swing speed

Dont really know how to word this so bear with me.

when i swing with out really thinking about it, i swing fast more oftern than not slicing the ball.
when i think about it and slow down my entier swing the ball goes a lot straighter with a little bit of either fade or draw ( not much) when i do this to me it seams like im swinging very slowly but i hit the ball sweatly.

will i lose any distance by slowing my swing down like this? or will it go further as im conecting properly?

When I first started playing I was trying to wallop the spots off the ball...

Then someone said something which has stuck with me :

"If you want to hit the ball further don't hit it so hard"

I now have a relatively slow swing but maintaining tempo and although not the biggest hitter it cetainly goes further..

NWOT.........

Matt

I did a quick post on this here http://golfshake.com/forums/view/1535/Mechanics_of_the_Swing_1.html ;, it may look a bit geeky but have a look and try and understand what happens.  In effect it means that the swing speed, or the speed that your body rotates, is pretty irrelevant to the power you generate when hitting the ball.  The actual clubhead speed is what's important and that depends on the timing of the swing, the wrist movement and the flex of the shaft.

For example, if you use a flexible shaft and try to swing really hard the club head will decelerate because it has already passed it's optimum kick point on the downswing so slowing the swing will generate more power.  Conversley, a slow swing with a stiff shaft will not initiate the flex to provide thenecessary kick and reduce the power.  Watch the pro golfers, they don't appear to have quick swings, the power is generated by the timing of the unwinding of the shaft flex and wrists uncocking most of which is generated in the last 20° to 30° of swing.

Generally, for us mortals, a slower swing is easier to control.  Personally, I'd rather hit 200yds into the centre of a fairway than lash it 250yds into the trees (although obviously I still get carried away and try and take the cover off the ball).