Practical Golf

by Jacobs, John; Bowden, Ken

• ISBN13: 9781558217386
• ISBN10: 155821738X
• Edition: 1st
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 1998-05-01
• Publisher: Lyons Press

Summary

In Practical Golf, world-renowned teacher John Jacobs presents a simple, sound way to an improved game, no matter the skill level. Distilling his unrivaled knowledge of golf into clear, practical instruction, Jacobs shows how to develop a consistent swing, improve mental attitude, achieve superior results from the rough, cure a slice in five minutes, get greater distance, and much more. For decades, this book has helped golfers lower handicaps and better enjoy the game, making it one of the best ever.

Table of Contents

1. Striking the Ball	13	(96)
Introduction	13	(10)
First, understand what you are trying to do	13	(3)
Learn -- and never forget -- golf's basic "geometry"	16	(4)
Should you SWING, or move from position to position?	20	(3)
The Swing	23	(32)
Your grip determines how you play	23	(5)
Set up so you can swing the club on target	28	(7)
Know the "shape" your swing should have -- and why	35	(6)
How to start back "square"	41	(1)
If you build a sound backswing	41	(4)
...your through-swing will be a reflex action	45	(3)
"Timing" -- or coordinating clubhead and body action	48	(1)
Ladies, you CAN hit it farther!	49	(6)
Fundamentals of Swing Movement	55	(10)
Every star swings FLUIDLY	55	(1)
Whatever your method, your arms must SWING	55	(5)
The legs lead the through-swing	60	(5)
The Short Game	65	(12)
Mental pictures must come first	65	(1)
Cause and effect in chipping and pitching	65	(7)
Putting: "see" the line and STRIKE the ball	72	(5)
Trouble	77	(12)
Ways out of rough stuff	77	(3)
How to play the three basic bunker shots	80	(3)
Coping with slopes	83	(6)
The Major Faults	89	(10)
You can stop slicing forever in five minutes!	89	(4)
Help for hookers -- and pullers who think they're hookers	93	(3)
If you top shots, your swing is too "steep"	96	(1)
"Fat" shots start at address	97	(2)
How--and what--to Practise	99	(4)
Getting Clubs That Fit Your Game	103	(6)
2. Playing the Game	109	(18)
Your attitude is all-important	109	(3)
The art of competing	112	(2)
Specific strategies to cut your score	114	(5)
Beating the weather	119	(1)
Tournament golf -- an insight	120	(7)
3. More Practical Golf	127
Read the books -- but forget the cliches	127	(4)
What style of grip is best for you?	131	(1)
Should you swing "flat" or "upright"?	131	(3)
Try "two turns and a swish"	134	(1)
Hip action -- a critical shot-"shaper"	134	(2)
Why you slice with your driver but pull with your lofted clubs	136	(1)
How my own swing "feels"	136	(4)
Getting more distance	140	(1)
How to get the maximum fun from golf for the minimum effort	140	(4)
A final word of advice	144