressure will naturally increase due to the weight of the club head and centrifugal force.

Please take special note of the reference above that you must swing the golf club “through” the golf ball. The late Harvey Penick used to say that the best golf shots occur when the golf ball just gets in the way of the club face. It is, after all, a golf swing, not a golf hit.

Regarding tempo, the golf swing is most successful when two things happen. The first is the gradual and continued acceleration beginning as the downswing begins and continues through the golf ball on to a full finish. When driving a car and beginning from a stopped position, you remove your foot from the brake pedal and place it on the accelerator. You then gradually increase the pressure on the accelerator until you reach your desired speed. The tempo of your golf swing should be the same. Begin with a relaxed, smooth take-a-way to a complete backswing. Then, as you transition to the downswing, you increase the speed of your arm-swing as your body turns. This constant, yet controlled, acceleration all the way to a full finished follow-through will produce the golf shot you desire, both in height and distance.

Here’s a helpful visual, a metronome. Remember that wonderful device used to define musical tempo? The length of the swinging arm that moves back and forth, equal distance and at the same pace is a great example of tempo and swing length.  It is especially helpful with your short game, putting and chipping. Ever skull a chip or pitch shot, or chili-dip a short shot from off the green? This is the result of deceleration and stopping the club head at the golf ball, usually with too tight of a grip. Often missing makeable putts and/or leaving a long approach putt short happens for the same reasons.

Next time you face a greenside pitch or prepare to stroke a putt, picture a metronome in your head. Make the length and speed of your backstroke and follow-through match the movement of the arm on the metronome. I’m betting your scores will come down, and thus fulfill the goal of every golfer.

Enjoy the greatest of games,

John W. Boykin, PGA

John W. Boykin is an elite PGA Member Professional and International Golf Instructor.  John brings a wealth of knowledge about the game and industry to Privileged Play members. John is the founder and CEO of Business Golf International (BGI), a global firm specializing in helping corporate clients utilize golf as a tool to achieve their business goals. BGI also provides expertise in golf facility design, construction, operations, marketing and management services.