Tempo has been a foundational piece of my golf swing since I started playing. I found that a smooth, steady tempo produced more consistent and controlled shots —especially when compared to those shots when I tried to muscle my swing.
Recently, I came across a clip of Rose Zhang — known for her even tempo — sharing what she focuses on to maintain her buttery-smooth swing. Her two keys have helped me improve both my tempo and weight shift, and I think they might be help you, too.
Don’t rush your backswing
In the video above, Zhang explains that she thinks about making a smooth, almost one-piece, back swing motion.
“In the backswing, making sure I’m not rushing,” Zhang says. “The entire backswing is flowing.”
This really resonated with me because when my swing is in a rut, I tend to take the club back too quickly. Sure, generating speed in the backswing is important for creating a powerful downswing, but I’ve found that when I pull it back too fast, it borders on being uncontrolled. That quick takeaway often throws off my positioning — in my case, that usually means taking the club too far inside.
But Zhang’s backswing key has helped me stay controlled and avoid rushing my takeaway. As a result, I’ve been making more consistent, center-face contact, which allows me to more effortlessly generate power.
Get to your lead side
The second swing thought Zhang cites is getting to the lead side.
“Basically using your lower body to shift your weight first and then leading with the hands,” she says.
I absolutely love this key because I see so many amatuers who don’t get to their front side completely, or, worse yet, hang back in their swing, which kills your contact and power.
This simple cue can help you remember to get your weight forward. Encouraging you to push into the ground, activating ground reaction forces that send energy into the clubhead. The outcome? An efficient, well-sequenced swing that produces more power.
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