'Hyangbli' Im Miyang's 'Home Training'... "Using a Metronome"

Help Maintain a Consistent Rhythm and Tempo: "Complete Your Own Swing Speed" Order

Im Hyang has recently been focusing on building basic physical strength through health training and Pilates at home.

[Asia Economy Kim Hyun-jun, Golf Specialist Reporter] "Rhythm and tempo are the most important aspects of golf."

'Hyangbli' Im Mi-hyang (27, Volvik)'s 'home training secret' is using a metronome to create a swing that the body remembers. She joined the U.S. Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) Tour in 2012 and achieved her first career victory in November 2014 at the Mizuno Classic after a grueling five-hole playoff. She earned her second career win in July 2017 at the Scottish Women's Open. Last year, she demonstrated her potential for a major championship by finishing runner-up at the ANA Inspiration in April.

Since the LPGA Tour was suspended due to the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in the United States, Im Mi-hyang has been staying at her home in Dallas, Texas, focusing on building basic fitness through health training and Pilates. Recently, she has been concentrating on checking her swing speed by turning on a metronome, which is quite interesting. She advises, "Even amateur golfers should maintain their own tempo regardless of whether their swing is good or bad."

A metronome is a device that indicates the beat through sound. In other words, it helps gauge swing speed. Typically, if you have a power level of 100, the takeaway starts at 10. The speed gradually increases during the backswing and returns to zero at the top. The downswing begins at 30. You rotate widely around your left shoulder with the feeling of firmly pressing down on the sole of your left foot, leading through impact and into the follow-through.

The key point is that the time spent on the backswing and downswing should be equal. However, amateur golfers often rush their swings, creating a large gap. Im Mi-hyang, who notes that "many people get overly affected by the results of their shots even during practice," says, "When swing speed becomes consistent with the metronome, above all, consistency will improve." She emphasizes, "Having good rhythm and tempo means you can perform a perfect swing anytime and anywhere without anxiety."