I used the original parts of this book as released by Golf Digest in the 70′s and later. This book is updated and includes essential components covering all aspects of the basics and beyond. Nicklaus is excellent at describing the comprehensive components of the golf swing in general and with the various situations you’ll find yourself in around the course.

Jack Nicklaus isn’t usually thought of as one of the all time great instructors, but his constant attention throughout his life to the game, the swing, the equipment and to instructors, means that he has a “Top 10″ ability as an instructor to get the ideas across clearly, and to help you avoid pitfalls. Many instructors are just not so fully aware of the scope of the related issues. Jack had to. He had to play and his intention was to win. Nothing was left to guesswork.

I find that Nicklaus’ description of the full swing is essential to understanding the various points in the swing IN MOTION. He doesn’t need gadgets, he uses diagrams and sketches to show you. He’s always dealing with how one thing leads to another. The golf swing is not just the person, it’s weight shift, the club in relation to the hands, the path of the club, and a few abstract concepts that Nicklaus is excellent at keeping clear and meaningful.

I HIGHLY recommend this book to all golfers who have handicaps greater than about 2. Take these instructions, run them through 100 shots on the course and realize how a leading, proven, brilliant golfer and instructor can point out a few things that could help you. For anyone starting the game, for anyone who has reached a sticking point and can’t seem to improve, and for those who want to have more fun and just hit the ball cleanly more and don’t really worry about the score……all of you will gain a great deal by getting the information in this book.

Women: Nicklaus deals with the game of golf and the swing from the basics onward. I’ve seen plenty of women golf and an really happy with the LPGA quality. Get this book and take it to the practice range and then take notes onto the course. Nicklaus has a well-balanced approach to the entire game and he communicates brilliantly. If you find something that he says doesn’t quite match how you swing or something like that, at least you have bounced an idea of the all-time greatest player, and then when you talk to another instructor who can deal with you personally, you have a FAR CLEARER idea of some issues you can improve and how to deal with them. So, no, Nicklaus’ book, for women, isn’t 100% applicable, but I’d bet it’s at least 95% applicable! His approach is so time-tested and he is very well informed about all aspects of the swing, the clubs, the variety of people’s swing styles, builds, the equipment and the situations on the course that you can’t go wrong here.
Rating: 5 / 5

Jack does a great job in going through his swing, and it provides quite some interesting and thought-provoking suggestions on why he did things a certain way. Nevertheless, the book is quite long to read, and in my opinion, requires already some understanding about how a golf swing works. For this, I would suggest golf newcomers to start with Ben Hogan’s “Five lessons” first. Building on that one, Jack’s book offers an array of options to adapt and improve your swing, doubtless.
Rating: 4 / 5

The instruction in this book is excellent. Jack breaks down his golf swing into terms that make it easy to follow. I’ve played gold for over 40 years and it wasn’t until I read his book that I really learned how to swing a golf club properly which has resulted in my hitting the ball consistently and effectively. I first got the book from the library and then purchased it so that I could “highlight” the important points and keep it as a reminder of what to do when I “fell off the wagon!
Rating: 5 / 5