Secrets of the Short Game: A Major Champion's Instruction on Blending Science and Art for Wedge and Putter Mastery

by Phil Mickelson, Guy Yocom, T.R. Reinman

From 50 yards and in, no golfer in history has demonstrated more talent, flair, creativity and precision, or generated more raw excitement, than Phil Mickelson. His ability with the sand wedge and putter are legendary not only among fans but his peers as well, and it is his skill with those clubs that is primarily responsible for his winning 34 tournaments on the PGA Tour, including three major championships. In his first-ever instruction book, Mickelson explains in detail how to master every phase of the short game. Mickelson maintains that any golfer of average ability can become a deadly short-game player by approaching the subject with a blend of science (proper mechanics and setup) and art (imagination and feel). Mickelson does a fine job explaining both; combining the wisdom of his great teachers with his own fertile imagination, cultivated from 34 years of experimentation, trial and error. No golfer can afford to miss out on Mickelson′s secrets and tips.

Genres: Nonfiction, Sports

224 pages, Hardcover

First published November 1, 2009

Reviews

[Jack · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked this book up when my short game was in a slump. Everyone knows Phil is the greatest short-game player in the history of the game. Before reading this book I thought it would be just a couple of pointers on what I was doing wrong but it was completely different. It explained everything about the art of having a good short game. It revealed all of the technical and mental aspects needed when using your short game. The book explained the way each shot affects the ball. After reading this book, it changed my short game forever. All of my shots have improved just off of a book, not practicing at all. Anyone who is looking to take their short game to the level of the pros should pick this book up. It helps beyond what any coach can tell you and is a 10/10.

[Robert DuPrau · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really good visuals.

[William Donohoo · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was very helpful. I was thinking that my golf swing was doing just fine until I read this book. I found out that there were so many improvements that I could make that seemed to help out. One major improvement was when I was chipping, I was having trouble getting the correct height. But Phil suggested that if I want to hit a high shot then I need to put the ball at the front of my stance. And if I wanted to hit it low, then I need to put the ball in the back of my stance. This helped me be much more accurate with my chips. This also helped my sand shots by teaching me how to get under the ball and get a good shot. Overall this was a very informative and interesting book to read. This helped a lot and will improve my scores around the course am in matches.

[Kenton · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was excellent and will definatly show an improvement to my game. This book goes in deatails to Phils mental state. This book shows the step by step process he goes through before he hits a shot. The thoughts in his head are unbeleivable. This is the best explanational book i have read. This was easy to use and easy to actually add to my game. I love phil and his "swag" this book will definatly improve my short game. Phil is the best on tour and he is now teaching me.

[Lian888 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very useful book. It will take someone like me a lifetime to grasp the techs demonstrated in the book.

[Erich Kohlhöfer · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you play your entire short game with one club (Lob Wedge) then this book is for you. If you don't you won't learn much.