In the old days when cars had carburetors, getting the ignition timing just right was critical to the engine’s performance. If the spark came to soon, the explosion collided with an upward-moving piston, making the engine work against itself. If the spark came too late, the explosion pushed on a piston well on its way down, applying power where there was no work to do.
A golf swing is designed to put the clubhead in the right orientation at the moment it meets the ball. Given the mechanics to accomplish that, consistent tempo and rhythm ensure that happens at the right time, swing after swing.
Let’s be sure we understand the difference between the two words. Both terms originated to describe music.
Tempo is the overall speed of a musical piece. Rhythm is the varying duration of the tones being played. You can play “Stars and Stripes Forever” at two different tempos, but they will have the same rhythm.
In the same way, two golfers might move through their swing at different speeds, but the rhythm of the swing should be the same.
In December, I posted this comment on tempo, which explains the importance of swing tempo, and why it is slower than you might feel is right.
I also posted this comment on rhythm, which gives you an explicit method of finding the right tempo for your swing and what the right rhythm feels like.
Learn to groove the right rhythm first, using the procedure described in the aforementioned post. Then go to the range, with your metronome, and hit balls with that rhythm but at different tempos until you find the right one. It’s the swing that lets you hit your best shots and stay in balance throughout the swing.
Believe me, when you find it, you’ll know.
Spend a few weeks drilling this critical fundamental into your swing, and refresh yourself once a week or so during the golf season. You’ll love the difference it makes.