SUUNTO Golf - Manual (Page 25)

GOLF GUIDE
25
TEMPO AND RHYTHM
OF THE SWING
The tempo and rhythm of the swing are the big secrets in the golf swing. Golfer’s
swing is usually natural and it is said to reflect individual’s personality. The tempo
and rhythm vary with each individual and range from fast to medium to slow or
anything in between.
Because it is very difficult to see tempo of the swing with naked eye very few
teaching pros analyze this part of swing. It is also very hard to train your tempo
and rhythm if you do not have an instruction device for practice. Two swings
that look very different may be very similar in tempo when you analyze them in
details.
Good tempo and rhythm are the most notable parts of swing that separates good
pro from high handicap amateur. Good players have the ability to swing every
club at a consistent tempo and with great balance. After a tournament you may
have heard when a touring pro tells after a great round of golf that his rhythm
was exceptional that day.
Tempo and rhythm are linked with balance. For example when two good play-
ers seem to have different tempo in their swing, a great balance throughout the
swing from start to the end of the follow through in both cases is exceptional. A
good tempo and rhythm is also like glue that keeps movements of body and club
fluently in balance.
Although tempo of the swing varies from every individual, in most cases golfer is
told to slow down his swing. When you hurry your swing there is more room for
error. Player may have problems in his tempo related from mental stress and ten-
sion may result from too hard grip pressure or bad stance.
When you realize that your tempo and rhythm are the most significant factors of
your game your consistency will improve considerably.