The following is a guest post from Dr. Eric Wilson, Ph.D, PGA Master Professional, at the College of Golf at Keiser University.

Even the worst golfers hit good shots now and then. In fact, it has been said those occasional flashes of golfing genius are what keeps golfers, both good and bad, coming back again and again. There is really one explanation however, when the bad golfer pulls off the good shot: he or she was simply lucky enough to have good timing on that particular swing.

Most sporting activities have repetitive actions that benefit from the participant demonstrating proper timing. Whether you’re a long jumper, a football fullback, a tennis player or professional in the pursuit of a golf career, proper timing for your sport is the one unifying essential quality needed to find, repeatedly, success in your endeavor.

In the game of golf you need proper timing in order to maximize distance with the minimum of effort expended. If you’re able to train yourself to waste no motions that are not directly impacting your golf swing, you’ll find yourself able to get the most out of your efforts with the least amount of power wasted.

One of golfing’s greats, Tommy Armour said,

“One very simple tip will infinitely improve the timing of most golfers. Merely pause at the top of the backswing. “

Seems simple enough. Let’s explore this concept further in an attempt to understand just what Mr. Armour meant as he taught his students to pause in their backswing.

By teaching those who came to him to learn to become better golfers, Mr. Armour’s students were instructed to implement a count during their swing. Fast or slow, it really didn’t seem to make a difference as long as there was the pause at the very top.

“One. Two. WAIT. Three”

Those four words were golden and provided all the tools his students required to perfect their swing timing. You can also use those magical 4 words to learn how to adjust your swing timing in an effort to produce the maximum of effect with the minimum of wasted energy.

On “One”, you will start your swing by pulling your hands away from the ball (to your right for right handed golfers.) “Two” will have your arms and the club almost at the very top of the swing. Of course, the timing for this part of the motion should be smooth and steady, not choppy or stilted in any way.

Now you’ll find your club face at its furthers distance from the ball and at the peak of your backswing. It is here that you use “WAIT” and for a split moment, take the time to assess where things are at.

You’ll want to be sure your head has not moved and your eyes are still on the ball. You subconsciously note that your hips and shoulders have turned to the right prepping your body for the fantastic whipping action to come. Both of your arms are extended and wrists are cocked positioning the club shaft parallel to the ground.

“Three” will now have you starting your downswing. There’s no reason to rush the downswing. The ball (hopefully) is not going anywhere until you strike it with your club’s face and follow through. Some new golfers actually fear this part of the game; the possibility of making a bad shot, and rush the swing at this point in order to get it over with.

Simple, smooth cadence when counting One, Two, WAIT, Three will have the timing of your swing perfect in no time. Have the patience to smoothly start, wait, and finish with fluidity. Once you’re able to perform all the mental checks subconsciously while you time the impact of your club on the ball you should see your swing improve, and your overall game get much better.

About the Author: This post comes from Dr. Eric Wilson, Ph.D, PGA Master Professional, at the College of Golf at Keiser University. He is Vice President of the golf career school, providing students with a first class education, and introduction into the world of golf.