‘Golf Fundamentals’ is written by Denise St. Pierre, Director of Instruction at Penn State University. Such a position is a reflection of a stature in instructional ability, notably to produce teams for the University which are successful plus players who go on to Tour triumphs. However, don’t think that this book is anything other than a great read for ‘golf starters’ – the photos used are swing sequences and drills demonstrated by two women and a male golfer who illustrate how good a swing can be without making the whole game look too perfect. Conversely this isn’t a book developed by an author who has obviously done well but still has a few quirks in their swing, their teaching and their overall presentation. The right quality is there throughout.

For anyone buying a book on how to play golf, the impression the book gives of the game is so important. This isn’t an encyclopedia, thick and filled with illustration, notes and diagrams for every possible situation (and it doesn’t cost a fortune!). The use of words and the type of language throughout is simplified and structured so that there is no ‘flannel’ or indulgence about ‘Golf Fundamentals’. Its no less a very good book though because it isn’t 500 pages long, with diagrams on every page and endorsements or Tour player help in every chapter. A beginner will get all they need to start enjoying the game and not have to work through weeks of study to so – especially the way the chapters on technique start with putting and work their way through to the full swing, rather than the other way round.

Don’t be put off by the simple cover and the overall presentation – this is a typical book from Human Kinetics which does exactly as it says on the cover, present ‘A Better way to learn the basics’.

Golf Fundamentals is available from all good books shops and from www.humankinetics.com

The ISBN No is 0-7360-5431-6