If you watch golf on TV, you’ll notice something all professional players have in common: smooth golf swing tempo. Some swing faster than others, but there’s no doubt they all make swinging a golf club look easy.
The key behind their golf greatness is tempo.
Of course, their mechanics are sound, thanks to endless time on the driving range and golf lessons. However, tempo is often regarded as the secret ingredient; something most golfers often don’t give enough thought when working on their swings.
So, why is tempo so important? How can you improve your tempo for a more reliable golf swing? These are “golf for beginner” questions we’re aiming to answer for you today!
Tempo is how you can generate effortless power, more consistency, and play better under pressure.
What is Golf Swing Tempo?
Tempo is the glue of your golf swing, and the motion that holds it all together.
Unfortunately, most golfers focus on mechanics – which are important to an extent – but often neglect tempo. If you want to swing like the pros, you need the right tempo, too.
So, what is tempo? Does it mean swinging “low and slow” on the backswing like you might have heard during a golf lesson?
Not quite.
This is an outdated piece of golf advice that might actually hold you back from scoring to your fullest potential. If you watch the best players in the world, you’ll notice they’re anything but “slow” on the backswing as their entire swing takes about one second.
Unless you’re a long drive competitor, swinging as hard as you can is never the true answer to the question of the perfect golf swing tempo.
The Truth About Golf Swing Tempo
What is tempo in golf, truly?
Tempo is how you can generate effortless power, more consistency, and play better under pressure. It refers to the cadence (both rhythm and timing) in your swing that makes all parts flow together.
Golf swing tempo is measured by backswing time and downswing time. The best players in the world have the same tempo for full swing shots, which provides a smooth transition that leads to consistent results.
Unfortunately, most amateur golfers have erratic tempo that changes from swing to swing. Erratic tempo alongside improper mechanics leads to an inconsistent golf swing, especially if you’re under pressure.
Proper golf swing tempo prevents feeling too slow and too rushed, which leads to better sequencing. A better sequence leads to your lower and upper body working together to produce an effortless golf swing like the pros.
Three Kinds of Golf Swing Tempo
It’s important to remember that golf swing tempo is not how fast or slow you take the club back. For example, Ernie Els has a very different golf swing speed than Tiger Woods, but both have amazing tempo.
Here is a quick review of each type of tempo:
- Smooth and slow tempo. Ernie Els (nicknamed “The Big Easy”) is one of the best examples of having smooth, controlled tempo. This is ideal if you have perfect mechanics like Ernie or Collin Morikawa. However, most everyday golfers might need a slightly faster tempo to increase speed and distance.
- Moderate tempo. This type of tempo describes most professional golfers who have a perfect mix of balance, stability, and smoothness during transition. Freddy Couples is a fantastic example of moderate tempo and makes swinging a golf club look effortless.
- Fast and quick tempo. The best example of this is Jon Rahm; if you blink, you’ll miss his golf swing. Tiger Woods is also a perfect example of fast tempo and why he generated so much power. Without proper mechanics, too fast of tempo is a disaster for everyday golfers and can result in some big slices or hooks.
So, what type of tempo is right for you? How can you easily figure out the tempo that will benefit your golf swing the most?
Why not learn from a legend of the game…Sir Nick Faldo.
Dial in Your Tempo With Sir Nick Faldo
Sir Nick Faldo has 41 wins as a professional, alongside six major championships. His game was incredible from tee to green and made ball striking look easy thanks to his tempo. His swing was effortless and he’s now sharing his secrets inside Easy Tempo Technique.
This online video training from Sir Nick will revolutionize the way you swing the club and help you become clutch on the course. This little-known secret is something he learned before winning his first Open Championship and is now sharing openly with thousands of amateur golfers.
You can also watch Sir Nick Faldo with Performance Golf expert coach Eric Cogorno here for FREE; this simple video will give you real-life visuals on how you can perfect your golf swing tempo.
Improve Your Tempo Fast
Improving your tempo can provide a ton of benefits to your golf swing, including better sequencing and more distance with every club. On the driving range, experiment with different tempos to see which ones work for your swing the best.
