Speed Training For Golf: Safe & Effective VS Stupid & Useless

In this episode of *Don’t Get Me Started*, host Christopher Smith, a master golf instructor and Guinness World Record holder in speed golf, sits down with John Novosel Jr., co-founder of Tour Tempo and a renowned speed coach. The conversation dives deep into the science of golf swing tempo, speed training, and debunking common misconceptions in the golf world.  Novosel emphasizes the importance of tempo as a foundational element of the golf swing, explaining how elite players like Rory McIlroy and Bryson DeChambeau use faster tempos to maximize power and consistency. He contrasts tempo (elapsed time) with rhythm (pattern of motion), revealing that while tour pros share similar tempos, their rhythms vary. The discussion highlights how slower backswings often lead to poor sequencing and reduced distance, advocating for an "optimum tempo" tailored to each golfer’s mechanics and athleticism.  The episode also explores speed training pitfalls, stressing the need for transferable gains to the course. Novosel warns against over-reliance on air swings or heavy clubs, which can cause injury, and instead recommends resistance-based tools like his Dragonfly training aid to promote implicit learning. He outlines a hierarchy for speed development: tempo first, followed by mechanics, physical conditioning, and finally, speed training.  Listeners gain insights into longevity in golf, with Novosel sharing how he achieved peak speed in his 50s through targeted training. The conversation touches on motor learning, the illusion of control in slow swings, and the balance between distance and accuracy for amateur golfers. Practical takeaways include the value of curiosity in practice, the dangers of over-coaching, and the role of sensory cues (like auditory tempo tones) in performance.  This episode is a must-listen for golfers seeking to unlock more distance, improve swing efficiency, and understand the interplay between tempo, speed, and mechanics. Whether you're a weekend warrior or a competitive player, Novosel’s expertise offers actionable strategies to elevate your game.