Best Instructional Book for the basic swing

[Zaphod1]

searching for the 'definite book'

I`ve read the whole thread about instructional books with interest and saw tons of recommondations - leaving me more confused than before.
My question is, which is considered the "definitive book" for teaching the modern fundamentals.
I`ve already got some mental books (Rotella), 'Tiger Woods - How i play' and 'Tour Tempo', but none focusing sole on the technical side of the 'basic swing'.
thanks in advance

[kebeal]

I would suggest the golfing machine by homer kelley.

 

it can be confusing and very complicated but there are many helpful sites you can check out.

[taylormadefan]

I`ve read the whole thread about instructional books with interest and saw tons of recommondations - leaving me more confused than before.

My question is, which is considered the "definitive book" for teaching the modern fundamentals.

I`ve already got some mental books (Rotella), 'Tiger Woods - How i play' and 'Tour Tempo', but none focusing sole on the technical side of the 'basic swing'.

thanks in advance

 

Ben Hogan's five lessons.

 

Sure it's old, but it's short, well illustrated, easy to understand, and the info is still relavant today.

 

No matter what swing theory you choose to move towards later, you will be able to apply the fundamentals you've learned in 5 lessons. There's nothing in there any teacher you will have will have to "undo."

 

With that said, I'd definately find a reputable pro in your area, give him a call and spend 10-15 minutes on the phone with him and see if he can help you with your game. Tell him what you want to get out of your lessons and golf and see if your ideas meet.

 

IMHO, you'll get more out of a lesson with a good pro than you will with all the instructional books in the world.

[Charlie_Foxtrot]

I just bought Ben Hogan's "Five Lessons: The Modern Fundamentals of Golf"

 

Haven't read it yet, but when I asked my teaching pro what books to read, this is the one he said. Also numerous recommendations by WRXers.

[Xt1ncT]

And for the short game - Dave Pelz Short Game Bible. Got me from 14 to 7.

[Zaphod1]

thanks i`ve ordered the five lessons now.

[jeffy]

IMO, learning from a book, any book, is not really possible. I've read and studied many, including "Five Lessons", and books written by admirers and proteges of Hogan, like George Knudson, Gardner Dickinson, John Schlee, Mickey Wright, Cary Middlecoff and the one just released by Tom Bertrand. I've also studied the works of John Redman, Jimmy Ballard, Phil Rogders, David Lee, Byron Nelson, Tom Watson, Bob Toski, Jim Flick, Percy Boomer, Tommy Armour, etc. But I don't think any of them really teach enough to effectively learn how to play.

 

If you want to try to learn from a book, I'd suggest Manuel de la Torre's "Understanding the Golf Swing". It teaches an upright, "old school", two-plane swing, and it is an easier method to learn than Hogan's. However, what I'd really suggest that you do is to buy Jim Hardy's dvd set and study it. The material in it will educate you in both the modern "Hogan" swing and the "old school" de la Torre swing, in a very organized, systematic fashion, with great demonstrations and drills. Starting with this information as a base is the best way I can think of to begin a serious education of golf swing fundamentals.

[hayam]

Dont mess around with a book ( first time i agree with jeffy) and find a real good coach. Cheaper in the long run equipments, drills , frustrations wise. You cannot study from a book because words is words, you still need to do something and be properly demonstrated.

 

If i will ever start and do it all over again. I will choose coaches who are familiar with The Golf machine. Because No other book can improve any kinds of swing. No other books can make me hit 50 yards more on my drive.

[LYG]

It is REALLY important that you learn:

 

a) what really happens in the basic golf swing

b) you learn your swing so that you can diagnose yourself moving forward

 

The Hogan Five Lessons book is the best for item a) above....the all time classic.

 

I agree with the other posts and it is a lifelong experince learning the golf swing. I have played 40 years...read 35-40 books...admired 4 or 5 playing pro's that I watched whenever I could....and had 7-8 teachers throughout my life and 3 or 4 of them were great.

 

Also, keep a journal of what you are working on...golf is something you have to re-learn the same things every year or two...Jack Nicklaus got a lesson on the grip and stance every January throughout his career!

 

Good luck, Lawson

[Zach Heusser]

Hogans books are my favorite except for any of Jim's, but if you are looking for a very simple book check out John Jacobs Practical Golf.

[theothertwo]

The pro that I see says that Hogan's Five Lessons is specially good for people who fight a hook, which is what Hogan fought. I read it and used it for awhile but a few golf lessons with a teacher you are comfortable with is the way to go IMO.

[rosskoss]

There are no issues learning from a book. It can produce fantastic results. However, use a video camera to monitor your progress. Otherwise, it can result in zero progress or even backwards progress.

 

Basically you need to gain knowledge (books) and then be able to evaluate yourself (video analysis).