When it comes to the golf swing, timing is the proper sequence of body and club movements that produce a desired shot. The sequence of the body's movement in relationship to every other motion made controls both the distance and direction of the shot.The timing of the different movements applies the force and acceleration to the club and influences the path the club head takes to the ball.All golfers work towards developing a personal timing mechanism that matches the different movements in their particular swing. The amount of acceleration and how and when it occurs determines the overall look of the swing.The classic gradually accelerated swing of the legendary three-time PGA Champion Sam Sneed is still revered by players today, especially when it is compared to those known for their own smooth timing -- such as the swings of Ernie Els, Fred Couples and Annika Sorenstam.Players who choose to accelerate in a quicker sequence have swings that look like they explode through the shot. The No. 1 player in the world, Tiger Woods, John Daly and LPGA No. 1 Lorena Ochoa all use this style of timing.All golfers need to develop individualized timing patterns that best matches their physical ability. This will allow for your body to repetitively function so that the desired speed is delivered to the shaft.A practice method to improve your timing is to work at hitting your clubs much shorter distances than maximum yardage and then add small amounts of acceleration to change the length of each shot.With practice, the end result could lead to a big change in your game For a directory of a PGA Professional who could help you with your timing, visit www.PlayGolfAmerica.com, and enter a zip code in the search tool.(Rick Martino is director of instruction at the PGA Learning Center in Port St. Lucie, Fla. Contact him at (800) 800-GOLF.) (Distributed by Scripps Howard News Service, http://www.scrippsnews.com)
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