How to Never Rush the Golf Swing

Rushing your golf swing can lead to inconsistency, poor shots, and frustration on the course.

Many beginner golfers struggle with this issue, but the key to overcoming it lies in understanding why it happens and of course, how to correct it. We recently shared a unique approach on our YouTube channel with pro golf coaches to help you sync your arms and body for a smoother, more controlled swing.

The Real Reason You Rush Your Swing

One major cause of rushing is a disconnect between your arms and body during the swing.

Many golfers either:

• Move their arms too fast while their body lags behind

OR,

• Rotate their body quickly while their arms haven’t fully completed their motion.

This misalignment creates a feeling of urgency, leading to rushed swings and inconsistent contact. The solution? Ensuring that your arms and body move together at the same rate throughout the swing. We recommend watching the YouTube video above to really see this in action!

The Fix: Syncing Your Arms and Body

To prevent rushing, focus on keeping your arms and body moving at the same pace. Here’s how:

1. Even Movement: Imagine your body and arms working in sync—if your body turns 50% of the way back, your arms should also be at 50%.
2. Hands in Front of the Chest: Throughout the swing, your hands should feel like they stay in front of your chest rather than getting stuck behind or racing ahead.
3. Mirror Drill: Practice swinging back and through while ensuring your hands and body arrive at each checkpoint together.

Using Time to Your Advantage

Another key to eliminating a rushed swing is increasing your awareness of time in the backswing and transition. In the video, coach JT says “time is your friend” because when you rush, you’re actually decreasing the time available in your swing.

Try this simple counting drill:

• If you normally start your downswing at a count of “1, 2, go,” extend it to “1, 2, 3, go.”
• This doesn’t mean slowing down unnaturally, but rather stretching out the sequence slightly to allow better tempo.

Some players also use a verbal mantra like “one-two” to time their backswing and downswing rhythm.

Excess tension in the hands, arms, and shoulders is another contributor to rushing. To stay relaxed:

• Maintain light grip pressure—just enough to hold the club, but not a death grip.
• Keep your shoulders and arms loose, avoiding stiffness before and during the swing.
• Add a pre-shot waggle or slight movement to prevent tension from building up.

By syncing your arms and body, embracing time in your swing, and reducing tension, you can eliminate the urge to rush and develop a smoother, more controlled motion. If rushing has been holding you back, try these strategies and share them with a fellow golfer who might need them too!