Peter Kostis emphasizing the use of the metronome.
Kostis and McCord
The importance of golf swing tempo is often overshadowed by launch monitor metrics and the in-depth mechanics of the swing. While not as exciting as the technical aspects of the swing, tempo is still one of the most important elements of the golf swing – something that amateurs tend to lack.
Proper pacing can synchronize your sequence, improve your presentation, and even improve your feel. This is one of the easiest aspects of the swing to practice.
To find your flow, Peter Kostis, top 100 golf teachersays you only need a simple tool: a metronome.
In a recent episode Kostis and McCord: Leave your rockers aloneKostis discovers that he uses the metronome app on his phone to select his swing tempo. External devices such as metronomes are great for calibrating swing tempo because they provide a consistent audio signal that makes it easier to determine the best rhythm for your golf swing.
Find your optimal pace
To find the right tempo for your swing, Kostis advises assigning swing positions to different shots.
“For me, the first click is takeaway. The second click is influence,” says Kostis.
Test different settings until you choose the one that is most comfortable for you. And don’t leave it in the bag when shredding or putting it in. Kostis explains that metronomes are a great tool for calibrating your short game and shots on the green.
Use the rhythms to your advantage
Once you’ve fine-tuned the tempo, it will be easier to tell when the sequence is off.
– When I hurry up here [the top of the backswing]I immediately feel like I’m out of sync,” says Kostis.
A good approach is to ask yourself whether you were on rhythm after each swing, sooner or later. As you improve your ability to “read” your swings, you will also gain a better understanding of your misses.
And if you’re someone who struggles with pressure, a metronome can also make your playing more fluid.
“When you practice with a metronome enough, everything you do turns into clicks,” Kostis says. “When I walk in, I hear click, click, click, click, click, click. I’m always moving, always picking up the rhythm of the metronome.”
Adding this type of constant movement or flow to your game is a great way to feel more comfortable during nerve-racking shots.
For more golf knowledge, watch the full episode of Kostis & McCord: Off They Rockers below.
