How to Play Your Best Golf All the Time

Was given this book as a 10 year old in 1972 and memorized it to a 10 handicap within 2 years. Sure the game and swing has changed, but for a beginner it is still pure gold.

Bear in mind that this is a book originally published in the 1950s. It's widely regarded as an all-time classic, but it's now very dated. Armour was an excellent player (one of the great iron players of all time) and a superb teacher, but some of his theories are no longer in vogue. I can tell you that way back in the early 1960s this book, through Armour's focus on the hip turn, transformed me literally overnight from a beginner who sliced the ball to someone who has fought a hook for the last 40 years. I bought this updated edition strictly for its sentimental value, and I wouldn't foist it on someone who was serious about achieving his or maximum potential because a GREAT deal has been learned about the golf swing since this was written (and today's equipment demands a different sort of swing anyway). However, if you've played for awhile and just can't seem to get the hang of the golf swing, this book is so straightforward that it may be just what you need. You'll end up looking like Julius Boros rather than Tiger Woods, but odds are that'll be a major improvement if you're now shooting over 85. Armour was a transplanted Scot who was very eloquent, and this book is a pleasure to read for that reason alone. Some of his most basic wisdom ("THINK WHAT TO DO -- that's concentration in golf") still sticks with me every time I play. A ROUND OF GOLF WITH TOMMY ARMOUR, in which he steers his 90-shooting friend around the course in 79 by making him play within his limitations, is also excellent.

This book is an excellent follow-up to Ben Hogan's Five Lessons. Hogan covering the backround theory in more detail and Armour emphasizing the practical application.There are differences opinion: Hogan wants the hands to act as a unit while Armour says to whack the ball with your right hand. But they agree on much more than they disagree, and Armour explains how, through basic footwork and other simple measures, you can be sure you are swinging correctly. Armour also goes into more detail about specific shots such as chipping, pitching or driving. Theory, then applcation. You can't go wrong if you read Hogan and Armour back to back, in that order. Hit 'em straight.

I must echo the sentiments of the other reviewers...this is the only golf instructional book recreational players will ever need. Armour gives you a few simple things to remember while you address the ball and take your swing that can eliminate many of the typical problems experienced by the occasional player. For example, his suggestion that a right-hander imagine dragging his left knee behind the ball on the upswing and then swinging it back through the ball on the downswing was very effective in curing my problem of getting a proper hip turn.The genius of the book is that the techniques Armour suggests are easy to remember while you are actually out there in the process of swinging the club. This book suggests many of the same principles described in Ben Hogan's books but I think they are laid out with greater simplicity and simple techniques that can correct common problems with grip, stance and swing are what I think average and beginning golfers like myself are looking for.

All aspects,physical and mental, are covered in simple, layman's terms. It is excellent for the beginning golfer, but just as important, it is a wonderful reference for experienced golfers. For over 30 years I have gone back to it whenever my game turns sour. It always helps.

Read every page of this book twice and practice everything diligently, guaranteed you;ll become a low 80's golfer. I purchased a paperback copy of this book over 35 years ago, when it retailed for 50 cents, and have referred to it annually to help me maintain a low 80's status. Believe me, it will do the same for you.