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Too Old To Play Hockey

Added to the Mount Rushmore of golf books

I own 50+ books on golf instruction from Hogan's Five Lessons to Nicklaus' Golf My Way to Pelz Short Game Bible and everything in between. Jon Sherman has written a golf instruction book that has been needed for forty years. However - there are no swing tips in Four Foundations. No magic secrets to greatness. The author provides us instruction how to 1) manage expectations and get more enjoyment out of the game by realizing how hard a game it is (through statistical analysis) and finding joy in your good shots and evaluating your poor shots and letting them go 2) taking your game to the next level and/or saving strokes through knowing your own skillset and using course management to eliminate big numbers of your scorecard 3) practicing smarter and 4) improving your mindset.I believe this would be a worthwhile purchase for casual golfers, but a must read for serious players who are looking to knock a few or possibly many shots off their handicap.The first time I read it I couldn't put it down. The second time, I got even more from it. Over the past three weeks I've implemented many of Sherman's strategies and shot some of my better rounds, but more importantly I've not beat myself up over a couple of poor rounds/holes.I lent it to one of my golf buddies and after reading it, he said he needed his own copy.I can't recommend this book enough. It's been a long time coming.

Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on August 25, 2022

Kurt

One of the best golf books I've ever read

I wish I would have read this book years ago. This is an excellent book for players of any skill level - from the 25 handicapper to the scratch golfer. I've spoken to professionals who espouse some of the very concepts Jon illustrates in this book. Make no mistake, this book won't give you any swing tips or technical advice - but that's what makes it great. It is primarily a "coaching" book, which so many players (myself included) desperately need.Sherman does a great job of illustrating and supporting his concepts with statistics and objective data, while presenting in the information in an easily digestible manner. I have seen immediate improvement in my game, and many others too - not because of technical advice, but due to course management strategy and an improved perspective while playing. I feel like I now make smarter decisions on the course and have more fun playing. I'd absolutely recommend this book to any golfer.

Reviewed in the United States on August 14, 2022

Kelly

Something for every golfer and a resource you will return to often!

Over the past year to year and a half I've consumed almost everything that Jon has put out on his website and in social media. I didn't think the book would add a tremendous amount of information that I hadn't already read but I wanted to support Jon and his efforts. Little did I know that I would continue to gain information about how to improve my golf game, my golf practice, and overall just how I can improve my enjoyment of golf.I highly recommend getting this book, reading it front to back, but then returning to sections when you're looking for a refresher on a particular topic. This book will be a resource for your entire golf career because it's not about current technology, current teaching, or any other latest fad, it's about a foundation for approaching golf.Over the past year, using the principles and foundations found in this book, I'm currently at my lowest handicap and have shot the lowest round I've ever recorded. I'm looking forward to see where this journey takes me, but most importantly, how I can continue to enjoy the game of golf and all the benefits that it brings.

Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on July 27, 2022

Amazon Customer

Essential reading for any golfer looking to improve. So, EVERY golfer.

Mr. Sherman has brought his lifetime of playing and thinking about the game of golf (and the thoughts of other experts as well) to this book. NONE of it is about how to swing the club. Rather it is a treatise on how to manage your expectations, your game on the course, the game in your mind, and your practice. Each section is broken down into easily digestible short chapters covering a single aspect of the Four Foundations. For people like me who want to take notes, Jon even provides bullet points at the end of each chapter summarizing the main ideas. So put down your pen.I find I'm best served reading just a few chapters a night so I have time to think about them and how they relate to my game. Clearly many of his ideas will take some time to implement in my game and practice. That said, his "2/3 Rule" made perfect sense to me as soon as I read it. I put it into play during my next round and turned what would've been a frustrating subpar round previously into a slightly above average and, more importantly, fun morning on the course trying to figure out how to get the best out of what I had on this particular day.Highly recommended. One of the best golf books I've ever read precisely because it never offered me a "can't miss" swing tip.

Reviewed in the United States on June 29, 2022

Amazon Customer

Great read for golfers of all levels. One of the best golf improvement books i have ever read

As an avid golfer (6 handicap) and golf fitness professional for the last 10+ years, I have read and seen a lot of golf improvement and instruction books, Having followed Jon Sherman's work at Practical Golf I have been a huge fan of his approach to the game of golf and helping others improve. This book is by far one of the best game improvement books I have ever read. For most golfers, the last thing you need is another book on the mechanics of the golf swing. This is where this book shines, it is not another golf instruction book but rather a book on how to actually play the game. He talks about how to improve your attitude and enjoyment, how to improve your course management, how to properly practice, and how to approach the mental game of golf. All his information is backed by tons of research and statistics as well as his experience as a high-level amateur golfer. There are so many great nuggets that golfers of all levels can take away to help them not only improve their performance but their enjoyment of the game. I highly recommend this book to every golfer out there. - Dr. JP Guidry DPT TPI

Reviewed in the United States on July 27, 2022

Amazon Customer

The simplest way to think about how to play/practice and set expectations

I'll start off first - this was one of the easiest books to read. I read it in just under 9 hours total. Short chapters, succinct thoughts to take away, and the beauty is at the end of each chapter there are bulleted takeaways you can quickly revisit. I imagine this will be great for going back and reviewing later on.Second, it really was nice to hear Jon's thoughts about all aspects of golf, particularly I enjoyed the gambler mentality and the course management sections. All of his knowledge is backed by hard data, and examples, and I like that he gives examples of pros, scratch golfers, 5 handicap, 10 handicap, and golfers that shoot 90 or 100. Really simple mindsets to take to the course.Lastly, when it comes to expectations - he sets not only the appropriate data for all skill levels to take away, but lays it out in such a way that you can have a plan, and take it to the course and not beat yourself up. Obviously we all golf to have fun, and by setting expectations through Jon's lessons and mindset it definitely seems like I'll be able to easily do this.I highly recommend this book - its not a lesson book about your swing, but its a lesson and mindset book about how to practice, plan, and stay focused throughout your rounds, leading to more fun...and probably better scores.

Reviewed in the United States on July 14, 2022

Michael Hutchinson

If you're serious about improving your golf game, get this book

I've taken my handicap from a vanity 10 to a 1.3 in a little over a year, and I'm honestly not sure I could have done it without Jon. After playing fairly competitively in high school, I gave up the game for almost 20 years before getting bitten by the bug again during COVID. But when I came back, the game seemed to have changed so much I really didn't know where to start. I had a lot of catching up to do.Luckily, that's when I discovered Jon Sherman through practical-golf.com and The Sweet Spot golf podcast. As I read his articles and listened to the podcast, his simple but profound framework for improvement had me shedding strokes so quickly people were sure I was sandbagging. And in a way I was… my handicap just couldn't catch up with how quickly I was improving.Somehow Jon has managed to take all that knowledge spread over hundreds of articles and hours of podcasts, and he has managed to distill it into an easy-to-read and thoroughly enjoyable book that speaks to all levels of golfer.If you're new to the game, this book will save you years (or even decades) of frustration. If you're in single digits, give scratch a call and tell it you're on the way.Up until now when people have asked me what golf books I recommend, I point them directly to Adam Young's The Practice Manual. With this release, I now have two books to recommend (and the really nice thing is their approaches and teachings compliment each other beautifully.)So if you are serious about wanting to improve your game and have more fun on the course, get this book. Trust me, once you grasp the foundations and start putting these lessons into practice, your golf buddies will have no clue what hit 'em.

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Reviewed in the United States on June 21, 2022

LS

Hands down, the best book you'll ever read on how to play the game.

About a month ago, I purchased your Four Foundations book from Amazon. I'm mostly through it at this point. If you are considering buying this book, you need to know that it is hands down, the best publication on how to play the game that I have ever read.I had hit a plateau in my game. I'm a decent player, but I have not been able to achieve any meaningful improvements over the past several years. I had been introduced to the concept of real strategy and how to apply it, but this book put it in very simple terms that were far easier for me to apply to MY game. That said, I went out recently and shot my best round ever, which included a -1 back nine on a course I've never played before. I've never shot under par on any 9 in my life, much less one I've never even seen that had a 71.5/145 rating!This book taught me to pay attention to the strike. I worked on that and found a setup position that allowed me to find the center of the face repeatedly. This book helped me pick an approach target that had me considering my shot dispersion in a way I never had before. The results speak for themselves.This book is absolutely incredible. I walk out on the golf course now and I am playing a completely different game than I was a month ago. This book has given me renewed energy and promise that my handicap can still be pressed lower. I've never been more excited to play my next round!

Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on August 13, 2022

robert j kimball

Enjoy the game like never before!

Back in my salad days (20-25 years ago), I was a pretty good golfer. The energy and confidence of youth provided quite a few rounds in the 70s and I held onto it as long as I could. But all these years later, now in my early 50s, I simply don't play golf as much as I used to, and all I look for in my game today is enjoyment.That word – enjoyment – is what makes "The Four Foundations of Golf" a must-have textbook for those golfers who want to get back to the joy of the game we had in our youths. Without worrying about club position at the top, pronating or supinating, lag, forward press, blah blah blah. I don't expect much out of my game other than to enjoy the walk, weather, and companionship.Four Foundations will help the golfer keep perspective with regards to expectations, both in score and ball-striking ability. There is so much common sense commentary about what I can expect from my game, and how to get the most out of it. For example, I don't belong to a club anymore and spend more time practicing. I like and understand the idea of tracking where the ball hits the face at impact, and how it affects contact and distance. A little foot spray or baby powder will do it! Instant feedback.Course management is another important part of enjoying the game, and there is a wealth of knowledge in this book to help golfers like me avoid stupid mistakes and understand that it's OK to play for a bogie and the center of the green is your friend. Oh, and don't measure myself against the guys on TV! They are out there for a reason, and I have nothing to gain from comparing myself to the 0.01% of the best players in the world.I could go on, but overall, I recommend this book (textbook) for golfers who seek common sense advice and course management strategy. Get out and enjoy the game!

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Reviewed in the United States on September 11, 2022

M. Vogl

Chicken Soup for the Golfer

After following Jon's Twitter account and picking up lots of useful insights from that, I bought a copy of his book. As he mentions throughout, this is not a book with swing instructions or drills. It's more a compilation of the things he's learned and observed that have helped him become a better golfer and what he believes can help others who often get stuck in a never-ending cycle of instruction of swing tips and suggestions from online instructors and golf publications.I'd describe this book as a sort of "Chicken Soup" for golfers - things that we sometimes already know that are reinforced; often things we didn't know and are eye-opening. In any case he explains them in a way that makes them easier to apply on the golf course or when practicing. Without divulging too much, Jon has a way of illustrating how golfers sabotage themselves with their expectations of their game versus their skill level and their practice habits...and never in a condescending way. He also provides tips and insights that helped me re-frame my practice habits and my mental preparation before and during a round.This isn't rocket science, which makes it even more effective in my opinion. It's just a basic, "common sense" approach to golf and how to get more fun out of it. And it works. I have found I enjoy the game much more now; because I've reset my expectations of what good golf shots are, especially when compared to "scratch" or tour professionals, I've found I'm less disappointed with my shotmaking, and often am amazed at how well I can play when I just "let it go".This book appeals to all skill levels and ages. An absolute must have for your bookshelf.I'm a 55 year old golfer who's played for about 40 years and my handicap index is near the lowest it's ever been (5.5). I believe I still have plenty of opportunities to improve on that.

Reviewed in the United States on September 15, 2022

W. Lee

A must-have in your library

The course management suggestions alone are worth the price of this book. You'll wonder why anyone should ever hit into bunkers if they play smart.You'll read a lot of the material and think to yourself, I knew this all along, but my pride got in the way or I fell victim to quick fixes that didn't work.The book puts swing lessons in their proper place, as only one part of your golf game. You still need to own everything. You need to make adjustments based on the feedback that you're getting for yourself. Sherman explains the level of commitment that it will take to get the most of out of your ability. It's high, but we chose this hobby because the rewards are worth the effort.Sherman's recommendations on other books and figures in the game were very helpful, as well. I've been delving into his Sweet Spot podcast archives for more details.I came back to golf after ten years away. If you're like me, this book will inspire you to get back into the game. I cannot recommend this book highly enough.

Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on November 27, 2022

Wayne Ingram

I knew before reading that it was going to be great!

I have followed Jon's articles on his website for a long time and have already made significant changes to my thoughts and strategies on the course. They have made a huge difference for me in performance as well as enjoyment level. I was one who would blow up and pout and disassociate with my buddies when things started going badly. I'm proud to say I am no longer that person thanks to Jon.So when this book came out, I knew I would enjoy reading it. And it did not prove me wrong. Jon did a great job writing this book and he covers all of the subjects very well and easy to understand. I gained further insight on things I had already learned from him as well as learning new information that I did not know. I can't wait to put his ideas into practice and I am looking forward to even more improvement and enjoyment on the course.Thanks Jon! I really loved your book. All golfers should read this book. It can help everyone in my opinion.

Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on December 9, 2022

Matt Carducci

Absolute Must Read for All Golfers

Jon Sherman's Four Foundations of GolfAn absolute must-read for any golfer of any level. I'm in my early 40s and wish a mentor, coach, or my dad had put a book like this in front of me when I was 9 years old (albeit the data Jon references was not available in the 1990s, but you get the point).I read the book from cover to cover over a few weeks. I made notes in line, tabbed the pages, and transferred many of Jon's strategy, practice, and mental game notes to my on-course reference book (Jon's book is slightly too large to carry on course).My three sons will read this book, specifically Part One: Managing Expectations. While you can reference specific areas of Jon's book directly without issue, I highly recommend you read Part 1 first. This section, along with the work of many of Jon's references, showed data and educated or corrected me on defining: what is a good golf shot; what is a good round; and setting realistic performance expectations. Part 1 is applicable beyond golf (as is the Mental Game, Part 4).Jon accomplishes exactly what he set out to do with his writing, which is to 1) spell things out clearly with little room for interpretation and 2) communicate in a simple and straightforward manner.Jon does not bog you down with technical aspects of the swing or other technical deep dives. He focuses on developing skill and transferring that skill to the course with Strategy (Part 2), including course management, proximity, shot patterns, course study, pre- and post-shot routines, and mental analysis.Finally, Jon is approachable and a credible teacher. He provides numerous other resources to build upon the material in his book. Jon also quickly responded with generosity to a personal request. I cannot recommend this book and Jon's online resources enough.5 stars.

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Reviewed in the United States on February 12, 2023