The Golf Handbook: The Complete Guide to the Greatest Game - Softcover

Allis, Peter

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0609800663 ISBN 13: 9780609800669

Publisher: Three Rivers Press, 1997

Synopsis

In The Golf Handbook, golf pro Vivien Saunders starts by teaching the basic stance, grip, and swing that first-time players need in order to enjoy the game. The instruction progresses as the golfer's skill level does, and every shot on the course from the drive to the sand wedge, from putting to hitting out of the rough is taught in detail. The Golf Handbook's clear diagrams and easy-to-use tips make it the ideal guide for any player, from weekend duffer to low handicapper.  

But The Golf Handbook isn't just about technique; it also addresses key questions about tactical play, fitness, and equipment. Plus, it's a great read, with sections on the history of golf, the greatest players of the game, and the famous courses where every golfer dreams of testing his or her skill, made complete with photographs.

About this title

About the Author

Vivien Saunders was the first European woman to qualify for the U.S. LPGA.   She won the Ladies British Open in 1977.  Currently she is a golf teacher living in England.

Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.

Curing the Slice

The slice, in which the ball bends away to the right, is a problem for probably 75 percent of golfers. It is a stiff-wristed shot which cuts the ball away to the right.

The bend becomes more noticeable with the driver, which creates far more sidespin than the lofted clubs. In fact, players tend to pull iron shots left and slice wood shots right.

Slicing is caused by leaving the clubface open -- aiming right -- at impact, either from a weak grip or stiffness in the wrists through impact. In trying to correct this, players aim their feet left and swing across the ball toward this adds more sidespin and the slice gets worse. The more they try to keep the ball left, the farther right it bends.

You must correct the slice first by correcting the direction of the swing. Check your grip. The line between the thumb and index finger of both hands should point to the right shoulder or even outside it. Keep the left arm loose beyond impact and let it fold out of the way, with the elbow folding in and not breaking out.

Try to close the clubface and hook the ball. Let it go as far left as you like, rolling the arms and wrists over if necessary in order to feel the opposite spin to the slice.

Be "afraid" of the left side of the course, rather than the right. Once you start pulling shots to the left, it is logical to correct the out-to-in (left-aimed) swing. At this point make sure the stance is square, from feet to shoulders, with the right shoulder down and relaxed.

Edition details

• Publisher: Three Rivers Press
• Publication date: 1997
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0609800663
• ISBN 13: 9780609800669
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 224