Columnist Peter Benton: Longtime teacher puts emphasis on tempo

Peter Benton

Wednesday, June 23, 2004 | 9:30 a.m.

Peter Benton's golf column appears Wednesday.

Many years ago -- in fact so long ago that you could count the courses in this town on two hands -- Jerry Belt of the Las Vegas Municipal layout was the undisputed guru of teaching professionals.

When I recently came across the following tip of his, I realized it is just as important as ever, so I would like to share it with a new generation of golfers:

"Tempo is everything," said Belt. "Throughout my 37-year teaching career I have found this to be the most abused factor in the golf swing. Swing tempo is the speed, or rhythm, at which you move and swing the golf club.

"Just as none of the thousands of clients I've taught are the same, neither is the rhythm at which they swing the club. Lanny Wadkins' tempo is much faster than Fred Couples, although he does not hit the ball nearly as far. The idea you have to swing with brute force to maximize distance is one of the biggest fallacies in golf today. The most important thing to remember when you swing is relaxation.

"At all times you must be relaxed and void of tension to obtain maximum club head speed. Tightened muscles restrict your range of movement, in turn reducing the distance you hit the ball. Some of the longest shots that you'll hit will be when you're least expecting to hit the ball exceptionally far because you are relaxed.

"Think swing easy. This is the best way to obtain good swing tempo. Your swing should flow like a well-choreographed dance routine, each step perfectly integrated to the music. Once you obtain the correct tempo, you must practice, practice, practice. This is the only way you will become comfortable, maintain a consistent tempo and begin to trust your swing.

"I heard an interview in which Paul Azinger told Ken Venturi that 90 percent of his practice time was spent on tempo, so that whether a shot would mean $100 or $50,000 in prize money, he could keep the same swing.

"Robert Gamez, whom I was fortunate enough to work with, recently gave an exhibition to a group of junior golfers. One of my students watched in amazement that he could hit the ball so far with such a slow and smooth swing. That observation will help him tremendously for years to come.

"Remember, tempo is everything."

Jerry Belt, along with his beloved wife, Diane, still resides in Las Vegas, is well, and is thoroughly enjoying his golden years.)

As director of sales, Jensen's responsibilities will be focused on generating golf group sales and promoting both clubs to conventions, incentive groups, local businesses and charitable organizations.

In the Senior Division, Sienna's Kim Dolan and his sparkling 69 prevailed over the 71 of LV National's Nick Buss. Nick Spiegel, Durango Hills, took third with 72.

Low amateur with 73 was Aaron Slonim.

The event, scheduled for July 11 at the TPC Canyons course, has a $100 entrance fee for those who partner with a girl from the First Tee program, and $170 for those who play with their own daughter.

All proceeds will benefit the First Tee of Southern Nevada, and entry information may be obtained by calling Margaret Wolverton at 561-3862.