Encyclopedia of Golf: Book review

Encyclopedia of Golf: A Comprehensive Guide to the Rules, Equipment & Techniques, Chris Meadows (Parragon, 2008)

This book written by Chris Meadows may well look dated in terms of the images but is a fantastic book for someone new to the wonderful game of golf. This was the first book I bought and it continues to serve me in good stead. The chapters are broken down into 10 logical sections which flow effortlessly in providing an introduction to the many facets of the game. Before I dive into the sections I would like to place a personal caveat. If you are starting off playing golf I'd suggest having at least six lessons as whilst the illustrations and text are illuminating you still need someone qualified telling you that you are executing the move correctly.

Anyway I digress. I'll give a quick breakdown on each chapter before providing you with my overall view:

1. Equipment
When my pro first started talking to me about lie angle, loft, shaft length, shaft flex, custom fitting etc my eyes glazed over. Then I read this book and it all made sense. Useful introductory information that reinforces the importance of custom fitting.

2. Preparation
Centred on grip, posture, set up and pre shot routine

3. Golf Swing
Now the swing is a complicated thing and here it is broken down into its component parts. Now I'll be honest this section hasn't helped me to hone my swing, what it has done has helped me understand the changes my teaching pro has introduced, the reasons why they are important and picture reference points I can use in front of the mirror at home.

4. Chipping & Pitching
Now, I have a confession to make. I've not read this chapter for a while and having re read it for the purpose of this review have recognised that I am an idiot. I've played with three low handicap players all of whom chip and pitch the ball exactly as is shown in these illustrations to great effect. When the snow thaws I'll be returning to the practice these principles. Here Meadows talks through club selection and various techniques on approaching chip shots.

5. Bunker play
Not been in many bunkers yet, and haven't got this far in my practice, but Meadows covers a range of techniques for a variety of bunker lies.

6. Putting
Really interesting section this. Not sure my green keeper would be too pleased with me pouring water on the green to learn how to read it but once again some useful insights and tips on building your putting stroke and pre shot routine.

7. Faults & Cures
I have mixed feelings about this chapter. On one hand its really useful to help understand how you could be going wrong but I personally think trying to solve issues in isolation is dangerous, especially for beginners. What if you get your diagnosis wrong? And then the change you make compounds the initial problem? For me if its broke get a pro to fix it.

8. Trouble shots
Really helpful section, particularly in considering subtle changes you may need to make in your set up based on various lies (divots, tight lies, ball above/below feet etc.)

9. Advanced techniques
Not been anywhere near this section but this looks at shaping the ball, creating back spin and shots like the lob shot. For those golfers who have shied away from lessons and are selt taught I think this section would be of most use.

10. The final section
this covers ten of the best courses in the world to get you drooling. Really interesting read especially when the PGA players are playing a tournament at one. However I found the introduction to the rules of golf which followed more useful.

All in all this is a strong starter book for people new to the game. I found it very insightful and would recommend to anyone new to the game and those who intend on teaching themselves how to play. You will however find that you will need more detailed reading on various components of the game and the number of exercises is not as large as it could have been.

My rating 75%

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ISBN 978-1-4054-7351-4