Description
By Byron Nelson with Larry Dennis
When the swing goes haywire, one truism in the golf vernacular is “get back to basics.” Historically, even these so-called basics have changed as equipment evolved and theorists expounded. Furthermore, top instructors within any period have had honest disagreements on the essence of the golf swing. Every pro worthy—and many unworthy of being in print—has written their own golf book. Who is “right”?
Many refer to Byron Nelson as “the father of the modern golf swing”—a rather weighty title. Nelson perfected the foundation, movement sequence, plane, and tempo still used by most top players today. Because he envisioned and taught himself this method, he fully understands it. Furthermore, unlike some stars, he has willingly shared his theories with others throughout his career—be it in private, on the lesson tee, in print or on the air. Nelson tutored Ken Venturi from his junior years through the U. S. Open in 1964. He helped Tom Watson quickly regain his lost form in 1975 to capture the British Open Championship. Watson’s first lesson from Nelson came following a disastrous final round 79 while leading the U. S. Open at Winged Foot. Watson took the observation to heart and won the Western Open two weeks later.
Befitting the author’s temperament, Shape Your Swing the Modern Way has a close-up, personal quality usually lacking in instructional books. In his easy, conversational manner, Nelson explains his frustrations transitioning from wood-shafted clubs to steel, and how his loose, flat, “turn-in-a-barrel” caddie swing failed to give him the consistency he knew he needed as a professional. Proving his thorough knowledge of the swing and all its facets, he recreates the steps he took to change the position of his hands at impact and the swing path to a more upright arc, both moves now accepted as modern keys to the swing.
After the brief biographical history of Nelson’s method, the book is divided into the primary section divulging the technique, and the second section, applying the result to one’s game. Clearly explaining the grip, aim, alignment, posture, and the swing from beginning to finish, Nelson teaches us to swing the modern way. The drawings by famed golf illustrator Anthony Ravielli facilitate this understanding. Concise mental images are presented, which, when woven together form the fabric of our unconscious swing thoughts.
How to be firm yet relaxed at the top; why balance is the trademark of a good golfer; how anxiety causes rushing which often spoils low iron shots; how the left side lead can be free while maintaining a still head; and how tempo produces power are prime examples. Essentials on chipping, pitching, putting, and sand play are presented in easy to understand language. More esoteric areas such as getting back spin and taking divots are similarly explored. For example: In the 1950s Nelson, taught Harvie Ward (British Amateur 1952, U. S. Amateur 1955, 1956) who had only been able to move the ball from right to left by going through contortions, how to easily hook the ball with an open clubface.
The final portion of Shape Your Swing the Modern Way on the mental aspects of the game treats the subject matter with ease and comfort—ever seeking the simplest way. Nelson explains why and how to forget the clutter of mechanics; to think positively, realistically and aggressively while playing within one’s limits. How to assess risk and evaluate strategy, and then, play the shot with the utmost conviction is paramount. Chapter eight is small, only four pages of text, but possibly the most important. Nelson has refined the mental side, the most important aspect, into two words: concentration and composure. He then relates what the words mean, their value, and how to obtain them.
If you want to easily learn what appears complicated in the modern swing, and how to apply that swing technique most effectively on the course, this book belongs in your hands. Herbert Warren Wind says Shape Your Swing the Modern Way “is one of the best instruction books ever written.” Whether a serious student or teacher, or a casual player wanting to improve, you will not be disappointed.
Introduction by Herbert Warren Wind, Afterword by Tom Watson.