Synopses of Chapters – Fundamentals of Golf
By Alex Duthie
Section 1-General Golf Commentaries
This section provides the History of golf as we know it. It also outlines the standard
terminology used in golf, along with descriptions of hazards, etiquette, honesty, and
the competitions usually used in golf.
Section 2-Golf Fundamentals
This section includes general acronyms, like GST, to help in remembering the
essentials, along with descriptions of what they mean. It also provides other
essentials for control in golf.
Section 3-The Grip Fundamentals
Outlined here are the various grips, along with how they affect the golf ball in its
flight. Also shown are the functions of the fingers. This section has various pictures
showing the various grips available, and how they can be used to correct things like
fades and draws. Shown here are the essentials for hitting the ball down the middle
of the fairway.
Section 4-The Stance Fundamentals
This section provides insight into the effect of several foot positions. The stance can
also be used to correct slices and hooks. Changing foot positions has more dramatic
effect than changing grips. Slices are the most frequent problem with golfers, and
the corrective actions are outlined here. Demonstrated is one of the most important
fundamentals for control: the inside seam of the right leg.
Section 5-The Practice Swing
Practically every shot, from off the green, should have a Practice Swing. In every
shot, not played off a tee, the club should hit the ball before it hits the ground. To
accomplish this, a practice swing must be taken. The practice is to take a normal
stance, with the club head behind the ball, take a step backward, and take a practice
swing. Observe where the club hits the ground, and adjust the stance to ensure the
club will hit the ball before it hits the ground.
Section 6-Backswing Fundamentals
It is very important that the club be positioned correctly for the Power Swing to be
successful. To accomplish this the backswing must be very deliberate, meaning
slow. This is where the Inside Seam of the right leg is important.
Section 7-The Power Swing
After the backswing has positioned the club properly, the concentration is now on
the Power Swing. When a golfer starts their Power Swing, their past training and
‘normal reaction’ take over. The point is to have the club head hit the ball at just
the correct instant, and at the correct place. In this section, the importance of
keeping the eyes on the back of the ball is explained.
Section 8-Chipping Around the Green
This section explains the importance of the Stability Triangle. The importance of the
rigidity of the triangle and the follow-through is also highlighted.
Section 9-Lining Up Your Third Putt
This section is written in a fun-filled manner, although all aspects of putting are
explained. Putting can be scary because nearly half of a person’s score is usually on
the green.
Section 10-Daily Exercises for Golfers
Although being in good shape is not a requisite for golf, a golfer feels better playing
when they are relatively fit. This section describes ten exercises that should be done
daily when first getting out of bed. The whole exercise program takes approximately
25 minutes, making it a worthwhile daily project.