Ben Crenshaw's 8 Keys to a Smooth Golf Swing Tempo

A “smooth swing” is often cited as one of the highest compliments a golfer can receive. While the effortless movements of players like Fred Couples or Ernie Els are aesthetically pleasing, they are the result of years of dedicated practise.

Two-time Masters champion Ben Crenshaw has detailed a specific framework for achieving this tempo. His approach focuses on a combination of mental discipline and physical adjustments to prevent the common habit of rushing shots.

The Mental Reset for Better Tempo

Rushing often leads to a cascade of errors, resulting in bogeys or double bogeys. To recover, Crenshaw suggests a mental shift, reminding oneself that golf is a leisurely game where the ball only moves when the player does.

Recalling previous successful shots can also help a player decide to swing with that same consistency on the next attempt. This mental alignment sets the stage for the physical execution of the swing.

Did You Know? Ben Crenshaw notes that both he and Jack Nicklaus allow the club to “hang” from the shoulders in the grass, slightly off the ground, to facilitate a smoother start to the swing.

Pre-Shot Patterns and Address

Tempo issues often begin before the club even moves. Rushing the walk between shots or cutting the address pattern short can lead to an accelerated swing.

Crenshaw recommends taking deep breaths to drain tension from the body and utilizing a “half practise swing”—moving slowly halfway back and halfway through—to calibrate tempo.

At address, players should monitor the speed of their waggle and grip pressure, particularly in the right hand. A slight forward press with the right knee is also essential for a smooth backswing.

Executing the Low and Slow Backswing

To slow down the backswing, the “low and slow” mantra is key. Thinking “low” encourages the left shoulder to move back in unison with the arms and club.

This movement engages the larger muscles of the shoulders and legs, which cannot move as quickly as the smaller muscles in the hands and wrists. Relying on smaller muscles often leads to a premature “throw” from the top of the swing.

Expert Insight: Samantha Carter notes that the critical trade-off in tempo is the reliance on large versus small muscle groups. By prioritizing the shoulders and legs, a player avoids the common pitfall of an incomplete windup, ensuring the club reaches the proper “slot” before the downswing begins.

The Downswing and the “Pull”

A successful downswing requires a complete backswing. Following the advice of Bobby Jones, the transition toward the ball should be leisurely.

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The “pull” is a sensation in the left arm created by the left heel returning to the ground and the left knee moving left. Once these lower body moves are established, the player can “free-wheel” through the ball into a full finish.

Practical Tools for Consistency

Visual cues can serve as permanent reminders of proper tempo. Some players use labels on their drivers or marks on their gloves; Crenshaw suggests the “one-two” key, where “one” represents the low and slow backswing and “two” represents acceleration through impact.

Club selection also plays a role in tempo. Taking one more club than usual may reduce the pressure to hit the ball hard, allowing for a slower, easier swing.

For those struggling with balance, practicing in stocking feet on the tee is a potential cure. Without spikes, any swing that is too fast will result in a loss of balance, forcing the player to find a solid, slower tempo.

Future Implications for the Game

Applying these timeless principles could lead to greater consistency for amateur golfers struggling with erratic tempos. By shifting focus from power to rhythm, players may find they hit the ball the right distance more frequently.

A disciplined adherence to these eight keys is likely to reduce the frequency of “rushed” holes, potentially lowering overall scores through better course management and mental composure.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can a golfer mentally slow down their game?
By reminding themselves that golf is a leisurely game and recalling the feeling of previous good shots that were not rushed.

What is the “pull” in a golf swing?
It is a pulling down action felt in the left arm, resulting from the left heel returning to the ground and the left knee moving to the left.

Why does practicing without shoes help tempo?
Without spikes to provide stability, a player will lose their balance if they swing too fast, which forces them to slow down and meet the ball more solidly.

Do you prioritize mental cues or physical drills when trying to improve your swing tempo?

Ben Crenshaw’s 8 Keys to a Smooth Golf Swing Tempo