Watch a slow-motion replay of a professional golfer's swing, and you'll notice something fascinating at the very top. Just as the backswing finishes and the downswing begins, there is a moment of grace—a seamless change of direction. Amateurs often refer to this as a "pause," but it's not a complete stop. It's a beautifully timed transition, and it's the heart and soul of a powerful tempo.
For most amateur golfers, this transition is the most flawed part of their swing. It's a frantic, rushed movement where the arms and shoulders lurch at the ball, destroying the rhythm and power built up in the backswing. Understanding and emulating the professional transition can transform your game.
So, what is actually happening during this "pause"?
- The Lower Body Initiates: The magic of the transition is that the downswing starts from the ground up before the backswing has even finished. As the club is still moving back, the player's weight shifts to their front foot and their hips begin to rotate toward the target. This separation between the lower and upper body creates lag and stores immense power.
- It Gives the Club Time to "Set": A smooth transition allows the club to complete its arc and get "set" in the correct position at the top. When you rush, you cut the backswing short and throw the club "over the top," leading to a steep, out-to-in swing path—the primary cause of a slice.
- It Promotes a Shallow Downswing: By allowing the lower body to lead, the arms and club have time to drop naturally onto a shallower plane on the way down. This inside path is what allows for powerful, accurate shots with a slight draw, the preferred ball flight of most top players.
You don't need to have a dramatic, Hideki Matsuyama-style pause to have a great transition. But you do need to build a moment of smoothness into your swing. Practice this by feeling like you are "waiting" for the club at the top. A great drill is to swing to the top, tap your front foot to signal the start of the downswing, and only then allow your arms to come through.
Stop thinking of the golf swing as two separate parts—a backswing and a downswing. See it as one continuous motion, connected by a smooth, patient transition. Master this moment, and you'll master the essence of a professional-level tempo.