Tempo is the secret ingredient in the golf swing. There is a rhythm in a golf swing. If you mess with that rhythm, best of luck trying to generate clubhead speed at the right time. Instead, you’ll discover that the swing feels like hard work…no fun.
I often focus ONLY on my tempo and discover a dramatic improvement in my ball striking. Tempo extends beyond the tee and fairway. A smooth tempo is critical for shots around the green and on the green. Watch your grip pressure. If you are death-gripping, smooth tempo is nearly impossible to achieve.
I like a gradual build up of speed through the swing, where I feel the burst of speed just past impact. If I am struggling, I find that my tempo burst is at the transition point from back to downswing. This is death for any swing. A quick tempo at the transition point will lead to directionally challenged shots or shots that go nowhere.
So the next time you are out on the course, work on creating a gradual burst of speed where the burst is just past impact – where it needs to be in order to generate that must-have clubhead speed.