Keep a Smooth Tempo

“One…two…and three.”

That’s how my grandpa taught me to swing a golf club.

His message was simple: don’t rush. A smooth, balanced tempo leads to better shots.

Years later, one of the best golfers in the world reinforced the same lesson, just with different words: “Coca-Cola.”

I watched a short video explaining Nelly Korda’s swing tempo using that phrase. Say “Co-ca” during the backswing and “Co-la” through the downswing and follow-through. It’s an easy way to keep your swing smooth instead of trying to hit the ball too hard.

It immediately reminded me of my grandpa’s “1-2&3.”

I’ve been using it ever since, and the results have been remarkable. I’ve shot three nine-hole rounds in the 30s and had more birdie opportunities than I can remember.

Last weekend, my daughter Hannah and I attended the LPGA Championship. Although Nelly didn’t win, we watched her hit an approach shot to about two feet. It looked effortless.

Later I asked Hannah what stood out as we watched the best players, including champion Haeran Ryu.

Her answer surprised me with its simplicity:

“Their tempo. They all swing so smoothly.”

Exactly.

The best players don’t look rushed. They trust their rhythm.

The more I thought about it, the more I realized this lesson extends far beyond golf.

How often do we rush conversations, decisions, our work, or even time with our families?

Life has a tempo too.

When we slow down enough to be intentional, not lazy, but purposeful, we tend to make better decisions, enjoy the journey more, and produce better results.

From my grandpa’s “1-2&3,” to Nelly Korda’s “Coca-Cola,” the lesson has remained the same:

Don’t rush. Trust your tempo.

Whether you’re swinging a golf club, leading a team, learning something new, or simply living your life, success often comes from finding a smooth rhythm and staying with it.

Learn In The Flow Of Life

Jason