Why is tempo in putting important? A pendulum like swing is like an inverted metronome. A metronome helps musicians maintain tempo by consistently counting the beat. No matter how many beats per minute the metronome always maintains perfect tempo. Too many golfers rush their swing with the putter during the change of direction from the backwards movement away from the ball to the forward motion towards the ball. The rushing action creates too much clubhead speed and propels the ball too far.

Remember when putting, the goal is to get the ball in the hole not 300 yards down the fairway.

Putting Tempo Drill

Create a practice aid. Use a 2 foot piece of wooden dowel. Mark the center, this will indicate your ball position. From the center point, make three marks two inches apart. Number the marks 1,2, and 3 from the closest to the furthest marks. Repeat this procedure for the other side of the center point. With no golf ball, start with the putter at the center point. Using your putting stroke swing the putter from the center to point one and follow through to point one ( 1 to 1 swing). Pay closer attention to your tempo. Did the metronome tempo increase or decrease during the swing motion? Repeat for swing lengths 2:2 and 3:3. Now, use a golf ball. Pay attention again to your tempo and the length the ball rolls