Tempo In Motion

Let’s face it; sometimes the scariest place to be on the planet is the first tee shot of your round of golf.  Will I top it, shank it or just miss the ball completely? Tension builds as all these crippling non-successful thoughts run through your mind, while – oh, I almost forgot – there are usually many people watching you!

There is hope to avoid potential disaster.

The next time you’re faced with this situation, try taking some deep rhythmic breaths, in through the nose and out through the mouth. This will calm you down and put you in the present moment. Next, take a few practice swings at a smooth rhythmic pace, while envisioning an effortless move. Also, back off your swing intensity a bit; this will help square up the clubface, giving you a better chance at making solid contact. Save that 100% bomb for the par five after you’ve had a chance to get into the rhythm of your round. Once you have committed to your shot, step in and let it go!  Sounds simple right? It is…

Try it and you will hit more fairways, get off the tee with confidence and enjoy the game you love much more!

John Daly’s first round at St Andrew was outstanding, but the gusting winds took it all back on the second round. Nicknamed the “Wild Thing”, the golfer has had his share of ups and downs, to say the least. Yet, as Nancy Armour (AP) puts it “you don’t go from last alternate to major champion, as he did at the 1991 PGA Championship, without considerable game. And you sure don’t win a second major – The British Open at St. Andrew, no less – by being lucky.” John Daly certainly has game but his strength might also come from music, since he released his second album “I Only Know One Way” just before the British Open.

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In this May edition, Golf Digest published a very interesting article by Steve Elkington, with Guy Yocom, called “10 rules for smoothing out your swing.”
The authors emphasize rhythm and tempo: “Work on tying together your rhythm. It will solve a lot of flaws”. And they link good golf swings to music: “Smooth, rhythmic golf swings are often likened to music”.
You need to find the right pattern (rhythm) and the right tempo (speed). Then, like teacher Geoff Mangum suggests, imagine yourself carried by that tune, as if your were listening to a band, getting ready to join in and synchronize your playing… This great visual is highly supported by Tempo in Motion. One of the reasons is that the founder, Mike Boyko, has been a professional touring drummer for many years. “One of the greatest feelings is to get immersed in the music,” says Boyko, “being fully present and focused is the key. You have to be it and not watch yourself or think about what you’re doing.”
This is why music and tempo training is hitting the scene so strongly. Music puts you in the zone or flow, and rhythm carries your motion. As Steve Elkington and Guy Yocom put it “When you’re walking onto the dance floor, you’re already dancing. You start to pick up the rhythm and beat as you move out to your spot. It’s the same with the swing. You pick up the beat, then you come in.”
So, get yourself the right music for your swing tempo at www.tempoinmotion.com and hit the dance floor!