The importance of tempo in the golf swing is often overshadowed by launch monitor metrics and in-depth swing mechanics. While it’s not as exciting as technical aspects of the swing, tempo is still one of the most important elements of the golf swing — and it’s usually what amateurs are lacking.
The right tempo can sync up your sequencing, improve your delivery and even boost your feel. And, it’s one of the easiest facets of your swing to practice.
And, to find your flow, Peter Kostis, a GOLF Top 100 Teacher, says all you need is a simple tool: a metronome.
In a recent episode of Kostis & McCord: Off Their Rockers, Kostis reveals that he uses a metronome app on his phone to dial in his swing tempo. External devices, like metronomes, are great for calibrating your swing tempo because they provide consistent audible feedback that makes it easy to identify the best rhythm for your golf swing.
Find your optimal tempo
To find the right tempo for your swing, Kostis says to assign swing positions to the different beats.
“For me, the first click is the takeaway. The second click is impact,” Kostis says.
Test out different settings until you land on one that feels most comfortable for you. And, don’t leave it in the bag while you’re chipping or putting. Kostis explains that metronomes are a great tool to calibrate your short game and stroke on the green.
Use the beats to your advantage
Once you’ve fine-tuned your tempo, it will become easier to identify when your sequencing is off.
“When I get a little quick up here [the top of the backswing], I can immediately sense that I am out of sync,” Kostis says.
A good approach is to ask yourself if you were on beat, early or late after each swing. As you improve your ability to “read” your swings, you will also gain a better understanding for your misses.
And if you’re someone that struggles under pressure, the metronome can also add more flow to your game.
“When you practice with the metronome enough, everything you do transforms itself into the clicks,” Kostis says, “As I walk in, it’s click, click, waggle, click, waggle, click. I’m always in motion, I’m always picking up the rhythm of the metronome.”
Adding this kind of continuous movement or flow to your game is a great way to feel more comfortable over nerve-wracking shots.
For more great golf wisdom, check out the full episode of Kostis & McCord: Off Their Rockers below.
