MYTHCONCEPTION
A fast swing means a long ball!
BUSTED
One of the most important aspects of a sound golf swing is swing rhythm, or timing. What we’re talking about is the physical time it takes from address position to impact.
After timing hundreds of golf swings, I have determined that the average mid to high handicapper’s swing takes between .50 and .95 of a second to take place. This is far too quick to maintain good balance or any swing consistency as the quick, jerky movement leaves a lot of room for error.
Most low handicappers and professionals maintain a swing time between 1.25 and 1.75 seconds from address to impact. This is a significant difference and dramatically increases your chances of maintaining balance and consistency. Slowing down your swing time in no way adversely affects swing speed, as it generally focuses on the first three feet of the takeaway.
The first three feet of the takeaway are critical to the remainder of your swing as it sets up the path, plane, arc and balance.
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TRY THIS
From the address position, simply push the handle of the golf club straight back from the ball with your target side hand (the one with the glove). Not only will this significantly slow down your takeaway, it will ensure that you make a powerful ‘turn’ away from the ball and don’t ‘pick or snatch’ the club away too quickly with your hands.
When this move becomes comfortable, get a stopwatch and have a friend or your local CPGA Professional time your swing from address to contact. Use the thought, ‘push the club to the top’ – this should slow your back swing down until it takes the better part of a second to complete the full swing.
Once you allow your swing to take the time it needs, better balance and more consistent shot making are sure to follow.
Rob Bernard
Instructor, Core Golf Academy
