Tempo ( Smooth Grooved Precision ) Chuck Anderson When you work on your tempo remember that the golf swing is one smooth fluid motion from the start to the finish. Not from the start of the swing to the golf ball, or any other check point. If you want distance you should swing the club without sacrificing balance, rhythm and control. A great way to check your tempo is to check your posture at the finish: if you can’t hold your finish for three seconds you’re swinging too fast, too hard or both. Swing speed (tempo) or how fast you swing the club is a personal subconscious feeling that only you know when it’s right for you. The faster you swing the club, the harder it is to do all the things you need to do during the swing. No two swings are the same. Try different swing speeds, varying from as fast as you can to as slow as you can, and you will find one in between that is just right for you and your body type. The tempo of the down swing can be compared to a race or, more importantly, the pace of the race of all the muscles racing in a perfect precise order of motion from the start of the downswing to the finish. Try this sequence of motion: Left foot, left knee, hips, left arm, shoulders, wrists, club face. One smooth, grooved accelerating swing speed with no extra effort at impact. Stay with the first swing from start to finish. Don’t start another swing at the impact area of the golf swing; you are already committed to the swing.