Looking for a simple swing book

I'm looking for a book that might help me groove a basic swing that's comfortable and repeatable. Maybe everyone is, but I thought I'd ask. I'm hoping to get back into golf now that I'm retired, but last time I went to the range to test the waters, I hit every single ball absolutely crummy. Couldn't even force myself to finish a small bucket. I thought over the winter I could work on my swing and try to get ready for spring.

I checked out Jimmy Ballard's book from the library and am looking at a couple books on Amazon: "Keys to the Effortless Golf Swing" by Michael McTeigue and "Two Steps to a Perfect Golf Swing" by Shawn Humphries. Can anyone recommend any of these or another? I'm really looking for short and simple, something to help me cure a lifelong banana slice or at least make solid contact most of the time.

Thanks in advance.

Jim

What part of the country do you live in?

I'm in Oregon, southern part. There are some nice local courses, some relatively affordable, and of course the big-boy courses over in Bandon, 3 hours away.

Jim

(P.S. just realized I could add my location to the profile, so I did.)

You're going to get a lot of recommendations for the Stack and Tilt Swing on this website since it's pretty much the swing of choice among many regular members and moderators. I'd say check it out too, but I suspect there's going to be a new and improved version out soon. The original is far from "short and simple" but it's accurate and a good reference nonetheless.

It's hard to find a simple yet comprehensive golf instruction book. Typically what you'll find is a book that outlines how to swing one certain way, and if that way feels awkward or somehow off to you, well you gotta find another book. That might be why some books don't go into enough detail - they don't want to alienate anyone - but what they end up with is a book that really isn't a best fit for anyone.

If I was starting over again I'd probably go to the library and check a few older books out. Like pre1960 (except for Practical Golf which I'll slways swear by). The old ways are still the best ways and this is somewhat confirmed by the popularity of Stack and Tilt (S&T;) which is basically a very comprehensive way to describe (and prove) the mechanics of a classic [very] old school golf swing.

Obviously not every old timey professional golfer would have fit the S&T; mold any more than all of them are striving for that swing model now. But it seems to be a low maintenance reliable method once it's ingrained. A lot of methods are, but let's face it, you're (i.e. we're) not blessed with Gary Woodland's natural talent or we'd never have stopped playing. N'est ce pas?

Thanks for the thoughts. I think the first item in Ledbetter's "Faults and Fixes" book might be a real key. My top hand grip is too vertical, I think. With the club more across my hand, it'll be more free to turn at the top and release at contact.

Jim

I would recommend the following:

The Impact Zone by Bobby Clampett

How to Feel a Real Golf Swing by Bob Toski and Davis Love Jr.

Five Lessons, The Modern Fundamentals of Golf by Ben Hogan

@jasbo

Let me tell ya, it's good to see people that want to know this....but let me include, they're might be some people on here that may not like the Stack and Tilt book, but it gets to straight to the point and easy to understand...also they are supposely coming out with a new dvd series in january....

I am guilty of buying every golf book in the world thinking it may help my game, but i have yet to to find any of them that do any good except for the stack and tilt book. the reason why, is that they all differ, hogan is different than nicklaus, nicklaus is different than tiger, i mean i could go on and on for hour and days....its this simple get the stack and tilt book, it will be the best money you will ever spend....dont be like me and go buy book after book after book.....cause its useless....

Stack and Tilt, 100 % i went from losing 25 golf balls in the woods, to now i lost 2 or 3 and havent ever perfected the method yet....also youll see quick in the first chapter, its nothing new.....they;ve been doing it for years....the things in most instructional books they write on how they feel....not like the Plummer and Bennett studied the actual facts.......

- The Modern Fundamentals of Golf - Ben Hogan

- The Impact Zone - Bobby Clampett

- It's All About Impact - Andrew Rice

- The Stack & Tilt Swing - Mike Bennett and Andy Plummer

I'd start there. Then I'd expand once your fundamental knowledge is good to enable you to pick and choose more elements to your swing:

- The Art of The Short Game - Stan Utley

- Four Magic Moves - Joe Dante

Regarding The Keys to the Effortless Golf Swing by Michael McTeigue it's not a bad book per-se but it's definitely not up there with the best books money can buy. I'd suggest reading it once you're through the above books just to make sure it all makes sense.

is It's All About Impact - Andrew Rice only a kindle book?

I personally am not big on books that focus on mechanics.  My favorite two books on golf are "Zen Golf" by Joseph Parent and "The Inter Game of Golf" by Timothy Gallwey.  This latter book has a description of what actions have to occur in the hitting area and how fast they have to occur.  The beginning of the book contends that you can't really consciously control these actions because of the speed at which they occur.  The book rather focuses on giving the mind something useful to do to assist, but not control, your body swing the club. I do also think that set up, grip and things you do and control before you swing are necessary to a "good swing" but once the swing begins your mind should not be thinking mechanics. I also don't think there is one correct way to swing the club but more like the "Legend of Bagger Vance" I believe we all have a swing that is correct for us.   One of the most potent comment in golf I have ever read (usually attributed to Bobby Jones) goes something like "golf is a game played it the 5 inches between your ears".

For the record I don't ignore the mechanics and have read several books that focus on these.  I probably liked "The Plane Truth"  by Jim Hardy & John Andrisani best because it acknowledges that there are different strokes for different folks.

Finally, the most important thing to remember about golf is to have fun unless you do it for a living.  Then it is about making money.  I'm former case.

Hi,

First post here.

I've tried a few. The one that had the best effect for me was 'Simple Golf' by Nevogt.

Plus - very 'simple' to learn - basic swing - keeps you out of the woods

Minus - You won't hit it long. Looks non-classic so you have to be able to take the jibes of your partners.

About every three months I wander away from it trying to find more distance - always regret it. When my round goes to H**** I find myself reverting to the Simple Swing and at

least I can finish with some respectable bogies and a par or two.

As a note I've tried some of 'break par in 2 week' online courses and ebooks and none have done a thing but mess up my swing. I won't name them cause I don't want to get sued

but 3 different courses had 'no questions asked' money back guarantees and when I asked for my money back the same guy responded to each and said to quit buying his 'systems'

To me that means scam but what do I know.

In any event be careful

Bob

There is nothing simple about golf or teaching golf.

A book will not do it.

I tried almost all of them to supplement my "understanding."

They are in the Half-Price Books or Goodwill pile.

Save your money and time -- unless it's a book on the mental side of the game.

Since you're retired, you don't have 20 years for the basics.

Find a good instructor who uses video. How to find a good instructor? I'm certain people here can help.

Yuh, I just got "Keys to the Effortless Golf Swing" by Michael McTeigue and ".  It is good.  I recommend it.