Golf For Dummies

Expert advice for improving your game and getting a grip on golf

Playing golf is fun but there′s a reason why it′s known as the most maddening (if not wondrous) game of all. The intricacies of the sport can tee off even the most patient golfer, but that′s where this friendly guide helps! Here, golf pro Gary McCord gives you easy–to–follow instructions and expert advice on everything you need to know to hit the ball farther and straighter, shave strokes off your game, and have a blast whenever you play.

Get on course discover the ins and outs of this mad, great game, from uncovering its history and looking at a standard course to understanding the benefits of "smart" play

Choose your weapons get expert tips and guidance on choosing the right clubs and accessories for your unique needs (and budget)

Get into the swing follow easy–to–understand explanations to warm up your body, handle your clubs, and swing like a pro

Step onto the green find out where to play, how to fit in, and what to expect at public courses, private courses, and driving ranges

Keep your head in the game learn how to overcome the mental challenges of the game, beat bad breaks, and weather the elements

Open the book and find:

How to grip a club and perfect your stance

Swing techniques

Exercises to help improve your skills and fitness

Common faults and easy fixes

First–tee strategies

Info on rules, etiquette, and keeping score

How to be a smart golf consumer

What you can learn from the pros on TV

Profiles of famous courses and players

Learn to:

Master your grip, stance, and swing

Improve your game with tips from the pros

Overcome the game′s mental challenges with tricks and exercises

Introduction.

Part I: Welcome to a Mad Great Game.

Chapter 1: Why Play Golf?

Chapter 2: Choosing Your Weapons Wisely.

Chapter 3: Taking Golf Lessons (And Other Sources of Help).

Chapter 4: Getting in Golf Shape.

Chapter 5: Where to Play and How to Fit In.

Part II: Getting Into the Swing.

Chapter 6: Swing Basics.

Chapter 7: Improve Your Move: Refining Your Swing.

Chapter 8: Chipping and Pitching: Short–Game Secrets.

Chapter 9: Putting: The Game Within the Game.

Chapter 10: Bunker Play: It s Easy (Really!).

Part III: Common Faults and Easy Fixes.

Chapter 11: Did I Do That? Solving Common Problems.

Chapter 12: Beating Bad Breaks and Bad Weather.

Part IV: Taking Your Game Public.

Chapter 13: Step Right Up and Play!

Chapter 14: Rules, Etiquette, and Keeping Score.

Chapter 15: Gamesmanship and Sportsmanship.

Chapter 16: Stepping Up Your Game.

Part V: How to Be a Smart Golf Consumer.

Chapter 17: Watching Golf in Person.

Chapter 18: Golf on TV.

Chapter 19: Getting Your Golf Online.

Chapter 20: Screen Gems: Surveying the Best of Virtual Golf.

Part VI: The Part of Tens.

Chapter 21: Golf s Ten Commandments.

Chapter 22: Gary s Ten Favorite Courses.

Chapter 23: Gary s Top Ten Male Players.

Chapter 24: Gary s Top Ten Female Players.

Chapter 25: Ten Immor tal Golf Moments.

Part VII: Appendixes.

Appendix A: Golf Talk.

Appendix B: Golf Organizations.

Index.

Gary McCord is a PGA Champions Tour player and celebrity golf instructor. He′s best known for the knowledgeable perspective, refreshing humor, and irreverent wit he has shown as a golf commentator for CBS for nearly 25 years.