Tempo is King

[anthony]

Before my rant on tempo, a little history on my golf game.

I played my first 9 holes 16 years ago at the age of 13. I loved it. I might have got the ball air born 5 times all day, but that's all it took. Over the next few years, I played during the summer with friends. I never took my swing serious and lost a box of balls every time out, but I had a lot of fun. As I finished high school and got busy working and going to college I played less and less until not at all.

Two years ago, the company I work for asked if any of us were interested in playing a golf scramble. So, I dusted off my sticks and played. I forgot how much I loved golf and I've been hooked since then.

Over the last 2 years my swing has transformed from totally unpredictable to half way decent. I've put in a lot of hours at the range, on the course and at home working on my grip, stance etc. I've went from millions of swing thoughts to 1. I actually have confidence (for the most part) in my swing now.

The main reason I have confidence now is through finding my tempo and a pre-shot routine. I always read about pre-shot routine's and how much they help. However, another common phrase when talking about pre-shot routine's is that you must find your own. Well, I've found mine and it came from finding my tempo. A non rushed comfortable tempo has made me so much more consistent. Granted, I'm basing this off of 2 rounds and a few range sessions, but I feel confident stepping on the tee box. Which I never have before.

To find my tempo, I very simply start with the club in my hands out in front of me. I then swing the club back into my backswing as usual and follow through. I feel the weight of the club the whole time and make a smooth transition. That's it. For my pre shot routine do the following:

1) pick a target and line up
2) make 3 tempo practice swings (starting the club out in front of me as described above)
3) line up to the ball
4) swing

The most important part is this: When I swing I mentally picture myself starting with the club out in front of me and swinging into the backswing. I know longer hoover over the ball due to this (which was a major problem). I set up, start the pendulum in my head and swing away. It seems like the easier I swing the further it goes.