The difference between a good round and a bad round can be found in an often over looked area of the golf swing. You hear Pros talk about rythm, tempo and timing but how do you practice that?
On those days when you are striking the ball just right, take a mental note of the speed to the start of your back swing, the transition to your downswing through impact and into your follow through. You will find that it is fairly consistent throughout your round.
Here are 3 ways you can find that sweet rythm and keep it for the rest of the day.
Don’t Rush: It starts when you get out of bed. Give yourself plenty of time to do everything you need to do before your round. Shower, breakfast, travel to the course, check in, warm up, practice. Do everything from brushing your teeth to driving the speed limit at a comfortable pace for you.
Warm Up: When you arrive at the practice tee, take time to stretch. Start with a few easy swings with a mid to short iron and be aware of the speed of your whole swing from beginning to end, gradually speeding it up or slowing it down until you feel like your swinging at about 90% of your real swing. When you are ready to hit shots, start with your wedges hitting 3/4 shots working your way up slowly to full shots. Then you can move on to mid irons then long irons, fairway woods and finishing off with your driver. This will prevent you from snatching the club away in the takeaway and swinging out of your shoes which could happen if you start off with your driver.
Walking: This one should be easy but can get away from you if you don’t apply yourself, especially if you are riding in a cart. Walk at the same comfortable pace throughout your round keeping your pre shot routine consistent.
Your ball striking will be more crisp, your distance control more accurate and your misses will be smaller.
Great tips James. If you watch golf as much as me, one thing the announcers always talk about is rythm and pre shot routine.
Glad you like the tip Bill. So true! Rythm and timing seem to be under rated by some.
Glad you mentioned warming up before stretching. It’s really important that you take a minute to get the blood circulating before you stretch. Stretching a cold muscle does little good and you will be tight again before the end of the first hole!