The Elements of Scoring: A Master's Guide to the Art of Scoring Your Best When You're Not Playing Your Best

Along with Ben Hogan's 5 Lessons and Dave Pelz' Short Game Bible, this is probably the best instructional book on golf I have ever read. And while those other two concentrate on the swing mechanics of different parts of the game (the full swing and the short game), this one is all about strategy and what you should be thinking about on the golf course. Very thought provoking, I will keep it by my bedside stand for repeated reading for the forseeable future. I will give away several copies to golfing buddies this Christmas...

Ray Floyd is one of the finest golfers of the past 30 years, and is regarded as one of the best short game players of his generation. This book does not disappoint-- it is a valuable addition to any avid golfer's reference library. Rather than merely focus on swing mechanics, Mr. Floyd provides valuable insights regarding the golfer's mental approach to the game, course management and the scoring shots which comprise the short game. Especially helpful is his analysis of the ten mistakes amateurs make that pros never do. While Ray Floyd has an impressive professional resume, he does not dwell unnecessarily on his many personal accomplishments (unlike, for example, Hale Irwin's Smart Golf), but focuses on the task at hand. Clearly written and well-edited, this book is a keeper-- a future classic.

I have always found the game of golf fascinating and I have always wanted to master it. This book helps me a lot in my attempt to do so. It is difficult for us, weekend golfers, to know everything there is in golf, every golf course you play and to perfect every swing we make by devoting time to practise. And it is when this book comes in. It tells you how to manage the course, when to take risk and when not to and it is very true that most of us are not always playing in our best physical condition. I will probably re-read it before every round of golf I am going to play.

This is not just another book about swing mechanics. This one is about how to think your way around the golf course to make a better score using the skills that you already have. Unlike some books on strategy, it doesn't assume that you can always hit a precise fade or draw to land the ball exactly where a pro would try to hit it. This is about golf thinking and strategy for the average golfer. As books on golf thinking go, this book by a top pro golfer is more valuable than any of the books by sports psychologists. I highly recommend it. Good job, Raymond! -- Bill from Bangor

"Ray Floyd cuts right to the heart of how to improve your golf game.A great read.Filled with insights on the mental side of the game,course management,club selection ect.You can't get more intense than Ray Floyd"