Rhythm is the Life Blood of a Good Golf Swing
- Details
- Category: Inside Golf
- Published: 2015-12-29
Mark Corrigan (iG) - Good swings have a natural rhythm to them, encompassed by balance and intent.
They can be quick and short, possibly long and elegant but it must move with purpose and ‘repeatability’.
And within that rhythm each golfer must discover a theme that is found within their own character.
Image Caption : If Ever There Was A Golf Swing With Rhythm It Belongs To This Guy, Freddy Couples
What I mean by that is this: typically people who walk and talk quickly should have a golf swing that would mirror their own personality.
On the opposite end, listening to an Ernie Els or a Fred Couples talk, you understand why they swing the golf club with such relaxation and patience.
Not to mention their walk, it always looks like a Sunday afternoon stroll.
Their Sundays just happened to be played for major championships.
In today’s world of golf training and over-teaching, positions and angles are like words from the Old Testament.
I don’t dispute that a square clubface isn’t desirable. I just don’t hear much about the importance of moving the golf club (your dance partner), in a way that has purpose and that allows for balance. A rhythm that will allow a golfer to be successful.
I often imagine dancing with a partner, you both know the steps but you never really move to the music effortlessly. The steps you make are correct but the dancers look like two fish out of water, flopping all over the place. Fun to watch, if you like laughing at awkwardness.
As a general rule the rhythm should fit that of the golfer. Somebody that likes to meander through life shouldn’t be trying a Zorro and a Zorro shouldn’t be handcuffed.
Now, any movement that takes a golfer off balance should be vetoed. Balance can never be compromised. Make your movements efficient and ones you can control. There should be a beginning, a middle and an end. With the climax coming somewhere soon after impact.
The beginning should be your takeaway, controlled and smooth. The middle would be the transition, from the end of backswing to the start of downswing.
This change of direction should be a smooth change of direction but with quicker rhythm type players it will seem quite sudden, as long as it’s not violent or jerky.
The slower rhythms will fight not pausing, which can also be a rhythm killer. Now, I like to think of climax after contact so acceleration continues through the impact area.
The end comes as a reflection, a reflection of your beautiful balance and poise. The shot just being the result of a wonderful dance, with your partner in tow. A good swing whether swift or molasses-like, will follow this script.
Now that spring is almost upon us, start swinging the club with your rhythm, warm up with your ‘partner’, don’t run right for the golf balls. Dance with your partner a little before you start playing mechanic. Once you find your beat you’ve got a dance partner for life.
See you on the 1st tee!
About The Writer:
Mark Corrigan is an Associate Professional at Pinebrook Golf & Country Club in Calgary, Alberta. Along with his teaching duties and role as 'golf ambassador' thanks to Mark and his writing skills, the monthly newsletter put out by Pinebrook G&CC is — as Mark so humbly tells us — continually sold out. We at Inside Golf feel very privileged to have Mark contributing to the iG brand.
To contact the writer, email him at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or follow him on Twitter at @mc3eagle.