If there’s one guy who knows a thing or two about a dialed in golf swing tempo, it’s one-time major champ Fred Couples.

Never one to bomb the golf ball, Couples continues to amaze with his ball-striking ability thanks to his masterful swing tempo, which literally looks like poetry in motion when he’s swinging the golf club.

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By sticking to his routine, Couples is able to control his golf shots and see consistent (and positive) results.

While it’s impossible to ever imagine replicating Freddie’s tempo, it should be something that every amateur and beginner golfer strives for when they’re looking to improve — and thanks to top-ranked golf coach Mark Blackburn, you can discover an easy drill to help.

How to Improve Your Golf Swing Tempo

Blackburn, who is recognized by his peers as the best golf teacher in the country, knows how critical golf swing tempo is to solid contact.

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In the video above, Blackburn shares a simple drill that can be used to help unlock your swing tempo — and all you need to do is use two triggers words to master it!

As Blackburn sets up over the golf ball to make his golf swing, he explains how the drill works.

“So I’m going to get to the top [of my backswing] and say ‘back’, and when I get to impact, I’m going to say ‘hit,'” Blackburn explains. “It should sound nice and smooth, and [my golf swing] should look really rhythmical.”

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After the top-ranked golf teacher completes the drill during his shot, he shares why it’s so helpful.

“That was a really nice strike and very smooth,” he says. “So this [golf swing tempo drill] will be a really useful tool for you to be able to make good contact — especially under pressure.

“Remember, the tempo is the glue that holds your swing together.”

So while you might not be able to completely copy Fred Couples’ golf swing tempo, by using Blackburn’s two trigger words, you’ll at least find a good rhythm that improves your ball-striking.

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Craving more golf swing tips and golf instruction? Be sure to subscribe to Rainmakers Golf on YouTube for more relatable swing advice to help your game improve.

This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Feb 10, 2026, where it first appeared in the Golf section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.