As the US Masters golf tournament becomes history and the US open beckons, the University of Stirling has some advice for the world's golfing greats and not-so-greats: the answer to the perfect putt lies in mind over matter.

The 'Dummies' series (from publishers Wiley & Sons) isn't just about languages, crafts, computers, finance and hobbies. It now includes 'Golf for Dummies' written by Gary McCord and Alicia Harney. If you haven't seen a 'Dummies' book, then head for the black and orange spines on the bookshelves of your local. bookshop, and pick this book up for a present for any golfer!

Local man James Crompton is celebrating a 'fairway' ahead as he graduates in Applied Golf Management Studies at the University of Birmingham. He is among 20 students who are the first in the world to graduate with this type of BA Hons degree. The three-year programme is a result of a partnership between the University of Birmingham and the Professional Golfers' Association (PGA), and links a high level academic qualification with a vocational professional one.

This is one of five books we have specially reviewed for Christmas 2004 from Human Kinetics. For info on how to win our review copy, look out for the Competitions feature though quite simply, for any golfer over 50 – and really for anyone who wants to play more consistent, better golf – this is a must which can’t wait. It’s an absolutely brilliant book and anyone would enjoy this as a Christmas present … a present anytime!

Imagine you are able to drive 20 metres further and every shot sounds like a well struck ball. Hit them further, straighter and be more accurate - a golfers dream! And you are wondering if this is really possible - it is, using a new cryogenic process. Cryogenic treatment of metals and plastics was developed by NASA during the space race and commercialised, through the 1990s, in the USA with many applications. Among these applications is the treatment of golf balls and clubs.

Human Kinetics publishes hundreds of books all about sport, exercise, physiology, diet – all aspects of health and fitness. This is a US company which has an aim to be the best of its kind, a book publisher and book seller which is the first choice for a reader in a very large but niche market. They have a number of new titles for 2004 and in their ‘Sports Fundamentals Series’, they have introduced ‘Golf Fundamentals’.

The University of Stirling will played host to a wealth of golfing talent when it officially opened its new Golf Centre on Wednesday 1 December. Richard Cole-Hamilton, Captain of the Royal and Ancient Golf Club, was the Guest of Honour.