If the golf bug has bitten you, what you want to know--immediately--are the basics of a good swing, the best way to manage a course, and enough of the fundamentals to enjoy the game and to make the most of whatever talent you have. This guide gets you started with lots of close-up instructional photos and none of the overly complex instructions that overwhelm beginners. From terminology and buying your first set of clubs to mastering difficult shots and working the ball, it readies you for a day on the greens. Build a solid grip; go the "five-step route to perfect posture"; align yourself properly and with good stance and ball position; develop effective practice drills; and find out about pitch shots, chip shots, lobs, and bunker play. The ins and outs of putting receive a well-deserved chapter, and the pro's warm-up routine will prepare you for the game in fine style. And, there are psychological hints and visualizations, too!
Tony Dear is the instruction editor with Today's Golfer, the UK's leading beginner golf magazine and an expert on the needs of the novice golfer. He is also the author of Collins Gem: Golf.