Use A Metronome For Consistency
Tempo is arguably the most important aspect of the golf swing. It helps give balance and consistency to the swing. This week, we look at two keys you can use to improve your tempo with the use of a metronome.
Visualize A Metronome
When visualizing tempo, picture a metronome, the measuring device for tempo in music. The reason a metronome keeps constant tempo and rhythm is that the arm moves the same speed back and forth. It can be slow, medium, or fast. The key is that it is the same both directions.
On Tour, compare the swings of Ernie Els and Nick Price. Els, also known as the Big Easy, looks as though he is barely moving as he takes the club away slowly. He makes a smooth transition and appears to let gravity alone take the club back and through the ball. His swing looks effortless. Nick Price, on the other hand, lashes the club back and through, almost like Zorro in a sword fight. While both golf swings look different, the common denominator is how the speed and tempo of the backswing and downswing match each other.
Natural Metronome
So how do you know which tempo is right for you? Think about how you walk from one shot to the next. Some people will meander down the fairway in no real hurry, taking in the scenery as they go along. Others are getting from point A to point B without wasting any time. The way you walk is a great way to determine your natural tempo. Everyone falls into either slow, medium, or fast. Once you have decided which one is you, work to match your golf swing to that tempo. Again, the important thing is that the backswing and downswing match.
To review, visualize a metronome, matching your tempo on the backswing and the downswing. Use your natural metronome to find the right tempo for you. Improve these areas and watch the consistency and distance of your shots go through the roof!
Other Tips For Your Game
Rudi Fann
Rudi Fann has been a Class “A” member of the PGA of America since 2008. He began his career in 1998 as the Assistant Golf Professional at Wake Forest Golf Club in Wake Forest, NC. In 2002, Rudi accepted a similar position at Rio Mar Country Club in Rio Grande, Puerto Rico. He spent a year there before moving to Nipomo, CA where he worked at Blacklake Golf Resort. Over the next 10 years, he worked his way from Assistant Golf Professional to Head Golf Professional and finally Director of Golf Operations. In his time at Blacklake, Rudi devoted much of his time to running tournaments and other activities in order to create a social atmosphere at the club. After Blacklake, Rudi spent one year as Head Golf Professional at Paso Robles Golf Club before deciding to return home to North Carolina. Since returning to North Carolina, Rudi has worked with the First Tee of the Triangle helping to instill life skills and core values through the game of golf to local youth.