June 2, 2008 -- Timing is the proper sequence of body and club movements that produce a desired shot. The sequence of the body's movement in relationship to every other motion made controls both the distance and direction of the shot.

Many of today's top players, such as LPGA star Lorena Ochoa, use an accelerating swing. (Getty Images)

The timing of the different movements applies the force and acceleration to the club and influences the path the club head takes to the ball.

All golfers work towards developing a personal timing mechanism that matches the different movements in their particular swing, The amount of acceleration and how and when it occurs determines the overall look of the swing.

The classic gradually accelerated swing of the legendary three-time PGA Champion Sam Sneed is still revered by players today, especially when it is compared to those known for their own smooth timing -- such as the swings of Ernie Els, Fred Couples and Annika Sorenstam.

Players who choose to accelerate in a quicker sequence have swings that look like they explode through the shot. Four-time PGA Champion Tiger Woods, 1991 PGA Champion "Long" John Daly and LPGA star Lorena Ochoa all use this style of timing.

All golfers need to develop individualized timing patterns that best matches their physical ability. This will allow for your body to repetitively function so that the desired speed is delivered to the shaft.

A practice method to improve your timing is to work at hitting your clubs much shorter distances than maximum yardage and then add small amounts of acceleration to change the length of each shot.

With practice, the end result could lead to a big change in your game!

Make a Date with Golf

With June upon us, American Express Women's Golf Month is officially here with fun get-into-golf, social and fashion activities for ladies 14 years of age and older who are interested in playing the game.

Complimentary use of golf clubs will be available at locations nationwide. While golf instruction will be offered free of charge, other activities such as dining and on-course playing opportunities will be offered for a nominal fee. Visit PlayGolfAmerica.com to learn more and register for an event near you.

For those of you near my home base at the PGA Golf Club in Port St. Lucie, Fla., we are conducting our first-ever "54 Holes of Golf on the Summer Solstice" on Sat., June 21, as a fund-raiser for Allen Civita, a local firefighter who lost his home to a brush fire at the same time he was on the call of duty.

If you are interested and are in good physical shape to play all three of our courses -- the Wanamaker and Ryder by Tom Fazio; and the namesake Dye Course by Pete Dye -- during this one-day golf event on June 21, please call Jamie Fordyce at (800) 800-GOLF or contact him at jfordyce@pgahq.com.

There are also limited tee times available for those that would like to participate but can only play 18 holes.

Until next time, here's to better golf!

Best wishes,

Rick Martino, PGA
PGA Director of Instruction
The PGA of America