How to Build a Classic Golf Swing

by Ernie Els and Steve Newell

Book Overview

Ernie Els is one of the most established names in world golf. Since sensationally capturing the 1994 US Open at the age of 24, he has recorded a string of victories, and it's all been achieved with one of the most elegant and classic swings on tour. In this book, the two-time US Open champion offers advice to the average club golfer on the basic fundamentals of grip and posture, before teaching us how to build the classic swing for which he is so...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0062720724
• ISBN13: 9780062720726
• Release Date: March 1999
• Publisher: William Morrow & Company
• Length: 144 Pages
• Weight: 1.16 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 7.6" x 10.5"

Customer Reviews

One of the best golf books around.

I've been at this wonderful game of golf for over 10 years and of all of the books I've read this is, by virtue of its refreshingly sound simplicity, the absolute best. What I like is that if doesn't follow the convention of the vast majority of instructional books out there that expect the reader to have a million swing thoughts to get the job done. Guys like Peltz and Ledbetter do offer great advice but Ernie Els points to the most valuable aspects of building a swing and hammers and hammers the point home to the reader on how essential they are. These are why Ernie Els has THE sweetest golf swing on the tour. It is a work of art. It's not the controlled power swing of Tiger who's textbook swing is anything but voilent, but one that is as deliberate as it is precise. It is the result of paying attention to the basics. In this book, El's points to the importance of fundementals. I mean, he REALLY emphasizes their importance as the foundation to building a great, sound swing. It may come across as oversimplified but the advice he gives on grip, rhythm, posture, and aim is put forth in an almost Zen-like fashion. Readers are expected to pay attention to these seemingly mundane fundamentals everytime they step up to the ball. According to Els, the rest will follow from there and after following his sage advice, I've found that he is absolutely right. Now the reader that complained that the advice is not easy to implement is wrong. He is missing the point of the book. El's is not trying to tell you how to swing like him, he's telling how you can build your own "classic" swing but the way I see it, you have to decide if you are patient, as well as disciplined, enough to do what he tells you. Trust me, it worked miracles with my game and it most definitely can with yours.

Exactly what I was looking for from the Big Easy

Having played golf most of my life, and having watched numerous professionals on TV, Ernie Els is the golfer I've chosen to emulate. Not Tiger (his swing is too violent), nor the Bear (Jack gets too crouched up and tight), nor the Shark, nor El Nino, nor the Mechanic, nor Phil or VJ, nor . . . the rest of the field. All except Ernie - the Big Easy - who makes golf look and feel natural. In this easy to read, short and straight-forward instruction book Ernie begins with the essentials of having a good grasp of "G.A.S.P." (Grip, Aim, Stance, and Position). It all starts with the grip, and in life-size pictures on pgs. 16-20 he demonstrates the most essential of essentials in golf, applicable to every golfer regardless of experience level. Ernie moves on to the book's focus: the swing. Discussing "chain theory", rhythym & tempo, posture, ball position, stance, and "the magic move" Els provides plenty of helpful hints and instructions on how to make your swing become his swing, and therefore, his success in golf become your success. And why would you want to do this? Because Ernie's a winner who understands that the "means" in golf as in life are just as, if not more important, than the "ends". Sound too philosophical? Play golf and draw your own conclusions, but by all means, no matter where you are, it's never too late to study and perfect the fundamentals. And, contrary to some previous reviewer's reservations (short people take heart, he mentions the Wee Welshman, Ian Woosnam and lanky Davis Love III as examples!), one does not need to have Ernie's build or physique to build a classic golf swing. What one needs to do is unlearn bad habits, and to start over with a fresh attitude and professional help - who better than the Big Easy!FYI: There is no instruction here on putting, chipping, or greenside bunker play. For this, Ernie has another book titled: "The Complete Short Game" which may be useful.

big ez

this book is a simplistic, well illustrated book about the fundamentals of a great golf swing. it is written by the player with the most graceful swing in all of golf. pay attention because he truly has a swing for a lifetime. i've golfed for over 20 years and found the book quite useful. he explained ball positioning and how to use the arms to make a proper shoulder turn very well. also, he gives advise that goes against the grain. he notes, don't keep your head down! what? yes, that's right and he's right! as he points out, think instead of keeping the chin up and looking at the ball off the end of the nose. this method makes the shoulder turn much easier. of course, as ernie's game illustrates, the shoulder turn makes the golf swing. this is a classic book on the golf swing!

Best Instruction by Pro or Anyone Else

I've found this book to be one of the best golf instruction books ever. It's simple, easy to understand, and has given me so many key tips to improve my game. Over time, I've accumulated a lot of different books on golf, and believe me, if you follow Ernie's advice, it will help you.

Superb. Truly the fundamentals of the "Classic Golf Swing"

This book will do what the title says it will do, teach you the classic golf swing. Learn how to build power and consistency through Ernie Els' own words and photos. A bargan at any price!