Timing is a great equalizer to bad fundamentals. If you swing the club with bad technique you can still make up for it with good timing. Good timing allows you to perform over and over again regardless of how you swing the club.
I’m not saying to forget about swing technique. Good swing technique can improve your timing. The cornerstone of my teaching revolves around consistency and efficiency. These two elements breed good timing.
But…What I’m really talking about is the importance of good timing. Let’s use Jim Furyk as an example. If you are not aware of Jim, he plays on the PGA Tour and basically; he’s one of the best players in the world, not to mention one of the most consistent. The one thing that stands out in Jim’s golf game is his swing. It’s more unique than any swing you have ever seen. His fundamentals are all over the place. He has a “double overlap grip,” something I’ve never heard of, he stands awfully close to the ball, his swing attacks the ball from the extreme inside, and for him there’s no such thing as a swing plane. He routes the club in 8 different directions before impact.
Well, here’s the point. Jim Furyk delivers a square clubface through the ball down his intended line every time. His timing through impact is impeccable. He’s not one of the longest hitters, but he certainly wins the award for accuracy. His off center hits are a rarity. It no reason why he is one of the best drivers on tour. Good timing has allowed his swing technique to perform again and again.
My advice is to stick with the uniqueness of your swing. You don’t have to match up with the best players in the world…or create a swing similar to anyone better than you. Everyone is different. All you need to do is build on your own strengths and weaknesses. You probably need to review some set-up fundamentals, like everyone, but more importantly you need to remember the importance of good timing. Good timing can take all that is bad with your swing and make it good.
Deliver a square clubface through the ball down the line consistently and efficiently…that’s good timing.
Long and Straight,
Adam
