Finding the right tempo for your golf swing can be a tough process. Some golfers swing faster than others, while others tend to swing slower. There's no right or wrong way, it just depends on what type of person and golfer you are.
Eric Schwarz wrote in to ask about his lack of power. He wanted to know if he should mimic my tempo (which you can see at the beginning of most daily videos). Because I walk, talk, and do pretty much everything else fast, my golf swing is quite similar in that regard. But, that doesn't mean you should try to duplicate my tempo. The question you have to ask yourself is, "what kind of person are you?"
Dear Don,
I have reviewed your many dailies, read your basic book, taken lessons from your fine people at Old South Golf Links and purchased wonderful clubs from Doc Griffin. I still have a problem putting your theories into proper use. I simply lack power. After much thought, I think it may be TEMPO. In watching the intro to your dailies, is your swing you start it with, your actual tempo? I think I may suffer from too slow a tempo by being too much involved in all your many tips. Should I try to mimic your tempo as shown in your instruction videos?
Eric Schwarz
The swing tempo you see at the start of most daily videos is my full swing. I swing at around 90-95% full power on most full shots, and on shots into the backyard driving net. My practice swings, on the other hand, are usually 50% full power.
Your tempo will be based a lot on your personality. If you are a slower type of player and you take your time, your tempo should mirror that. If you are a quick player like me, your tempo will most likely be quicker.
Only you know who you are. Tempo is the speed of your swing. Timing is the proper sequential movements of the body. Think about what type of person you are and whether or not that matches your golf swing. If it doesn't, you may want to try something a little more in common with your personality.
Good luck and keep it vertical!
The Surge
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Comments
Tempo
Surge,
This video is confusing to me. I thought that tempo and swing speed meant the same thing. In order to get distance with a golf ball you need a high swing speed. (300 yard drives are not attained with a 60 mph swing speed.) How does one go about achieving a high swing speed with a slow tempo?
It seems to me that on the practice range, one ought to spend some time trying to hit the ball as hard as he or she can. The intent is to build up golf swing muscles and thus have a higher swing speed (more distance) when swinging at the 80% to 90% level when on the course. The lower level of effort allowing more control of the shot.
If I am wrong, please explain the difference between swing speed and swing tempo.
Thanks.
Dave
Tempo
Dave: Just a thought or two about swing speed and tempo. You can have a slow tempo and still have a high swing speed. Remember that swing speed is generated starting with the beginning of the forward up-swing (FUS). The whole key to the PPGS is to ACCELERATE THRU the ball to the T-finish. It doesn't matter how fast or slow your backswing (BUS) is, since the power to hit the ball comes from acceleration generated in the FUS and completing a proper T-finish. So, you can have a slow tempo but still generate power as long as you accelerate thru the ball. Watch the pros carefully during the next tournament. There are some that nearly stop at the top of their backswing, yet still drive the ball 320 yards. Also, take another look at Surge's video at the 10:22 mark. Keep in mind that tempo is different for everyone, and the key is TIMING the mechanics of the swing to work with our individual tempo. Hope this helps a little. R2
tempo
Well put R2. Freddy and Ernie are two great examples. Fairly slow tempo but 115+ mph swing speeds. Some of the LPGA ladies are even slower but hit the ball further than many men.
Hope you're having a pleasant winter season in Salt Lake. Great if you're a skier eh? We have had far too little rain and snow in the south west. I hope it won't mean a fire filled summer.
tempo
RM: I just don't like the weather here in SLC this winter!. Haven't been able to play golf since 2 December; too long! I've started building model R/C planes but they all look like big golf balls....... Then I tried making a bow and arrow but it looked just like my driver and a pitching wedge..... I tried skiing too but that didn't go well -- my home-made ski poles looked just like golf tees and kept getting stuck in the snow...... Oh my. What to do. Me thinks it's time for a trip down south. Anyway, take care and play some golf when you can. Hit 'em straight! R2
Tempo
Reedclfd,
Thanks for the reply. I understand better now.
Tempo
Dave: You're very welcome. Find the tempo that works best for you and ingrain that "feeling" into your master set-up/swing. Just remember to accelerate thru the ball to the "Tee-finish" - that will insure you gain the most distance and accuracy from your full swings. Hit 'em straight! R2
Tempo and Timing
Hi All,
My old friends Tai-Ming and Tem-po! My actions are all done at speed, talking, walking etc. My problem has been matching my tempo with co-ordinating the sequences of the complete swing. A sufferer like Robert Meade, who seems to be dealing with his problem well[his questions answered with a video by Surge on ?1 JAN 2014] Robert was mentioned in the recent video on Balance-Surge commented on the long drawn out swing drill Robert mentioned to initiate the weight shift from PLHR to the forward FUS. Surge's abbreviated suggestion rang a LOUD bell for me. I nipped out onto the mini grass at the front of the house and gave it a whirl this very day. It helped enormously and on our next visit to the hallowed turf very early tomorrow morning it will be given its first trial under the pressure of a round : - ) Another factor which IMHO helped was the brand new golf shoes I was wearing : - ) an early B'day present from my wife which arrived this morning from Boston-USA. My normal shoes, Callaways were not allowing me to 'ambulate' correctly when walking and my right ankle ended up being very painful. Sometimes after or even during a round : - ( The new shoes during an intensive hour long swing session, performed impeccably, allowing my rear foot to lift and aid my transfer of weight forward.
My wife a few months ago bought a pair of Skecher walk shoes. She was so impressed with them, she insisted we buy a pair for me.She said when walking she felt as though she had no shoes at all on! My scepticism soon vanished. My sports shoes of the same brand have since covered a lot of distance in all weathers and are still like new. Now the Golf shoes are Skechers GoBionic Golf Shoes and already I love them! This is not an advert per se. After being told she had ordered them, I mentioned them to my golf fanatic golf mate in Christchurch. He mentioned it to some of the local team of single figure handicap players who said that this brand were excellent golf shoes! He immediately ordered a pair from the US!
His will not arrive in time for our face off in the Army Golf Championship on the 21st of this month-thankfully he takes a larger size than mine hahaha! otherwise??? My Dragonlady wife, said the Callaways are good golf shoes, but the Skechers are better!
The reason I throw this off the subject [slightly as it allows me to co-ordinate my tempo/timing much better], comment is: We have dealt in depth with, balance,timing,tempo,BUS,FUS,club lengths,lie angles, lofts etc, etc, yet I have never seen any mention of footwear! Correct me if I am wrong? They are surely extremely important pieces of equipment for the PPGS swing [or rotational], with regards to stability during the swing a vital and critical part of our PPGS swing. Should this topic be aired by Surge and the team?
To R2 Hi mate you saved me answering on Daves confusion : - ) It is all in the interpretation and I think Surge answered it well covering the salient points and describing succinctly the difference between my two old friends Tai-Ming and Tem-Po. Tomorrow will tell the tale for us here in godzone NZ DH&DL golfers. Have a great day.
GoBionic
DH,
First, welcome back and good to hear from you! Glad your finding a workable way to drop into the slot. Sounds like you're doing well.
Like those Go Bionics. Looks like they are very well reviewed to. Just looked them over. Which pair did you get?
These?
http://www.skechers.com/style/53520/skechers-gogolf/wbr#Color=WBK
That site carries several other varieties of their golf shoes.
A little spendy but good shoes are.
Hope you and DL are enjoying your selves there in NZ:)
GoBionic?
Robert & DH,
Look like very nice shoes. It's too bad they only make them in medium width, which don't fit my short, extra-wide foot.
GoBionic?
Kevin,
I too have short extra wide feet and the REGULAR not medium are fine. Just finished my first round with them and didn't want to take them off ; - ) My mate here NZ ordered a pair and he made the same comment,ie, he ordered M and uttered the word 'Phew'! When I told him what my wife said. She is the one who bought them for my B'day- the M means MENS!!! and W is WOMENS hahaha! He and I made the same mistake. The regular ones are very comfortable and performed well. I chose the steepest slopes on the wet course this morning-not even a hint of slippage going up or down. Hit a PW shot from 98yds to an elevated green which slopes from left to right. To compound that my ball was on a steep downslope with a side slope-I nailed it! : - ) rear foot a good foot above the forward foot. Loved it. They are nice shoes Kevin.
Good to see you DH and DL raring to go again tomorrow.
Bionic man
DH,
Which model did Mrs. DL get you? (See my last response to your GoBionic).
I'm sure all their golf shoes are quality but was one style best?
Glad to hear about your nice round of golf and the performance of the shoes.
Another offering from FootJoy has my attention too.
These DNA's look sweet
http://www.golfsmith.com/ps/display?page=ps/footjoy-dna&tcode=GOOGLE&cm_mmc=GOOGLE-_-Image%20Extensions-_-FootJoy%20DNA-...
Not cheap but looking really good. Some day maybe. Might opt for the GoBionics.
GoBionic?
DH,
I'm glad they work for you. When I go to Skecher's website: http://www.skechers.com/style/53522/skechers-gobionic-golf/wbk
all I see is one width - medium - offered. Yes, there are lots of sizes, but I can't wear a size 9M to fit my 8EW foot. My foot will move around inside the shoe too much. I have to have a shoe that closely fits my foot. I have to shop around a bunch to find shoes properly fitted to my feet. In my estimation, a properly fitted shoe is as or even more important than properly fitted clubs. If my feet hurt due to improper shoes, I have great difficulty making a proper swing, IMHO.
GoBionic?
Kevin,
My short feet are very wide-nearly 40years of marching all over the world in uniform and stamping my feet have contributed. The regular Skechers are wider than you think-I had to retie mine this morning on their first real outing after my feet had moved around while playing. They are very comfortable. The Callaways which when placed side by side look wider but the Skechers fit snugly and I gave them a hard work out deliberately. I didn't want to take them off after playing and even drove home wearing them ; - ) I'd far rather do a jig on the 17th of March in them than ANY other shoes. St Paddy would be jealous ; - ) Good luck finding something perfect for your plates of meat. DH
GoBionic
Hi Robert,
The pictures that you show in your link are not the same as mine.
They are like the ones my mate in Christchurch has bought-He wanted the red and black ones but Amazon only had the black ones. He wanted black and red because his local Rugby team Canterbury colours are red and black. Mine are red and black. GoBionic and GoGolf shoes are different-mine were US$119 and US$40 Express-his were much cheaper through Amazon,ie under US$80bucks plus he only paid normal shipping rate-hence he is still awaiting his.
They had their first outing this very morning and WE are both very satisfied with them-I chose the steepest slopes on the mountain goat first 7holes on the course in wet slippery conditions-remembering that I had several bad falls in my Callaway shoes on medium to mild slopes in the wet. Well today I really tested them and there was not one hint of slippage! My wife commented-'Callaway are good-but Skechers are just better'! We both enjoyed the round this morning and are raring to go again in the morning before the sparrows are awake. Weather meant to be better with sunshine and warmth. Several clubs were on fire this morning. I could do almost anything with my PW, pitching from 110yds and in it was deadly-chipped with it and chipped in twice and lipped another. The putter caught fire during a 4/5hole spell on the back nine. Played 2balls on some holes for the practice on the almost deserted course. On one hole one ball was 20+ft and the other at a different angle 30+ft from the hole-slotted both of them with one putt each. My abiding thought for the day was when I decided to 'RELAX' and from that point on my shots and approach shots and putts were superb~! last hole 140yds from the centre of the green with the flag in the centre back third of the green which is slightly elevated and slopes front to back-shot was across a small water feature with a fountain. Took out 7iron [which I had avoided like the plague until today.Played a practice shot from the light rough on the 13th hole and nearly fell over, it was high, long for me and dead straight], had contemplated leaving it out of the bag altogether and really had not played well with it for months. So big smiles all around. Off the tee much more consistency with the driver. Most of the trouble I got into where a recovery shot was required was through better ball striking with the ball going much farther than expected. On the 15th hole 98yds from the green with no view of the green except the extreme right front edge and a 50'ft tree between me and the green.The tree closer to me than the distance behind it to the green. A slope to the right feeding down to a small stream. Well hit the PW onto the green and to show it wasn't a fluke, dropped another ball and repeated the shot! Sank both balls in one : - ) The 24deg Rescue club was on fire going straight, high and 160+yds without any bother at all, which surprised me-long may it continue.
Hope that your health has improved mate? 18holes and I could have gone out and played another 18 without any problems. The sun is out now which bodes well for the morrow. Stay well, stay safe and above all stay Happy and hitting them more consistently in Las Vegas. The DL is coming along-uses your tip about tee-ing it up on the f/ways and she is enjoying every shot, good,bad or ugly. I pulled a shot on the 6th hole off the tee this morning-off she went found it and TWENTY OTHERS on the same hole. All this while playing a round! In the end she found 35balls without trying. I know I had to clean them hahaha! Regards DH&DL in sunny at last NZ.
Balls and tees abound
DH and DL,
My health is okay. I still have a twinge going on with the low back/hip and left calf. All from one nerve pinched by a forward L5. Sounds terrible but it is more of a pain in the A than anything major:(
Not too bad really. Have been doing the excersises/stretches recommended by my PT and seeing him once a week receiving 'dry needling' a cool method similar to accupuncture. Glad to her DL's having so much fun when teeing it when and where she likes. Good for her. Game should be fun! 35 balls found, wow! We find 2-5 balls nearly every round and as many tees as I want to look for. It is especially because we walk with our buggies (push carts) at muni when my leg allows and wonder where most with electric carts zip by. So we see more and find more. We get to stop and smell the roses (along with lost golf balls and tees:)
Great idea to look on Amazon and E Bay too for those shoes. I say NEVER pay retail! A deal is always out there for the searching:)
On our days off now and the weather will be grand this week here in the southwest desert. 70-75* this week:) Sorry northwestern folk.
Down the middle,
Robert and Cindy
Tempo
Surge, well here we go again, I'm defying the old adage that the personality dictates the tempo. Just like you, I talk-walk-eat-act with a fast tempo and my body has a fast metabolism, but since your lesson while here "downunder" and the changing of my BUS from fast to slow ( the slower the better ) I'm hitting my
long shots straighter and further. To me it's crucial to be in the slot on the FUS and letting it rip right to the top.
Slower better
Neil,
Over all I agree with Surges observations about tempo. Generally true. There are always exceptions. Personally I am always reminding myself to slow down. When ever I get too fast. Bad things happen. When the swing starts slower and the rhythm is right then it often seems effortless.
Slower
Robert, I agree with Surge's statement too, but just wanted to say that there can be variables as well. He has stated many times that the PPGS system can be modified slightly to adapt to an individuals physiology and circumstances.
I remember when Doc came to Australia in 2012 and fitted me for a new driver, he called me "The hypo Man", no sooner than he placed a ball to hit, it was gone and he laughed so loud when he uttered those words. It's taken me a little while to incorporate Surge's teachings from last November, but the slowing down of the BUS has definitely been a bonus, I think the slower tempo allows you to initiate the bump, get in the slot and create a more repetitive rhythm.
Tempo
Neil,
Ditto for me! Best shots I have hit in a while today-only after I relaxed and like you a slower BUS. The slot is the only place to be mate.
Long may your improvement last. DH
Tempo/Timing/Swing Speed
I am posting this to illustrate how one can gradually decrease one's Swing Speed and still keep the same Tempo. As Doc Griffin will testify, he fitted me for Clubs upon my recovery from knee replacement surgery. At that time he was recording 76 mph with a 5 iron, which rather upset me! I am now 12 months after Surgery and trying to get my Swing Speed up to where I want it, now that I have full confidence on my new knee. I bought a Radar gun, started some exercise programme to improve Flexibility and Strength. Initially, I was 70 mph with the 5 iron, but after taking remedial action I have got this up to 87 mph. I reckon I must be mid-90s with the Driver. The other day I hit 235 yds, mainly through the air, from the Fairway with a 3 Wood and it's cold and Winter here in the UK. So, the answer to the question is a combination of factors, as I have mentioned. If you want to improve then something has to change. At 70 yrs of age I have not got a lot of time left to play good golf, but I am going to do my damnest to make the most of the time I've got left! With Surge's Swing Programme I am holding back the years.
Tempo
Walburghian,
I would like to know what flexibility excercises you used. I too had knee replacement but I haven't found a way to increase swing speed despite frequent attempts to speed up. When I started with PPGS, before the surgery, my swing speed was somewhere between 80 and 85. It is now somewhere between 65 and 70.
Swing speed/Tempo
I found a site called Golfswingspeedchallenge. You can buy/download the exercise programme from there and it builds up over several weeks as you become more strong/flexible. Take care with the Lunges etc because the Knee/Quads will need building up. Costs about £40 Sterling, which is the price of a 30 min Golf Lesson. I didn't get a Radar Gun intially, but it does give you a definitive display of where you are at and improvement e.g. swinging Harder does not necessarily mean Quicker. Getting the Hips through/Transition etc will show what benefits can be achieved, as you have immediate Feedback.
Good Luck.
Making the most
Glad to hear about your progress after knee surgery. Fighting your way back into form. Your experience is inspiring and I wanted to thank you for sharing it.
making the most of what we have left, awesome.
Play on!
Off-topic - Phoenix
I will be traveling to Phoenix next month around St. Paddy's Day for my brother's birthday. While there, I am scheduling a session with Stretch Condor to evaluate my swing. I've already made a list of the things I expect him to find wrong, especially my clubs. It should be interesting and informative. I also plan to get in several rounds of golf. I can't play here in Alabama with 4" of snow on the ground and between 4"-9" more expected tomorrow. I'm beginning to feel like I'm back in Massachusetts or Ohio :-P
"Sweet home A..... Arizona
Kevin,
Good for you visiting the warm desert lands. Weather should be in low 80's for you and primo! We have nearly identical weather here in Las Vegas. We joke that we may move here to retire. Wait we already live here:)
Glad to hear your health and body are behaving. have fun pal.
Enjoy Phoenix!
Kevin-I live nearby to Stretch's homecourse, so I visit with him sometimes when I play there. I had the pleasure of meeting him over a year ago when Surge & Dave Seeman came thru for a series of one-days at a course in Phoenix. You will really enjoy working with Stretch - a great listener and calming giver of info - nice qualities in a golf teacher. I got a nice work schedule for playing; if you want to play that course in Tempe where Stretch is, maybe I could meet you and any family you are visiting there. Not sure as to how to leave data or contact folks here, as this isn't a forum. I do post often as the avguy over on Golfwrx forums. Jim.
FYI
Avguy,
The way Many of long time PPGSers communicate each others e mail addresses is through Doc Griffin or customer service. Let them know that you and Kevin would like to communicate and if that's cool with Kevin then they'll send you a contact e mail that way. This keeps things discrete and our personal info off the WWW. Just wait for Kevin's okay or nay before requesting.
Phoenix
Jim,
I've never been on golfwrx, but I just bookmarked their page. Is there a way to share info privately on there?
Kevin
Phoenix golfing
Hi Kevin, unless you are a logged in poster there, no way to send info. Otherwise, over there, we send thru personal messenger. I'll try what Robert said here. Oh, I am long time with PPGS (2008), just rarely comment. Thanks up in Nevada....:-)
Email
Jim,
I just asked Support to share my email address with you. Hopefully, we can work something out.
Kevin
DJ update
DJ Trahan is in Bogota Columbia teeing off in the Web.com tour event this week. Wishing him fairways and greens along with good putting this week.
DJ
Robert, DJ tees off at 11:40 am their time and I believe at 11:40 eastern time.
I made a booboo yesterday. Bogota time is the same as eastern. sorry
Hal
Our Time
Hal. Thanks. Of course "our time" depending on where you live. That would be 9:30 am out west USA. Hey, just saw that you all are getting snow and ice right now. Your area getting hit too? Stay warm and don't slip slide outside:)
Swing speed/Tempo
Just to update you, I went to the Range to check my Swing Speed with the Radar. After loosening up I was 80ish, then got it up to 90s and eventually cracked 100mph, which was my Target. All with the PPS, and when my Partners say it looks strange and Jim Furyk-like,, I say that this is the Swing of the Future coz Bubba is vertical!