Amazon.com
The 500 World's Greatest Golf Holes succeeds in hitting preciselythe two targets any book purporting to present golf's greatest anythingmust aim for: it'll have golfers both arguing with and dreaming about itscontents. Simultaneously.

This is an altogether magnificent volume, big in size, big in contents, visuallyrich, and thoroughly engaging. Peper's opening essay explains how he and hiseditors identified the ultimate one-tenth of 1 percent of the 500,000 or soholes on the planet, and explores the question of what exactly makes a greatgolf hole. Challenge and difficulty, certainly, but also beauty, fairness,reputation, history, and the way it begins to eat into a golfer's mind as he orshe takes it in from the tee box. It's all in the mix. Then the funreally starts, with a comprehensive look at the best 18--the 15th atCypress Point (but not the more terrifying 16th), the 18th at Pebble, the 16that Merion, the 17th at St. Andrews, the 6th at Royal Melbourne, and the 13th atAugusta among them--complete with lush photography and an artist's depiction ofeach. The next 100 are then rolled out in somewhat less depth, with theremainder of the 500 receiving a thumbnail sketch and photo, along with eitherappreciation or curses from golfers everywhere.

And then a different kind of fun starts. The last section of the volume isdevoted to lists: the most scenic holes, the most difficult, the most strategic,most penal, best ocean, best mountain, best American, best European, best links,best Ross, best Tillinghast, the holes that have produced historic moments. If,as a golfer, you can't dispute or defend the choices that make up these lists,it might be about time to hang up the clubs. --Jeff SilvermanBook Description
Here are the five hundred most beautiful, difficult, exotic, thrilling, and notorious golf holes in the world, complete with the fairways and greens, bunkers and hazards, that have thwarted Tiger Woods and David Duval, Jack Nicklaus and Lee Trevino, Ben Hogan and Bobby Jones-and those they have conquered.

Now available for the first time in paperback, this definitive collection of golf holes, complete with more than 600 color photographs and 18 schematics, is the ultimate dream book for golf enthusiasts worldwide.

This lavish book is filled with anecdotal biographies and vital statistics of the holes deemed the best in the world by the magazine's editors and their panel of international experts. Readers will find out if their favorite holes made the cut by first turning to The Eighteen, representing the most respected and challenging holes-holes like the thirteenth at Augusta National. Next, they discover the top one hundred (the eleventh at St. Andrews Old Course and the fifty at Pinehurst, for example). Finally, there is an all-inclusive gazetteer of all five hundred. A special section offers the Best of the Best-lists of holes by category, such as the most scenic, longest, best in Europe, hardest-to-putt greens, and so on. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

Winter Dreams of Summer Drives and Approaches
This book is one of the most complete looks at top golf holes around the world that most golfers can hope to have. Since most of us cannot be scratch golfers, play on the pro tour, or get access to the world's most exclusive clubs, one of the top joys of being a golfer is playing on any great hole. The next best thing is to imagine or to remember playing such a hole. For 100 of 500 top holes, this book will help provide this indirect enjoyment by putting you visually on either the tee and the green of many outstanding holes with a decent-sized color photograph. For 18 of 500 top holes, you are able to do both.

If you live in the parts of the world where golf is not available all year around, this book can also keep the spark alive (when you are not watching the Golf Channel).

The book contains four main sections. The first looks at 18 great holes (par 72). In this section, you see the view from the tee and from the green, plus enjoy a drawing of the hole's topography and layout. An excellent essay describes the hole to flesh out the photographs.

The second section examines 100 holes (25 par 3s, 50 par 4s, and 25 par 5s). Each hole contains a one page photograph and a one page essay. I was disappointed that some of the holes did not have the best photographic angle available. I suspect that the editors relied on whatever photograph worked best in this layout, rather than the photograph that best represented the hole. I graded the book down one star for this weakness.

The third section is like a catalog, for it contains four holes per page with a tiny picture and a brief paragraph. I'm not sure what else could have been done, but perhaps it would have been better to feature fewer holes and done more with each one.

The fourth section was my favorite, because it had lots of "bests" lists. These included the most difficult, heroic, penal, longest, mountain, water, hard to putt, and scenic. I especially liked the ranking of best holes by designer, those holes that are easiest to play on for the average person, and the ones that are hardest to get on to play.

The editors have a pretty reasonable view of what they have accomplished here.

"Is our World's Greatest list definitive? We doubt it."

"Is it controversial? We hope so."

"Is it defensible? You bet it is. Have a look."

Anyone who sees the book will have quibbles. The jacket cover has the 7th hole at Pebble Beach on it. Now that is a very scenic hole (and is the signature of Pebble Beach). The hole is very tough in a high wind. But on a calm day, it is one of the easiest holes in the world. I certainly wouldn't have put it on the jacket cover. The 18th at Pebble Beach would have been a better choice if you wanted to do one hole from that course.

The process used was pretty exhaustive, but hardly definitive. For the United States, readers of Golf Magazine and its web site could make nominations. Editors of top publications around the world proposed the other holes. In the end 40 countries and territories are represented. The U.S. does seem overrepresented though. A lot of the holes are in here just because they are long. That's not so defensible these days when long hitters can conquer almost any hole in 2 shots to the green. The final choices were made at Carnoustie in 1999 during the British Open by the Golf Magazine editors, the 11 non-U.S. publication editors who had made the nominations, plus a representative each from St. Andrews and the U.S.G.A. Naturally, you have St. Andrews overrepresented in the book.

I found that the list seemed overweighted toward the well-known holes (such as the 7th at Pebble Beach and the 17th at the Old Course in St. Andrews), but that makes it more interesting to the people who want to know more about those holes. Although the book has some material about famous moments on the holes, it would have been improved by doing much more of this. When I have played any of the holes in the book, it is the stories about competitive experiences by great golfers that have enriched the pleasure for me the most.

On the other hand, Cypress Point is a course I am unlikely to ever play and the book has several holes from that club. I was very happy to see them beautifully laid out and described. I had the same reaction to many non-U.S. courses that I did not know about before.

If you have the chance to travel, I think the best use of this book is to help you organize some golf vacations where you can access the courses. I have had it in my mind to play Pinehurst #2 for many years, and seeing the great holes from that classic Donald Ross course reminded me to do something about that desire.

However you decide to enjoy this book, I am sure that it will expand your joy in the game . . . even if only as a spectator on a televised tournament.

I suggest that you make a promise to yourself to play at least one of the holes though. That will make your journey through its pages much more fun!

Have a great experience with these great holes! As the editors point out, "In the end, we don't play the great holes -- they play us." "They thrill, frighten, embolden, confound, contort, support, and cajole us."

Go for the pin!

A Wonderful Book
This book is very informative. The courses mentioned are the world's best. The author writes with real affection. Each chapter is well researched. I highly reccommend this book.

Winter Dreams of Summer Drives and Approaches
This book is one of the most complete looks at top golf holes around the world that most golfers can hope to have.Since most of us cannot be scratch golfers, play on the pro tour, or get access to the world's most exclusive clubs, one of the top joys of being a golfer is playing on any great hole.The next best thing is to imagine or to remember playing such a hole.For 100 of 500 top holes, this book will help provide this indirect enjoyment by putting you visually on either the tee and the green of many outstanding holes with a decent-sized color photograph.For 18 of 500 top holes, you are able to do both.

If you live in the parts of the world where golf is not available all year around, this book can also keep the spark alive (when you are not watching the Golf Channel).

The book contains four main sections.The first looks at 18 great holes (par 72).In this section, you see the view from the tee and from the green, plus enjoy a drawing of the hole's topography and layout.An excellent essay describes the hole to flesh out the photographs.

The second section examines 100 holes (25 par 3s, 50 par 4s, and 25 par 5s).Each hole contains a one page photograph and a one page essay.I was disappointed that some of the holes did not have the best photographic angle available.I suspect that the editors relied on whatever photograph worked best in this layout, rather than the photograph that best represented the hole.I graded the book down one star for this weakness.

The third section is like a catalog, for it contains four holes per page with a tiny picture and a brief paragraph.I'm not sure what else could have been done, but perhaps it would have been better to feature fewer holes and done more with each one.

The fourth section was my favorite, because it had lots of "bests" lists.These included the most difficult, heroic, penal, longest, mountain, water, hard to putt, and scenic.I especially liked the ranking of best holes by designer, those holes that are easiest to play on for the average person, and the ones that are hardest to get on to play.

The editors have a pretty reasonable view of what they have accomplished here.

"Is our World's Greatest list definitive?We doubt it."

"Is it controversial?We hope so."

"Is it defensible?You bet it is.Have a look."

Anyone who sees the book will have quibbles.The jacket cover has the 7th hole at Pebble Beach on it.Now that is a very scenic hole (and is the signature of Pebble Beach).The hole is very tough in a high wind.But on a calm day, it is one of the easiest holes in the world.I certainly wouldn't have put it on the jacket cover.The 18th at Pebble Beach would have been a better choice if you wanted to do one hole from that course.

The process used was pretty exhaustive, but hardly definitive.For the United States, readers of Golf Magazine and its web site could make nominations.Editors of top publications around the world proposed the other holes.In the end 40 countries and territories are represented.The U.S. does seem overrepresented though.A lot of the holes are in here just because they are long.That's not so defensible these days when long hitters can conquer almost any hole in 2 shots to the green.The final choices were made at Carnoustie in 1999 during the British Open by the Golf Magazine editors, the 11 non-U.S. publication editors who had made the nominations, plus a representative each from St. Andrews and the U.S.G.A.Naturally, you have St. Andrews overrepresented in the book.

I found that the list seemed overweighted toward the well-known holes (such as the 7th at Pebble Beach and the 17th at the Old Course in St. Andrews), but that makes it more interesting to the people who want to know more about those holes.Although the book has some material about famous moments on the holes, it would have been improved by doing much more of this.When I have played any of the holes in the book, it is the stories about competitive experiences by great golfers that have enriched the pleasure for me the most.

On the other hand, Cypress Point is a course I am unlikely to ever play and the book has several holes from that club.I was very happy to see them beautifully laid out and described.I had the same reaction to many non-U.S. courses that I did not know about before.

If you have the chance to travel, I think the best use of this book is to help you organize some golf vacations where you can access the courses.I have had it in my mind to play Pinehurst #2 for many years, and seeing the great holes from that classic Donald Ross course reminded me to do something about that desire.

However you decide to enjoy this book, I am sure that it will expand your joy in the game . . . even if only as a spectator on a televised tournament.

I suggest that you make a promise to yourself to play at least one of the holes though.That will make your journey through its pages much more fun!

Have a great experience with these great holes!As the editors point out, "In the end, we don't play the great holes -- they play us.""They thrill, frighten, embolden, confound, contort, support, and cajole us."

Go for the pin!

An absolutely beautiful volume for the golf lover
This book features (of necessity somewhat subjectively) the top 500 holes in golf. The first part of the book has a several page spread on each of the top 18 holes. Of course, as is to be expected, Pebble Beach's 18th and St. Andrews' 17th are among the 18. However, there are some darkhorses that made it such as Bethpage Black's 5th hole. All the great course's have made this book such as Augusta, Cypress Point, Shinnecock Hills etc. The spread on each hole in the top 18 has several beautiful color pictures as well as accompanying text. The next group is the top 100. Each has a two page spread with a description of the hole on one page and a glossy color photograph on the facing page. Several holes are featured on each page for the top 500. Later. the book ranks the top holes by categories such as "top penal hole, top strategic hole," etc. This beautiful oversize volume is not one that you will pick up off the coffee table and peruse for a few minutes. Rather, it can provide years of pleasure as you browse through it over and over. The book has plenty of substance both quanitiatively (it is a large volume) and qualitaively. All golf lovers will enjoy this book.

The Perfect Gift for Your Golfer
The perfect coffee table book for any golfer or non-golfer who would like to see some of the most beautiful courses in the world. The pictures are breathtaking, and will make you wish you were there.The perfect gift for the golfer in your world. ... Read more

Book Description

The essential guide to every betting game under the sun, from the most trusted name in golf

Net and Gross . . . Nassau . . . the Hawk . . . Amigo . . . the Train Game . . . Second Ball . . . the Umbrella Game . . . What does it all mean?Recreational golfers around the world thrive on games within games as a way to enhance the golf experience, level the playing field, and, most important, have a lot more fun. Golf Digest’s Complete Book of Golf Betting Games lays it all out—every game, every format, and every variation—with a quick-reference glossary of every golf gambling term ever uttered. Organized by chapters for twosomes, threesomes, foursomes, or buddy trips with all the side games, each section is simple to navigate, with helpful strategy tips for each game and a set of clear-cut scorecard instructions.

With over 1.6 million subscribers and 6 million readers, Golf Digest is the most trusted and respected name in golf publications. Golf Digest’s Complete Book of Golf Betting Games is the definitive guide—a book every golfer needs to have.

Customer Reviews (1)

Good Golf Betting resource
This is the second book I've bought on golf games, the first being The Complete Book of Golf Games.I like this book better than the other one because of how it's organized, plus because it covers many more games.It's organized by the number of players, listing possible games that can be played by that number of golfers.When a game is duplicated, they give instruction of where to find the previous write up.
... Read more

Book Description

"Whether you're a novice or club regular, Steve has the answers to all your golf problems."
- Ernie Els

For the weekend golfer, the game can be an unfortunate succession of shots that do not fly far enough and consistently straight enough. Each swing is followed by frustration, anguish and the usually futile attempt to correct the problem... which only creates another problem.

Golf Cures and Fixes is like having a patient golf pro standing alongside who analyzes each swing and makes suggestions for any shortcoming. This creatively illustrated handbook uses a unique format and structure, and provides specific cures for specific golf shot errors and problems.

Mistakes golfers make are clearly seen in the way the ball reacts: short drives, slices, hooks, missed shots and more. Steve Newell identifies the cause of each errant shot -- foot position, grip or posture, for example -- then shows how to fix the problem. He also recommends drills that will help cure the problem for good.

Golf Cures and Fixes is organized in chapters that relate to each type of club:

• Drivers
• Short irons
• Fairway metals
• Wedges
• Long irons
• Sand irons
• Mid irons
• Putters.

Whether a golfer needs to overcome just one problem area of all of them, Golf Cures and Fixes is the ideal first-aid manual.

Book Description
Understanding the Golf Swing will show you a different, simpler approach to the golf swing.Manuel de la Torre, twice named by Golf Magazine as one of the top 100 golf instructors in America is the leading modern day proponent of Ernest Jones' Swing Principles method of golf instruction. The book includes a passionate Foreword by Carol Mann, Member LPGA, Hall of Fame.

The de la Torre (and Jones) system presents a simpler approach to the golf swing, the emphasis being on the development of a true swinging motion, devoid of energy robbing leverage. In this view, “if the club is used properly the body movements take care of themselves.” This simple statement has the power to bring aobut profound improvements in your game.

While presenting a simpler approach to the golf swing, the book is also a comprehensive resource for all levels of golfer, from the beginner to the professional. It includes:

• The most thorough analysis of ball flights found in any golf instructional book.

• Detailed discussion of special shot play, including sand play, pitching, chipping, putting, and playing unusual shots.

• Coverage of the mental site of golf, effective course management, and a formula for taking your best practice tee shots to the golf course. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (46)

Phenomenally useful
Prior to the summer golf league I played in this year, I'd almost given up the game. Took it too seriously. (Taking it less seriously helps a ton, by the by.) But I picked up this book on the recommendation of a trusted buddy, even though I think learning sports from books is useless and stupid. Like lotter-playing stupid. Until this one.

Mr. De La Torre has me enjoying the game again, because of the practical simplicity of it all. I was in a position of having to unlearn years of bad habits and bad advice I'd gotten. I remember reading the first couple of chapters about the grip, stance, and swing, thinking, "That's it?!? Screw you. I'll show you how wrong you are, Manuel." So I went to the driving range and did *exactly* what he suggested. Just to prove what a fraud he was.

My very first shot was a relaxed, effortless, 170-yard 7 iron. I should also mention I live in Colorado. :] But still. I just sat there awe-struck (mostly about the simplicity of it all).

Admittedly, the swing is a much-maligned arm swing. But it doesn't seem to matter. It's more consistent than I've ever hit it, and I'm driving 330-yard par 4s.

My main trouble has been getting back to just keeping it simple like he describes. Truly amazing. Best of all, I love the game again.

Not the Perfect Golf Book, But....
Pretty Close.If you want hardcore mechanics (and a lifetime of frustration) go elsewhere.If you want to learn how to swing, keep it simple and play better golf, I recommend this book. Read these books, in this order, and you'll have captured the essence of building a swing:

1) Swing the Clubhead - Ernest Jones
2) Understanding the Golf Swing - de la Torre
3) Practical Golf - John Jacobs

People will say Hogan's "Five Lessons".Do you really believe Hogan learned to swing the way he taught his "secret" anto-hook swing? Nah, he swung the clubhead and knocked balls over the hedges in his neighborhood.

I love Hogan and have studied his book, only to realize that I am not Ben Hogan.Neither are you.

In addition to the above, my favorite read is "Bobby Jones on Golf". It has good information where my hero Jones even cautions about trying to learn a particular shot or swing from a written description of mechanics. More than anything else, the master teaches us to fight down tension and swing, swing, swing the clubhead!

I do not feel that I need another golf book in my library or another mechanical thought in my head.How are you doin'?

Hope this book and this review saves you from the years of torture that I endured.

Got the DVD too
My sister was given this one....she just started to play golf.Got her the DVD too but she says she took the book with her on the plane when she had that business trip and it was a Great read!

Great for Lefties
I am lefthanded, and I also golf lefthanded. As any leftie golfer will tell you, reading golf instructions books and articles is a challenge, since they are typically written with a "right" oriented golfer in mind. Mr. La Torre was courteous enough to insert comments for us lefties, so as to make it easier to follow.

As to the content, I have amassed quite a collection of golf books, determined to find a repeatable swing that will generate the maximum power with the least amount of stress on my low back. After reading this book [the second time through!]I began swinging with the deliberate intention of finishing in a balanced follow-through position, concentrating on not accelerating on my downswing or trying to control or direct my weight shift. It was without a doubt the best ball-striking of the summer! And on the occasional miss-hits I was able to understand better what I did, and how I deviated from the teachings of Mr. La Torre. It's interesting that the solution he lists for the majority of our most common swing faults isto focus on swinging the club with our arms [defined in the book as "from shoulder to elbow"] rather than with any other body parts. What happens when you do this is that the body responds naturally to what the arms are doing. The hardest part is just allowing yourself to try to swing like this, and not falling back into your old habits.

I highly recommend this book to any insanely addicted golfer who is convinced he or she has a better swing locked inside of themselves.

Not Really Ernest
Mr. De La Torre claims to teach the Ernest Jones method (which produced numerous national champions on both sides of the Atlantic) but then pollutes the Jones method by taking the hands out of the downswing.After unsuccesfully trying Manuel's method for a while, I happened upon Arnie Frankel's Golf's One Motion video.It is a much more straight forward presentation of the Jones method.Understanding the Golf Swing misses the mark. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (21)

where is the love?
having been intrigued by the one plane vs. two plane swing revelations revealed in theJim Hardy books. believing the ops make ultimate sense, having delved into hogan's mystique as a one planer.the secret of hogans swing, Bertrand also a recommended read. leading me to check out George Knudsen and his simplified balanced golf swing, not to be confused with natural golf even though that's the name of the book. easy as walking and staying in balance just like the golfers on TV. this is the simplest description of how to golf I've ever found!the convoluted swings are history the 8 handicap is going down.

Absolutely wonderful
I just received this book two days ago from Amazon.I casually opened it and began reading.I could not put it down other than to run downstairst to try the different aspects as George and Lorne describe them.
It is extremely cold here so I drove over 30 miles to the dome to try the concept as I understand it.Itseemed so easy.I cannot wait to get on the course.

Great book!
Definately the best golf instruction book I've read.I saw an old Shell's Wonderful Work of Golf in which George Knudson broke the course record (67).I decided to buy his book, and I wasn't disappointed.

Good Golf book.
I am glad I learned of this book...it allowed to eliminate the multitude of swing thoughts etc. which were leading to 'paralysis by analysis'. If this sounds like you, the book may be helpful. The swing proposed by Knudson, is rather simple, as explained by other reviewers; basically, hands remain passive while weight transfer and balance drive everything. The swing itself is now a lot more enjoyable for me. There is some repetition in the book, and reading about Knudson's time on tour is rather boring. The 150 page book could be compressed in less than half that; regardless, worth going through the whole thing to change your swing.

great book, really great
I read a lot of the reviews here before buying the book, and it was good to see what people thought of it from different angles.Personally I think it's a great book! As soon as I started reading it I knew it was right for me.George Knudson tells of his youth and his early problems, and it was exactly what I am experiencing and exactly what I need to fix.I think it depends on the person... if you've got a swing that isn't relaxed, that feels like you're putting far too much into it, get this book! I had a decent driving distance already, but I was putting far too much into it and it was inconsistent. The stuff in this book helps.I also read that people complain that he repeats things, but I find this as an advantage.I have read other books that say things once, and unless I write them down I forget them about a day later.I think the repetition (as slight as it is) really drills in the information. ... Read more

Amazon.com
"It is up to the golf architect," writes Ben Crenshaw in his foreword to Tom Doak's fascinating discussion of course design, "to present us with a thinking contest as well as a physical one." Like a puppeteer willing to raise the curtain on the strings he pulls, Doak reveals reveals the secrets of how. The how, as it turns out, is the easy part. It's the demonic thinking behind the whys that makes this so engaging--and useful. Doak's explanation of the ways a good designer has to muck with golfers' minds is truly absorbing, and is the kind of information that better players can embrace and make work for them.Book Description
A key book for the golfer's library, exploring the intricacies of golf architecture-and how this knowledge can improve your golf game. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (17)

Amazing book
This is my second copy of this book as I lost my first one since I take it everywhere.It is great just to pick up and turn to a random chapter.There is so much in here that I never knew about golf course design, and it really made me appreciate what goes into making a good golf course great.Tom Doak truly is a master of his craft.

Excellent gift
I bought this gift for my nephew who is majoring in landscape architecture. From the moment he opened the gift, he began reading it immediately and couldn't put it down. That tells me this is an excellent book and one worth purchasing......

Perhaps THE primer of golf course architecture
Quite simply the best-written, most useful book on the often confusing world of golf course architecture. Just as with any art, taste is certainly subjective. This book looks objectively at criteria used to appreciate this very exciting aspect of golf.An appreciation of golf course architecture is essential to understanding why certain golf courses appear mundane and even dull or uninspired to the uninitiated eye and yet are revered by connoisseurs. Tom has a very good style of written education that is rooted in his strong opinionation on the subject.He truly believes in himself and what he writes. This book can enrich the appreciation of golf for almost any player.

It's a pity that he doesn't have the ability to update his out-of-print Confidential Guide to Golf courses. Paired with this book one understands an erudite point of view based upon the well-researched and extremely deeply-rooted opinions of perhaps the world's most able golf course architect. Just as in the anatomical sciences of living beings, the golf course is a living being and one can study it. Today, Doak and his team are not afraid to take chances and think outside the box or at least deep into the archives, unlike virtually all other "top architects" of today to create golf courses that are fun to play for nearly all golfers - the ideal of his idol Alister Mackenzie.

Tutored by Pete Dye, he is the pick of the Dye litter and can write well to boot.He gives any golfer literate in the English language a heads-up on this exciting aspect of golf appreciation which escapes perhaps 90% of the American golf public. I was way deep into golf architecture before I got either of Tom's books, but they remain the two I recommend above all others because this book is so concise and the companion volume is so outrageous. Unfortunately you have to dig up a (very expensive used) copy of Confidential Guide if you are unfamiliar with the Doak scale because it isn't in here (10 point scale). Before Doak, everything above a 6 is a "10" to most people. (Basically it's a logarithmic scale in which 3 is average, 5 is "average good" and everything above a "7" is well worth going out of your way to see.) Everyone has favorite golf courses and understanding the theories of architecture and strategies will give a deeper, more meaningful appreciation.

At least this book can teach you what to look for. Your golf-stricken loved one will thank you for it again and again if he or she has not yet read it. Most people I know have read it multiple times after the first read in a single session.

The Amazing Mr. Doak
Tom Doak as author and golf course architect never fail to amaze. He's the best when it comes to the game of golf.

The Anatomy of a Golf Course: This book will help your game
I recently purchased this book, and since doing so, I have seen my scores go down.As a recent college grad, I had a lot of time to play golf this summer, and this book, with Doak's insights into how courses are not only set up to penalize the player, but to help them, can assist you into understanding certain aspects of the wonderful game that we refer to as golf.The diagrams and drawings make it easy to understand what is being described in the pages, and he also does a good job by making the book readable for those with little to/no knowledge of the game of golf. If you enjoy golf, and you want to both understand the courses you play on and lower your scores, than this is the book for you. ... Read more

Product Description
The difference in driving distance between short and long hitting professionals is remarkably small. How can short and skinny players hit the ball 280 yards with what appears to be effortless swings? What do they know that we do not know? What is the true source of power in the golf swing and how do you apply it to your own game? These are some of the questions that will be answered in this guide. ... Read more

Book Description
The man who invented shock rock tells the amazing and, yeah, shocking story of how he slayed his thirsty demons—with a golf club. It started one day when Cooper was watching a Star Trek rerun between concerts, bored and drunk on a quart-of-whiskey-a-day habit; a friend dragged the rocker out of his room and suggested a round of golf. Cooper has been a self-confessed golf addict ever since. Today he and his band still tour the world, playing some one hundred gigs a year . . . and three hundred days out of that year, Cooper is on the course.

Alice Cooper, Golf Monster is Cooper’s tell-all memoir; in it he talks candidly about his entire life and career, as well as his struggles with alcohol, how he fell in love with the game of golf, how he dried out at a sanitarium back in the late ’70s, and how he put the last nails in his addiction’s coffin by getting up daily at 7 a.m. to play 36 holes.

Alice has hilarious, touching, and sometimes surprising stories about so many of his friends: Led Zeppelin and the Doors, George Burns and Groucho Marx, golf legends like John Daly and Tiger Woods . . . everyone is here from Dalí to Elvis to Arnold Palmer.

This is the story of Cooper’s life, and also a story about golf. He rose from hacker to scratch golfer to serious Pro Am competitor and on to his status today as one of the best celebrity golfers around—all while rising through the rock ’n’ roll ranks releasing platinum albums and selling out arenas with his legendary act. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (39)

Where's the golf............oh look an autobiography
As a die hard Alice Cooper fan and a keen less than amatuer golfer. I was a bit dissappointed about the content of the golfing stories that was over run by The Coop's autobiography. Although his life story was interesting and very easy to read, the lack of golfing issues ruined my taste to continue the book. Dedicated pages to his golf story was minimal and it was really his philosophy of golf that was portrayed and not how he became addicted to the sport. Towards the end of the book Alice's preaching of him becoming a christian was an ill omen to read, the several pages or so found it hard to continue the book to the end. However, his instructional pages at the end of the book was very basic, but was too be expected.

Overall the book shed some light on his career and how it began. Not too mention his demons with alcohol that he had overcome and I applaud him for that success. The book is very digestible and seems to be written for people of all ages. I felt that the title should have been someting like " A Rock n Roller's life with a hint of golf" would have been more appropiate.

golf?!
I love Alice Cooper but hate golf, and this book has alot of golf jibberish. Skip the golf chapters and its a good read.

Love it to Death
As much of an Alice Cooper fan as I am, I am somewhat ashamed that it took me so long to read this book.Based on the title, I originally thought it was more of a golf book.Golf tidbits are intermixed with anecdotes of a life in rock'n'roll.So even those like myself that know almost nothing of the sport will still love this book.

In the history of rock, few figures are as misunderstood as Alice Cooper.Often the victim of baseless rumors during the 70's, he still became one of music's most successful acts."Golf Monster" chronicles the music, booze, golf in a way that is certain to make readers smile.I never really thought Alice had so many friends in the entertainmnet business!My only real complaint is that I would have liked a longer book with more discussion of the music and tours.Some of my favorite albums were hardly discussed.

I also really enjoyed reading about the "new" Alice Cooper.He is more than enough proof that Christians do not need to be boring.And even in his act, he does not compromise his faith in his on-stage "character".As Alice says, if you believe he errors in his faith, show him.Fans of Alice are certain to love this book, even if they don't like golf.

Review
This was ordered as a gift; not for my personal use.The final recipient is pleased.

A Must Have For Alice Cooper Fans!
What can I say?!All I expected and more.Alice narrates his own book and really gives life to the stories within it.He will make you laugh, he will make you think and he may even bring you close to tears with his stories.You don't have to be a fan of this incredible man to appreciate what he has to say.You also don't have to like golf. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

A creative way for kids to practice counting and learn about golf!
I bought this book at a PGA event and fell in love with it.My 3 year old twins (boy and girl) LOVE this book!Not only does it introduce golf terms to them, but it makes counting fun and it has a cute rhyming sequence for each page.Would highly recommend it!

Do you want your child to love golf as much as you do?
I bought this book a few years ago for my daughter and it has become a family favorite.The book helps children learn to count in a fun way all the while teaching them the terms of golf.The pages count from one to tenfrom tees to irons all with wonderful pictures.This book makes a greatgift.Also, recommend The ABC's of golf also by Greene.A great way tointerest children at a young age to the game of golf. ... Read more

Amazon.com
Here's the bad news: "Golf," suggests the great Bobby Jones, the largest shadow ever cast on a fairway, "is the one game which becomes more and more difficult the longer one plays it." Here's the good news: If his classic instructional can't change the diagnosis, it may at least ease the pain. Written by the master himself--no ghost ever stepped between Jones and his ball--as a series of twice-weekly newspaper columns between 1927 and 1935, the collection of tips and ideas moves from the simple ("Nobody ever swung a golf club too slowly") to the complex ("The art of appraising slope and speed--that is, of reading a green, can be derived only from experience"), the physical to the mental, the obvious to the arcane, and is penned with an elegance as smooth and fluid as Jones' liquid swing. Some of it, especially to golf's newcomers, will seem out of date--the game has changed much through the years--but that's OK; this is a book to savor as much as learn from. It's biggest drawback is its lack of illustrations, but the recent uncovering of a cache of unpublished photographs and tips--available in Jones' Classic Instruction--repairs that divot. Indeed, taken together, Jones' On Golf and Classic Instruction should cure several Royal and Ancient disorders. --Jeff Silverman Book Description
By the best amateur golfer ever to play the game, this is essential instructional reading for the millions who have taken up golf during the 20 years this marvelous, timeless book has been out of print and unavailable.

B & W line drawings. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (12)

Jones knows golf
Bobby Jones knows as much about the golf swing and game as anyone today. In fact, he is more modern than most modern instructors. His advice is easy to follow and it works. My game will be much better for it. Oh yes, I am a single digit handicapper. Anyone who will heed this advice will improve, no matter your handicap.

Jones + Nicklaus = Tiger
after viewing the jones' videos where nicklaus points out that jones would have altered his swing to match the equipment, this book sets the record straight. jones was able to edit this book after having seen some of the steel shaft swingers and cleary points out that his way (clearly he learned it from others ie spalding i think he noted) is indeed the right way, and if you were to put tiger woods up now and compare tiger's swing to nicklaus or jonesi think he would more resemble jones than nicklaus. Anyway a real great book on golf for those "old school" guys who realize the old is forever new.i started reading the book about 3 yrs agoand i'm still working w/ it.like he points out in the bookits somehting you can turn back to from time to time .....

A golf must read!
This book taught me more about golf then all the lessons, swing gimmicks and video study that I've tried put together. If you are serious about understanding the fundamentals of golf get this book.

An all time classic
This is one of the greatest golf instruction books ever written in my opinion.The advice presented is still relevant and can help anyone improve their game.I feel this is must reading for any serious golfer.

Bobby Jones Has Something to Say...
I never saw Bobby Jones stirke a golf ball in person. I never saw him play a full game on 16 mm film for that matter.I can only go by his unmatched amateur record and very short old grainy 16-millimeter film stock of how graceful his swing was...very controlled, impeccable balance/ coordination, unbelievable tempo and rhythm. Pure ballstriking. Pure golf.

In his book, "Bobby Jones on Golf", Jones really gets to the spirit of the game. This is a great book on thenuances, technicalities, and philosophies of the game of golf.

If you read carefully and take his advice seriously, I believe you will become a better player. I can't guarantee this, but there is no reason why a beginner can't shoot in the 80's within the first year to two years of playing. If you do the reading and practice the fundamentals; after 3 years of playing on a regular basis (at least 3 to 4 times a week) you should be shooting in the 70's.

This book is a very easy and compelling read. Moreover, I think you will really enjoy Jone's prose. It's Jone's prose that makes this an enjoyable reading experience. It's by no means flowery or pretentious, but understated and blunt.

Much like reading a Jane Austen novel; it feels like Jones is actually speaking directly to you. And this is the best way to learn about something very complicated; to have the narrator / author personalize his language by using parables, analogies, and personal stories to make it easier for the reader to understand the complicated nuiances and idiosyncracies of the game of golf

Another important note: There are hardly any illustrations and no photographs in this book. There doesn't need to be either because Jones does such a great job in his explantions that his words paint pictures. I was glad that he didn't have to resort to any photos; it would have distracted from his impeccable teachings.

I highly recommend this book whether you're a beginner, intermediate, or advanced player. Not only will you learn from a golfing master, but you will have a new appreciation for the greatest game on earth.

Along with this book, I also recommend the reading of Ben Hogan's, "Five Lessons: The Modern Fundamentals of Golf", Mickey Wright's "Swing the Wright Way", and Harvey Penick's, "The Little Red Book". ... Read more

Book Description
Drop strokes from your golf game with these proven techniques for confronting and solving tricky lies, deep rough, sand bunkers, and other devilishly challenging shots that can make the bogeys mount What are your options when you encounter a fluffy lie in the rough near the green? How do you execute a super lob to a tight pin on an elevated green? What should you do when you're facing the perils of hitting through, under, or over trees; swinging with little or no backswing; taking opposite-hand shots; or hitting blind? ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

saving par how to hit the 40 toughest shots in golf
the book is very well laid out. It has simple to follow advice of how to get the best shot from a huge variation of lies, pictures also help you visulise the shot. I took it to Potrugal & it works. This should be read then practised. good luck

Useful and easy to follow
I purchased this book just before a golf vacation and made good use of many of it's sections.For someone like myself who's read way too many golf books, some of this is a repeat, but it's clarity and correctness make it a perfect reference book.I keep mine close at hand at home...and use it.

How to save your golf game...Really!
This book covers the most important and challenging shots in golf.From every type of lie and situation, each section outlines a historical scenario in PGA history followed by the appropriate set up to carry out the shot.A summary box including the high points of the techniques, including pitfalls, are included at the end of the chapter.

Illustrations are sharp and clear.The style of writing is concise.

This is one of the best books on "Trouble shots" in golf.It will definitely take some strokes off of your game, as it did mine.

I highly recommend this book. ... Read more

Amazon.com
Having toured The Road Less Traveled in previous bestsellers, psychiatrist and self-help guru Peck finally sets out on the cartpath. His destination? A journey into the mysteries of the royal and ancient game. Given the tenor of his earlier work, it's surprising he took so long to take aim at this particularly pilgrim-filled target area.

Peck, a golfer since his army days in the '60s, fairly and fittingly uses the game as a metaphor for spiritual growth. Dividing his book into 18 holes with titles like Civility, Human Nature, The Invisible, Deftness (and, for good measure, a 19th called Closure), he navigates his course prudently and self-referentially with a bag full of mysticism, religion, and psychology, and acquits himself with a safe par performance. Nothing particularly dangerous or spectacular emerges from his thinking about the game. Instead, he puts a New Age spin on it--"Golf is probably the most nonlinear pastime on the face of the earth"; "A day of golf may seem like a personal holiday ... but it is hardly a holy day"; "I do believe that golf can be a wonderful spiritual path of growth toward God, but only if one chooses to use it as such"--on the roads already well traveled by such masterful analysts of golf's raptures and ridicules as Harvey Penick, Michael Murphy, Jim Flick, Tommy Armour, Bobby Jones, and Bob Rotella. Peck, of course, is right about golf being a spiritual journey; it's an inner game of personal demons that demands its players to get as much of a grip on themselves as on their clubs. The bogey on his scorecard is that those who play golf already know this. --Jeff SilvermanBook Description
Golf. It's the ultimate head game. And when nothing but the best advice will do, along comes M. Scott Peck, M.D., the celebrated psychiatrist and author of the best-selling self-help book of all time, The Road Less Traveled.

In Golf and the Spirit, M. Scott Peck writes a book for beginners and masters alike--and even for nongolfers. It goes beyond mechanics to explore the deeper issues, ways of successfully managing the emotional, psychological, and spiritual aspects of this most wonderful, maddening, deflating, and inspiring game.

Playing side by side with M. Scott Peck on an imaginary course of his own design--complete with illustrations of each hole--you will come to see the profound truths in this seemingly simple game. Appreciate that life is not linear. Come to understand your own anger and how to heal that which gets in your way. Accept the gifts of humility. Appreciate kenosis, the process by which the self empties itself of self. Benefit from teachers. Know that in weakness often there is strength. Realize that to experience the blessings of golf and life fully, you must accept the divinity that underlies all things.

Like the best-selling volumes of Harvey Penick and Michael Murphy, Golf and the Spirit makes a unique contribution to the literature of golf and life. It goes beyond the body to address the heart and soul of the game, creating a rare opportunity for transformation in the lives of its readers, both on and off the fairway.

It seems to me the human condition is most basically that we are willful creatures living in a world that, much of the time, doesn't behave the way we want it to. We live in the tension between our will and reality. Sometimes with great effort and expertise, we can change reality or bend it to our will. At other times--also with great effort and expertise--it is we who must change by coming to accept the limitations of the world and of ourselves. How we do this--how we deal with the hazards of life--is quite akin to how we deal with the hazards of a golf course.

Sooner or later golfers who stick with the game long enough will almost always come to see it as a metaphor for life. But the word metaphor fails to do justice to all that golf has to teach us. I would go even further and say that, in its own way, golf is life and, not only that, life condensed. If we choose to use it as such, I believe that golf, next to marriage and parenthood, can routinely be the greatest of life's learning opportunities. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (21)

Really a lot of self-grandisement hidden behind psyco-babble
I picked up this book, from the library, because it looked interesting. I had heard of his previous book, The Road Less Traveled, but never picked it up because the subject didn't interest me. Well, this is apparently that book in spades. And, what makes it worse is that Peck decides to profer lame golf tips along the way. He proudly proclaims that he's never had a lesson and that he has never been a good golfer. That's fine and good until he starts to give advice on how to play! And, then, it goes from bad to worse when he starts quoting his own books (apparently, he's written 13 or more), not only the book, but the exact pages (to help you look up his references, I guess). He is so self-absorbed that it's hard to grab some of the random good points that he makes in the book. None of which have anything to do with golf, btw. I will give credit to his fantasy golf course, however. It would be a fun course to play. He also makes a few good points when he talks about the dichotomy that is golf. How one needs to hold opposing thoughts at the same time and how one needs to be able to separate himself from his game. But, interesting tidbits like this are used up early in the book. The rest is just wasted and annoying filler. If I hadn't gotten this book on tape, I'd have started skimming before he got to his imaginary 6th hole. But, as it was on tape, I was forced to listen to each and every painful redundant, narcissistic, amateurish muttering.
Around the 6th hole, I was thinking of buying a couple of copies of this book for golfing buddies of mine. After the 6th hole, all that I was thinking of doing was returning the book to the library and cleaning my book palate with something better, like Dr. Seuss.

quite good, better than expected
I loved this book, having just gotten into golf a year and a half ago, and being somewhat of a Christian mystic, with shades of being a Zen Buddist, which he was, and sortof still seems to be. The book was so intriguing that I chose to read it slowly, wanting to savor it. I would say that it even was helpful to my golf game, though he offers not so much advice on how to play, technically. They say, whoever they are, that one's true nature is revealed on the golf course, and that is what this book was so helpful in revealing. quite a lovely read, very thought provoking, very spiritual, and very respectful towards a wonderful game. and most important, perhaps, very funny.

An enjoyable experience for a non-golfer
*****
I really enjoyed this book, although I am not a golfer.I read it because I enjoy the M. Scott Peck's other work. I found that it excited me about golf at whatever level I end up being involved with it in the future---as a spectator, as a friend of a golfer, or even as a player someday.

As a golfer's adult daughter, I confess that in the past I have thought that golf was just a "silly rich man's game" done for the amusement of those who have nothing better to do.This book blew apart my misconception that was, frankly, based on a total ignorance of the game.This book explains the connection between golf and life, the mysticism involved in the game, and how golf can be a great game just in itself, and too, as so much more.

M. Scott Peck uses his design of a fantasy golf course called Exotica as a literary device to muse about what he has learned from many years of playing.He starts with the first hole, describes it, and writes related things about golfing and life and relationships and mysticism.As he goes, he explains the game so that people like me who have no idea about golf terminology can follow and appreciate what he is saying.He brings in a religious focus too at times, but an intensely personal one (he is a Christian and calls God "Her"), so that each reader can evaluate his religious ponderings in light of their own religious beliefs and see what would hold true for them.

This is not a book about golf tips or instruction, although there is some of this that is really interesting; it is a unique view of golf through the eyes of a long-time golfer that I admire.He is not an especially good golfer (although dedicated) and he is older (60's), too; I loved this perspective as it is where I will be if I do indeed learn to golf!I have learned much from the author in this book, and am eager to become more involved in the world of golf (which surprises me greatly)!

One thing I have already done is bought the book used on audio tape from Amazon to listen to, and am looking to hearing it all again---it's that type of book---I expect to get even more out of it the second time around.

If you are considering taking up golf, or wonder why people play it and think of yourself as just not that type...perhaps you are even a "golf widow" or golfer's adult child...then this is a great book, especially if you are spiritually or intellectually oriented, or if you like Peck's other work.
*****

A Hole In One!
I listened (more than once) to the very well read audio tapes while traveling. You must pay attention the detail is superb.

As a golfer for 46 years and earning three letters at Indiana University, I can attest that golf can teach a great deal about life, pursuing happiness, developing patience and spiritual growth if you go beyond your score. Especially as you take the competition out of golf can you realize what this game has to offer and how you can grow as a person from it.

Peck designs a wonderful exotic golf course with all the hazards and obstacles similar to which you find in life. He provides great analogies, excellent knowledge of the game which can help someone unfamiliar with the sport, and makes it all very interesting. The tapes are excellent because you can go back again and again, each time gaining new insights to golf and yourself.

A great companion reader to Golf and the Spirit tapes is Pecks book, "The Road Less Traveled." Happy reading and Spiritual growth.

Peck makes the cut
If you like Peck and like to play golf, this book is a tap in birdie. More about life and golf as spiritual journeys than about technical golf, Peck connects golf (life condensed) and our spiritual side. Very readable and humorous at times with basic practical tips for golf and life woven in throughout the round. It may inspire you to approach your next round differently and possible apply some of the ideas to your non-golf life. Great book for spiritually alive golfers. ... Read more

Book Description
Thanks to The Complete Book of Golf Games, if you can't make par, you can at least make a few bucks! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

best of the bunch!
Great book. I don't know what James M. Herschel's problem is, because this book has given me a bunch of new ways to take money from my golfing buddies! Highly recommended -- the best betting games collection available.

Golf Games ????????
This book doesn't even rate 1 star. The author obviously knows nothing about golf or the types of games that can be played. I'm really surprised that any publisher would even publish this trivial attempt. I felt that the purchase of this book was a complete waste of money

Entertaining and Easy Intro to Make Golf Fun
This book outlines numerous games which puts a little twist on your golf outings with buddies.Not only do you get your 4-some games, but other formats as well.Best guide to golf games of any other book I've read, plus a touch of humor.

clever and well-done
This is by far the best book of golf betting games available. A pleasure to read.

A must for golfers who want to spice up their game!
This is a delightful, as well as practical, compendium of over 80 golf side games, wagers, tournament formats, etc. -- all designed to make your next round of 18 holes more fun (and maybe more profitable!). The illustrations, trivia, and overall production quality of this book make it far superior to the older books available on the same topic. Eye-popping cover and fair price ($9.95) make it a great gift for any golfer. I highly recommend this book ... Read more

Book Description
To a majority of the millions of golfers around the world, the subject of golf course design often seems foreign and intimidating. Yet, the overwhelming reason cited for playing golf is an attraction to the beautiful and often ingeniously designed courses where the game is played. Grounds for Golf is distinct from other golf design-related books in that it covers a wide variety of topics in an informative, flowing nar-rative that will interest all golfers. Noted golf writer Geoff Shackel-ford's text is supplemented with photography, classic anec-dotes, famous quotations, and informative hole depic-tions by architect Gil Hanse. Readers finally have a course design primer that adds to their enjoyment of golf's lore while also introducing the fundamentals of golf architecture in an interactive format that will help their games. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (9)

Good Book on Course Design
Geoff Shackelford is an excellent writer and explains golf course design in simple and yet direct terms.It is a very interesting book for those who have an interest in what makes a well designed golf course.

Why Journalists Shouldn't Design Golf Courses
After having read this book, which I thought was pretty good, I looked forward to playing Rustic Canyon.
Wrong! I thought the author "got it", but Rustic Canyon suffers from most of ills discussed in the book.
Talk about not memorable...I was really disappointed.
When the fairways are not framed by rough or trees, when the pancake traps are unseen, when the number of straight holes well out-number the doglegs, its time to go.
Good book, but if Rustic Canyon is any indication of the author's sensibilities, maybe there is better reading out there.

A great book for the uninitiated
Books on golf architecture are begining to appear in huge numbers. The interest in golf course architecture, as opposed to only the swing, is something the author will no doubt see as the coming of a new recognition of golf as a thinking sport, rather than the "ape with a club smacking a ball" sport it is devolving into.

This sumarizes the main point the author seeks to make: architecture is important because it is what makes us stop and scratch our head on the course. When we no longer are selecting clubs in order to navigate a course in what appears the best rout for ourselves, and are merely seeking to blast the ball down the fairway as if on a driving range with a hole, architecture and the sport itself is lost.

As is made clear from this, a great deal of lamenting on the state of the game is done between the covers. This may irk a number of readers, particularly those who do not care too much about the professional game, and not obsessed with scores. It may be even more irritating to those who believe the purpose of the game is to hit 300 yard drives on every hole and leave people who can only hit to 200 on the granny tees.

All the woes aside, the book gives what is probably the best introduction to architecture one is likely to find. It covers all the bases: the history of architecture, its various schools, strategic layouts, the basics of course maintanence, and lots of examples of famous holes and layouts to learn from. Some of the holes may have been copied on the courses readers frequent, and may shed some light on how to apporach a hole and why it was designed the way it was.

Aimed more towards the golfer rather than the aspiring architect, it gives the reader everything needed to look anew at the game and the field on which it is played. This will be a particularly useful book for someone with the World Atlas of Golf, as they will be able to see why so many courses have earned their reputations.

Terrific even for nongolfers
I bought his book as a gift and then picked it up and found myself reading the whole thing.The book is very accessible and entertaining even for the novice, and the beautiful drawings and great photos perfectly illustrate the author's text.It covers the history and evolution of course design, famous courses, greatest architects and the best holes ever built.Shackelford also details his own experience designing the Rustic Canyon Golf course, so this isn't a dry academic exercise:he knows what he's talking about, and says it with grace and a lot of humor.There are chapters on how to "read" a design, how to daydream your way through redesigning a hole while you're playing a course, and even a chapter that gives you a blank canvas to create your own design.I especially liked the history of St. Andrews Old Course and now understand why that course is so revered.I also liked the way Shackelford used movie and baseball analogies, which made things even clearer. The chapter on the language of architecture gave me a better understanding of golf overall. Now I actually have to try it.

So, that's why playing at the Riviera was so much fun!
If you've ever wondered why some golf courses are interesting and fun to play, while others are boring and unsatisfying, you are likely to find the answers in Grounds for Golf. Shackelford brings valuable insights to the subject he calls "the most interactive art form alive." A book on golf course design could get bogged down with technicalities and engineering jargon; instead Grounds for Golf is entertaining, amusing, revealing and written for a wide golfing audience. You will have some "Aha!" moments as you realize that the best course designers, it turns out, aren't trying to punish you or trick you. They are trying to 1. Give you choices (some of which depend on how good a golfer you are or what type personality you are) and 2. Give you a way out or a way back when you make a bad shot. They're on your side, though it sometimes doesn't seem that way. If you are a golfer who gets to play many different courses (through business or vacations) you will find yourself not only beginning to notice the good and bad design aspects of a course, you will also find yourself asking, "Who designed this course?" And you will start seeking out courses designed by good architects in the same way that detective story readers seek out their favorite authors. You will become, painlessly, somewhat of a golf course design expert without having to read all the old classics on the subject. Shackelford has distilled them for you. The book is also liberally sprinkled with quotable quotes, handy for repeating in the appropriate situation. There is a fun "list" section in the back with the author's bests, favorites, etc. Also a good index. I highly recommend this book. ... Read more

Product Description
Until you come to an understanding of how power is generated in your golf swing, very little about the swing can make sense. This book teaches you how to hit the driver with maximum power and accuracy.

Just a few of the concepts you'll discover are:

-- Learn how the weight shift you've been taught is not how the best players in the game shift their weight.

-- Discover a more practical understanding of the vital swing concept known as "connection."

-- Come to realize the relationship between the left instep, left hip, and left shoulder.

-- Identify and eliminate self-imposed "swing blocks" that have been holding you back.

-- For the first time, truly understand how the lower body contributes to how power is generated.

-- Understand why the sequence to your downswing must have a properly timed "Pulse" like quality.

-- Today's great players are not utilizing "new" ways to swing the club, but they have adopted time-tested concepts that should be part of your game.

-- In this book, you'll learn how to develop a "whole" swing understanding that will allow you to customize your swing based on sound fundamentals rather than continually struggle to fit your swing into the constraints of a trendy "method." ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

Picture This - Not
If you can easily translate long descriptions into crisp clear visualizations, then this book is for you.But if you'd rather a picture be worth a thousand words, look somewhere else.It gets tedious trying to decipher exactly what the author is describing in words.How could a few more photos or graphics hurt?Mr. Murphy admits that to become a better golfer each one of us must have clear pictures of certain parts of the golf swing, but he doesn't give us the requisite visual assistance.I have struggled with this work, trying to picture what should be done, but finally gave up. I never had a breakthrough moment.

Excellent book
This is a wonderful golf book! It is unlike any other golf book that I have read: it provides an intellectually stimulating, detailed examination of the modern golf swing in simple, easy-to-understand language. It is a comprehensive book that does not leave any aspect of the golf swing unexamined.

This book is not all theory, though. Jimmy Murphy writes the kind of explanations of the golf swing that can produce results for the reader in a short period of time. He offers various drills to help the reader cement the proper golf techniques. I have found that these drills have helped me get a better sense of the way my body is supposed to move when swinging the club. The results are incredible--I have a smoother motion and am able to produce more power without sacrificing accuracy.

I would recommend this book to any serious golfer looking for an enjoyable read that will produce results.

Highly recommended for the serious golfer
I found this to be an outstanding book on golf instruction.The author has studied many of the game's greatest and shares what he's found to be the essential qualities common to a sound golf swing.He covers all aspects of the swing and offers many valuable insights into generating more power to help you get more distance from each shot.He offers numerous practical tips and helpful drills.His concepts are easy to understand and visualize.This is a very well written and readable book.

I finally got it!
The golf swing has always been a compendium of things you do but not really connected in my mind.No longer. I have just finished a second reading of The Full Golf Swing.It is a great book that promotes understanding the various aspects of the swing in total, not looking just at a specific tip or fix.The lack of illustrations encourages the reader to develop their own mental image of the fluidity of a well connected swing that features a sequence of principles.Using this book as a basis, future actual lessons should be more meaningful.The book is clearly written, enough information to make you think but not delving into theoretical minutia.

A GREAT BOOK TO GAIN ACCURATE DISTANCE!
A GREAT BOOK TO GAIN ACCURATE DISTANCE!

Jimmy Murphy's book about the source of power in golf is a must to get more distance without sacrificing accuracy.I am 72 years old and was hitting my drives about 200 yards.I would occasionally hit one 225 or even 240 yards, and knew instinctively I had really gotten my whole body into the swing.But alas, I did not know what I had done and could not repeat it except infrequently and by chance.Thanks to Jimmy's book I now know how to do it.I am getting more distance from all my clubs, and because I know why - the sequence of power - I am able to repeat the shots at least more frequently.Thanks Jimmy!You have a great understanding of the required motions and have very clearly communicated the secrets of the full swing.

... Read more

Customer Reviews (11)

Amazing
A PGA master professional told me that my greatest problem was rhythm and tempo. He introduced me to a few aspects of "quantum golf" and I suddenly hit my 3-iron longer than I previously hit my driver.

Back in Europe I still focused on my rhythm and tempo but after several months the length of my shots decreased and I went back to classical golf.

Only after reading the book "quantum golf" I saw that I was missing one essential part of quantum golf - the Q-position. I went back to quantum golf and my results are amazing: my length and precision off the tee improved a lot.

Quantum Golf
I have found most "self improvement" golf books to be difficult to grasp without great photographic portrayal of the techniques being taught.Video would make them all that much better.This book, however, deals with easy to grasp concepts and exercises that are practical and efficient.What a great thought process the super fluid concept is!This is just the book needed for those who need to take a break from the physical grind of improving their golf game and get into the mental end of the spectrum.