Are there any practice tips or drills to improve tempo?
I tend to take the club back and then lunge from the top. Bob Parenti, Lake Worth, Fla. A. Bob, like a musician, try practicing with a metronome in the background, set at various tempos, to find your ideal pace. Practice swings and hitting balls with your feet together or your toes turned inward might just amaze you. You may hit it just as far, if not farther, because it helps eliminate the “lunge” you mentioned. Often students enjoy this feeling of smooth tempo then just keep it as they take their normal stance. Q. How do I prevent my left arm from breaking down? I am a 9 handicap and too frequently hit a very errant shot. I believe the cause is a backswing that is too far beyond parallel, caused by my left elbow breaking down. Ira Marks, San Diego A. Make half-paced practice swings in a mirror, at the range or in your home, keeping your left arm extended, Ira. Then clip a tee or brush the grass for several swings noticing and enjoying any new feels. Take a lot of confidence from what
