3 elements in the golf swing that matter

I’m writing today about three elements of a good golf swing that are rarely mentioned, balance, tempo, and tension. So many people have become laser focused on mechanics they forget these three elements have as much impact as path and plane.

There is new focus on how important the feet are to the golf swing. If you can’t keep your balance when you swing, that shot is probably not going to turn out well. Here’s a few drills to try that will help you understand what a balanced swing feels like.

First, hit balls with your feet together with a slow short swing. Once you’ve got that, swing with your eyes closed. I like this drill because it’s a great way to find your perfect tempo. I believe everyone has an innate tempo that works best for them. A lot of men swing for the fences because their goal is to hit it as far as they can. That’s a great goal, but if you don’t finish in balance chances are you’re not going to find the fairway.

Swing tempo gives each player the chance to create the proper sequence in the swing. In the perfect kinematic sequence, the lower body moves first, followed by the upper body, then arms and hands on your backswing. They fire in the opposite on your forward swing. Have you ever felt out of sequence during your swing? Tempo also affects balance, so finding your best tempo is critical to creating your best swing.

The last element to mention is tension. I’ve written many times before there is no saboteur of the golf swing more than tension. The most common places it will show is in the jaw and hands. When it shows up in your hands, grip pressure gets tight, and shots can go anywhere.

Is tension the same thing as pressure? I think tension causes pressure. Everyone experiences it at some point, including professionals. Some players get quick with their swing, others are tentative to the point where it looks like they are trying to steer the club.

On the course the skill that breaks down is more often the one that is the weakest part of your game. When you practice, the flaws in your game are not so apparent. But when you place your game under pressure, your weakest link is exposed.

My next column will be devoted to what you can do to minimize pressure when you’re on the course.

Betsy Larey is an LPGA Teaching Pro who has been working with adults and juniors for 30 years. She currently teaches adults and juniors at Keller Golf in St Paul and Chomonix in Lino Lakes. Contact her at betsylareygolf@gmail.com.