The Fundamentals of Hogan by David Leadbetter, Lorne Rubenstein
|
Our Price: $14.95 You Save: $12.55 (46%) Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Buy Used: from $3.99 (click here) Category: Book See more book details and other editions |
|---|
Book Reviews of The Fundamentals of Hogan
Book Review: Finder of the Lost Photos
Summary: 5 Stars
Three and a half years ago I had the immense good fortune to act as an agent in the sale of the entire contents of the estate of the late Anthony Ravielli. He was the pre eminent golf illustrator of the second half of the 20th Century. I was able to see a vast amount of original drawings and paintings by Ravielli. But what struck me more was the photography. There were literally thousands of vintage photos, as well as negatives, taken by Ravielli, as well as many other famous photographers. I decided to buy the photographs, negatives, and with them all rights to anything that was done by Ravielli. The most interesting items were a group of vintage prints of Hogan in his dress whites, and I also found a group of B+W negatives, which were the original negatives for the vintage prints in the lot. I really was just considering them as old photographs, and was going to reproduce some for sale in print form. In my many hours, actually days, of going through this lot, and studying the images, I noticed a very small B+W print of Hogan with his hands on his hips looking directly at the camera. I knew it looked like one of the illustrations within The Five Lessons. I found the image in the book, and upon close examination, found it to be identical. And furthermore, each image within the famous Five Lessons was actually directly based on the negatives which I had bought. I can't describe the feeling that went through me when I realized what I had found. I am an avid golfer, and always knew about the Five Lessons by Ben Hogan. But, in my dealing with the Ravielli lot, I learned much more. As I read the Fundamentals of Hogan by David Leadbetter, I am still struck by seeing all the photos laid out in proper order, and examined and critiqued by the leading instructor of our time. This book is a great combination of two of the most insightful, and analytical minds in golf. Careful reading will provide the reader with detailed knowledge of what does, and does not occur during a proper golf swing. And, you have to love those photos.Book Review: The Photos Make All the Difference
Summary: 5 Stars
In addition to the many details in the other reviews, I have a few brief points.THE best aspect of this book are the black and white photos of Hogan that did NOT inspire the graphics in his book, Five Lessons. I remember reading Five Lessons as a teenager and taking Hogan's pointers very literally. The points about ball position (keeping the ball in one place, but adjusting your feet as you change clubs) and the insides of your arms pointing skyward really threw my game for a loop as a teenager. Watching the latter day pros and their technique (where they did NOT follow these points), however, made me realize that either Hogan had an incredibly unique swing or what he was teaching in his book just didn't make much sense today. As Leadbetter points out in his commentary, and as the new photos confirm (the ones taken when Hogan was actually swinging at/addressing the ball--NOT the ones where he stood still and displayed what he "thought" he was doing) Hogan didn't adhere to all of his "lessons"! It was very comforting to finally learn the truth about what Hogan was actually trying to portray in his book as explained by Leadbetter (thank you David!). If you are serious about improving your game, upon reading this and some careful review and study (the text can be a bit laborious at times) you should glean at least a few tidbits that will help you. What helped me the most (besides finally seeing the real photos) were the points about a shorter backswing (mine tended to get too long--like Daly's) and having equal grip pressure in both of your hands (I tended to let my right hand get loose).
All in all an excellent book that helps marry older and modern fundamentals of golf. Plus the vintage photos of Hogan make it a great coffe table book.
Book Review: An Ultimate Guide for the Serious Student of the Swing
Summary: 5 Stars
This is an indepth analysis and interpretation of Hogan's perspective of the golf swing by the best modern teacher alive today. Leadbetter's view clarifies and adjusts Hogan's teachings to modern times eloquently. This book is not for the faint of heart wishing to better understand the essential and detailed bio-mechanics of the golf swing. I would suggest his other books and/or DVD's to get started.
With respect, I disagree with Mr. Leadbetter's thoughts on Hogan's own hooking remedies, his grip changes and the "secret" cupping of the wrist to open the club face at the top. Early in Hogan's career he had an extremely long backswing, prompted by an extremely long hip turn. The result coming down was a very active lower body to compensate for a latent upper body. The club face would arrive from the outside and closed causing the snap-hook under pressure he hated. As his swing became more compact he was able to control it's action much better. D.L. touches on this but emphasizes the different grip and the wrist cupping as Hogan's "cure".
I also disagree with D.L.'s thoughts on moving the head back laterally with longer clubs. It's OK as long as it returns to the same position at address. Just another unnecessary variable IMHO. The head is the fulcrum of the swing. Keep it there.
Don't buy this thinking you'll find "lightening in a bottle". The golf swing takes study, focus and discipline to learn how to properly execute. As Hogan believed, anyone can break 80, even if they devote one-tenth the time he did to being one of the greatest students of the swing and players of all time.
Book Review: Are you Hogan????
Summary: 5 Stars
This is a great book. Leadbetter explains Hogan's 5 fundamentals expertly and why Hogan did it this way. Hogan had unique problems to him, mainly a horrible duck hook, a problem that 99 percent of the golfing population does not have. Most people are better off NOT following Hogan word for word, especially if you are a banana ball slicer. Leadbetter realized this from spending most of his life on a range and giving thousands of lessons. He realizes that most golfers need the opposite of what Hogan teaches!
It's like Harvey Penick told a student that wanted to learn how to swing like Hogan: Penick said he couldn't teach genius. Out of the millions that have tried to do it like the master, none that I know have made it.
I read 5 fundamentals when I first started playing 15 years ago and I struggled. Once I read the Golf Swing by Leadbetter and watched some of his DVD's and applied them to my game, I evenually got down to scratch. After reading F of Hogan, I realized why it was a struggle for me to follow it's teachings.
This book is written with great care by a true student and lover of the game. It is beautifully illustrated and well worth the time to read it. We can all learn form Lead.
Book Review: WOW- What a book!! This will alter the way you think about your swing!!!!
Summary: 5 Stars
This book has saved me $$$$ in lessons. I have been golfing for 18mos. and have been seeing steady signs of improvement in my game. Most of my tips come from others on the golf course.
The best tip I ever got on the golf course would be the suggestion to buy this book.
I read this book last night- took about 3- 3 1/2 hours to read it thoroughly and the way you're supposed to(make sure club is in your hands). Then I went to the range this morning and worked on my problem areas. This book explained clearly and concisely the dynamics and gist of the golf swing. How to hold the club, how to set-up (address) the ball, coil and uncoil your swing- simply unbelievable.
This is the GOLF BIBLE in my eyes right now. Never have I hit so accurately in the range, course, or wherever. It has made me excited to practice.
MY SUGGESTION: If you're serious about getting good then read this book, highlight and flag important points then spend time at the range.
I have not even brought my new swing to the course yet- and I don't plan to until I can spend 3-5 more practice sessions at the range.
I AM A BORN AGAIN GOLFER!!!!!!!