Pete’s Pointers – Move Like a Pro: How Tai Chi Can Improve Your Golf Swing
Have you ever felt like your golf swing was just a little out of sync?
Like the top half of your body was doing one thing and your legs were doing another? Or maybe you’ve struggled with rushing your swing, losing balance, or getting tight under pressure?
What if we told you that a few minutes of simple movement could help fix all of that—and you wouldn’t even need a club to do it?
Let’s talk about Tai Chi. Yes, that slow, flowing movement often seen in parks. Believe it or not, it holds some powerful lessons for golfers of all levels.
What Tai Chi Teaches Golfers
At its core, “Tai Chi is all about body awareness, balance, and controlled movement”, which sounds a lot like what we’re aiming for in a good golf swing. You don’t have to dive deep into the martial art. Just borrowing a few core ideas from Tai Chi can help you:
* Improve your balance and posture
* Smooth out your swing tempo
* Become more aware of how your body moves during the swing
* Stay relaxed and focused under pressure
1. Slow Down to Improve Feel
One of the most common faults we see in club golfers is trying to swing too fast. Tai Chi is a great reminder that you don’t really understand a movement until you can do it slowly.
Try this drill:
Stand with a club and perform your swing in ultra-slow motion. Feel each part of your body working; hips turning, weight shifting, arms following. Notice any spots where you feel tight or out of sync. You’ll be amazed at what you learn.
2. Work on Balance
In both Tai Chi and golf, balance isn’t just about not falling over—it’s about how weight moves smoothly from one foot to the other. If your swing feels unstable, your weight shift might be the issue.
Drill for the range or home:
* Stand in your setup posture.
* Slowly shift your weight from your trail foot to your lead foot and back.
* Feel it happening from your hips and core, not just your feet.
* Once that’s easy, add a slow-motion swing and keep that same balance.
3. Control Through Breathing
Ever notice how hard it is to swing well when you’re tense or overthinking? Tai Chi uses breath to stay relaxed and present. Golfers can do the same.
Pre-shot tip:
Before hitting a shot, try this: Inhale slowly for four counts, hold for two, and exhale for six. Let your shoulders drop as you exhale. You’ll feel calmer and more focused—especially helpful on the first tee or when you’re standing over a nervy putt.
4. Improve Your Rotation
Tai Chi uses spiralling movements to generate smooth, powerful motion. Sound familiar? It’s exactly what we want in a golf swing – turning through the body, not muscling it with the arms.
Drill:
Stand tall and gently rotate your torso left and right, letting your arms follow naturally. This teaches you to let your body lead and your arms respond, just like a well-sequenced golf swing.
5. A Quick Tai Chi-Inspired Warm-Up for Golf
Here’s a 3–5 minute routine you can try before your next round. No mat, no gear needed—just you and a bit of space.
1. Stand Tall (30 sec): Focus on your posture and take a few deep breaths.
2. Weight Shift (1 min): Transfer weight side to side with relaxed hips.
3. Slow Swings (2 min): Perform your golf swing slowly, feeling your balance and tempo.
4. Torso Turns (1 min): Rotate gently from the core to loosen up.
You’ll step onto the first tee more relaxed, aware, and ready to swing with control.
Final Thoughts
You don’t need to be a Tai Chi master to benefit. A few mindful movements a day—or just 5 minutes before your round—can improve your balance, calm your nerves, and make your swing feel more natural.
So next time you’re tempted to swing harder, remember: a smoother, more controlled swing often starts with slowing down.
Give it a try this week. Your body (and your scorecard) might just thank you.
Want more performance tips? For that personalised approach book yourself in for a one-to-one lesson, or a group Roll Up for managed practice and a drink.
Happy Golfing!
Pete Langford PGA