Fix your Rhythm: How to Use a Metronome for Golf

Tempo is one of the most misunderstood parts of golf, but one that can directly affect your game from tee to green. However, figuring out your tempo and improving it is somewhat difficult – unless you’re Fred Couples – who has it figured out more than any other golfer. 

But for us mere mortals, understanding tempo is a little more difficult, as it’s not something you can measure with a launch monitor. However, you can learn how to use a metronome in golf to identify and improve your tempo. When you do, it can improve your practice sessions and almost immediately improve your game. 

Keep reading to learn how to use a metronome for your long and short game. 

Why You Should Use a Metronome

First off, what is a metronome and how can it help your golf game?

A metronome is a device that produces repetitive sounds or beats at a consistent pace. It’s measured in beats per minute (BPM) and commonly used by musicians to maintain rhythm and timing. However, it’s also a powerful tool to help golfers with full swing, short game, and putting. 

Metronomes can help with one of the most important parts of golf – tempo. When you have better tempo, you sequence your swing better and improve ball striking fast. A better tempo can also lead to longer distances off the tee, which makes golf a lot easier to score well.

Tempo isn’t just a factor in the long game though, short game tempo is also key to playing your best golf. A metronome makes it easier to understand this forgotten fundamental and is a great asset to your practice sessions. 

Key Takeaways

• A metronome is traditionally used by musicians, but now a great asset for golfers thanks to a myriad of apps on your phone. 
• When you download a free metronome app, you can get a lot better rhythm in your swing and stroke.
• A metronome can help you sync movements and have a more repeatable rhythm for more consistent and control in your golf swing.
• Plus, they can help with your short game and putting too when used correctly. 

How to Use a Metronome 

So, how do you use a metronome in golf? 

Start by downloading a free one in the Android or iOS store – they all pretty much offer the same features. Or, you can use a small handheld device for convenience and portability at the range or practice green instead of an app. 

To reap the rewards of this small but powerful tool, you need to use them somewhat consistently at the beginning. This will help reinforce the rhythm and tempo until it becomes second nature. 

After you feel comfortable, you can practice without it. But if you’re ever in a slump or feel like your timing is off, use it again to recalibrate and add some structure to your practice.

Here’s how to use a metronome in golf for your long game, short game, and putting.

Metronome for Full Swing 

At the driving range or simulator, get warmed up and set the metronome to a slow BPM – in the 40 to 50 range. Begin taking practice swings and align your backswing with the first beat. Then reach the top of your backswing at the next beat. 

After you get more comfortable with the timing, increase the BPM to match your natural rhythm – typically 60-70 BPM. If you’re trying to add more speed, consider trying out an even higher BPM. 

Don’t try to work on anything else in your swing like takeaway or shallowing the club (yet). Instead, put all of your focus on the timing side of things and watch how your swing starts to sync up better. I’ve found that it’s easier to sequence to create better contact and optimal ball flight. 

Start with wedges and work your way to hitting irons and woods. Don’t forget, tempo doesn’t change for full swing shots – all of them require a 3:1 temp. This means your backswing takes three times as long as your downswing.

Focus on the beat so you can avoid rushing the backswing or transition for a more consistent and powerful golf swing. 

Metronome for Short Game  

The good news is that a metronome can also have a big impact on your short game too. If you struggle to hit chips and pitches consistently well, timing might be to blame.

In my experience, I’ve found that most golfers either:

• Take the club back too slow, forcing a quick/rushed transition (which, over time, can lead to the chipping yips). 
• Or, take too big of a backswing and then are forced to decelerate, which leads to a host of issues as well. 

Luckily, a metronome can help maintain the same rhythm back and through with chipping and pitching. Short game tempo – anything less than a full shot – requires a 2:1 tempo, not 3:1 like the full swing. 

Which is why you want to have a faster BPM, in the 60-70 range. This might feel faster than normal, but I bet you’ll be shocked with how much better you hit chips, pitches, and bunker shots.

Use it at the chipping green and watch how much more spin you get as well as better contact. Learn more about short game tempo here. 

Metronome for Putting Tempo    

Lastly, let’s not forget that a metronome can also help with your putting, a ton. If you struggle with speed control and have too many putts per round, a metronome in practice can help.

A good putting tempo is key to making a solid strike and getting the ball to the hole. Experiment with different beats to find a tempo that works for your putting stroke. Most golfers will find the 60-80 BPM is ideal.

Start and finish the metronome beat with your stroke. Begin the backstroke on one beat and complete on the next one for a simple “one-two” type motion. 

Practice hitting putts of various lengths – short, mid, and long – maintaining the same BPM. Having a consistent rhythm, regardless of distance, will help you have a free flowing stroke. 

Plus, you can also use this at home with an indoor putting green. Even if you have a busy schedule, take advantage of a metronome for putting and watch your stroke improve fast. 

Learn more about hitting solid putts here. 

Metronome Alternative: Tour Tempo App 

If you don’t want to worry about figuring out the BPM or searching for the best metronome app, consider the Tour Tempo app. This app has a ton of features to help your golf game, both long shots and around the green. It’s a small investment – about $25 – but one you can use to structure practice sessions for years to come.

Inside the app, you can select short game or long game tempo. Then, each section has five different timings to find which one aligns most naturally with your timing. 

For long game, select the one that is appropriate and use it in practice to groove your timing. Hit balls at the simulator range using the voices or tones feature to time your swing perfectly.

Even if you don’t have time to get to the golf course, you can use it making practice swings at home. To make it even more effective, use a swing trainer like Lag Shot to improve your fundamentals alongside timing as well. 

Don’t forget to use this app at the chipping or putting green too. When hitting chips, pitches, and bunkers switch to the short game tempo so it’s a 2:1 setting. Then select the proper timing and watch your short game improve fast. 

FAQs About Metronomes

Have more questions about using this musical tool for your golf game? Keep reading through the most frequently asked questions.

What is the best metronome speed for golf?

It depends on what part of the game you’re working on. With short game (chipping and putting) you’ll want a faster BPM – in the 60-85 BPM range. With long game, you’ll want less BPM – in the 50-75 range, depending on age and skill level.

Experiment with different ranges in practice and see which one improves your game the most. If you’re hitting full shots, consider using a launch monitor to easily track your progress over time. 

How do you set a metronome to swing?

Use headphones and time your swing up with the beats. Over time, it will become second nature and part of your natural rhythm. 

How do you practice putting with metronome?

Putting tempo is one of the most important parts of becoming a consent golfer. Set the BPM at 70 or so and adjust faster or slower as needed. Remember, you need the same tempo for all length putts, the only thing that changes is the length of your backstroke. 

My Experience

I think that tempo is one of the most important parts of the game but definitely the least talked about. Most golfers only think about shallowing the club or adding distance… don’t get me wrong, both are important, but tempo is the glue of the swing.

I’m saying this from years of playing with too slow of tempo that lead to a rushed transition. Once I improved tempo – which occurred from speeding up my backswing – I became a much better ball striker. Not to mention added distance.

If you want to add distance, use the Tour Tempo app or a higher BPM. I bet within one bucket the average golfer can add at least five yards (if not more) due to better timing. I’ve also found it helps sequence your swing, too.

Lastly, I always like to work with tempo with short games too. Even when I’m at home, I’ll use the app to dial in a smooth 1-2 tempo when hitting putts on my home putting mat. Sometimes it’s the little things like tempo that make the biggest difference! 

Final Thoughts 

A metronome can be a surprisingly powerful tool to improve your golf swing, short game, and putting stroke. By finding the right tempo and practicing consistently, you can develop a more balanced and reliable rhythm in all aspects of your game. 

In the beginning, you’ll need to use it more often. But after a few sessions, it’ll become automatic and ingrained in your mind. However, if you have a long offseason or going through a slump, make sure to use it as you get back in the swing of things.