distance

can you actually achieve more distance by swinging easy and by having a good tempo?

If by "easy" you mean slow...no. There still has to be good accelaration. It just can look easy when done right. A "good tempo" is simply the idea that all the moving parts work together in connected timming. One part not taking over as a dominate force. Each part contributing to the other part in a sequence. That gives you more distance.

If by easy you mean without too much tension, yes, you get more, as now centrifugal force and muscular elasticity take over.

As for tempo, the pro's have a tempo of 3:1 backswing to throughswing. When their tempo breaks down, so does their shotmaking ability.

Thus, yes, tempo is important.

Ahhh another seeker of truth and distance......

Only way to hit the ball further is a faster clubhead, better tempo will cause this as will an increased shoulder turn and a stronger swing. Equipment adjustments will also help, lighter more flexible shafts are the key. But dont sacrifice accuracy for distance. Its easier to attack a pin from 180 yards in the fairway than 130 yards in the cabbage.

D.