In recent years, it appeared as if the instructional video had overtaken the manual. However, when you get a product as professionally produced as The Complete Short Game, published this week by HarperCollins, then you begin to wonder if, indeed, old ways aren't best after all.
Ernie Els possesses one of the sweetest swings in the game and he attempts in this book to divulge one or two secrets. Given that he is such a natural, that is difficult to achieve - but he certainly manages to convey a number of very useful tips. This book is devoted entirely to the short game, where cards are made or ruined, and the formula is a winning one: the words are those of Steve Newell, the instruction editor with Golf World, while the colour photos are the work of Allsport's Dave Cannon.
Els reiterates what everyone knows, that the key to shooting lower scores is to improve your short game. It's not an easy thing to convey, admittedly, but Els takes the reader through every conceivable shot from 100 yards in. He talks about how to cope with trouble shots and shots from bare lies, what to do when the ball is below your feet and expands on the art of chipping.
With the aid of Cannon's excellent photos, Els manages to explain - in simple language - the secrets to a good short game, even if the actual execution relies entirely with what the reader does on the practice ground. He also gives out a number of useful tips. Here's one on how to get grip on the ball: "Every now and then take a wooden tee-peg and really give those grooves in the face of your wedge a good cleaning out. That gives you maximum grip on the ball and therefore maximum backspin and control. And talking of control, don't even attempt high-spin shots unless you play a high-spin golf ball - preferably one that has a balata cover. They are constructed in a way that enables you to create lots of backspin. Other golf balls simply do not give you that option, so if you play a two-piece ball don't expect to stop your pitch shots quickly on anything other than soft, receptive greens."
Els is also big into building up mental images. One example is using a clockface: say a nine o'clock swing for a wedge shot of 60 yards; a 10 o'clock swing for a 75 yards shot, and an 11 o'clock swing for a 90 yards shot.
This book may not appeal to everyone, and some high-handicappers may be better advised to go to their local club professional for guidance first, but those who do have the ability to digest information will benefit and, perhaps, also get an insight into the way Els's thinks out on the course. It hits the shelves this week and is priced at £16.99Stg.
