50 Greatest Golf Lessons Of The Century: Private Sessions with the Golf Greats [Hardcover]

John Jacobs (Author), HarperCollins Publishers Ltd. (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 16, 2000

John Jacobs is one of the most respected golf teachers the game has ever known. Perhaps no one is better qualified than Jacobs to teach the greatest golf lessons of the 20th century because he has taught the greatest golfers of the 20th century. His reputation as an authority on the golf swing, with a sharp eye for detail and an uncanny talent for fixing faults, has made him a magnet for aspiring young stars as well as experienced champions. He is unique in having taught, studied, or played against (and often beaten) virtually every great golfer of the last 60 years.

50 Greatest Gold Lessons of the Centuryis a remarkable collection of personal anecdotes, expert swing analysis, and fascinating insights into what makes a champion and how these great players play the game. Jacobs reveals the lessons he has given to the golfing greats, recounts many of the great shots he has witnessed in tournament play, and highlights the secrets to their successful swings.

The lessons come from a veritable Who's Who of golf, from legends such as Ben Hogan, Bobby Jones, Sam Snead, Jack Nicklaus, and Arnold Palmer, to the stars of today's PGA TOUR, such as Tiger Woods, Mark O'Meara, Greg Norman, Nick Faldo, and Ernie Els.

Each lesson is complemented by specially commissioned artwork, as well as full-color action shots of today's players-plus rare, vintage photography that brings to life some of the greatest players of all time.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

John Jacobs, one of golf's most respected teachers, has either played against, talked with, or given a tip to just about every significant player in the last half of the 20th century. Combining his personal experience with an enormous knowledge of the game, he's assembled 50 important lessons--some general, some quite specific--offered alphabetically from (#1) how Seve Ballesteros relies on imagination in his shot-making to (#50) how Tiger Woods sets his eyes over the ball when putting. Jacobs addresses all parts of the game by using the mechanics and mental preparation of 34 pros--from old-timers like Henry Cotton and Harry Vardon to today's bright lights of the fairways. This is no mere tutorial, though. Through bios and photos of each player and lots of Jacobs's personal anecdotes, 50 Greatest Golf Lessons teaches the history and evolution of the golf swing with relevance to today. Better yet, for golfers who want to improve their games--and is there a golfer among us who doesn't?--Jacobs's complete analyses of each lesson come with important suggestions for how to take the lessons with you from the page right out to the golf course. --Jeff Silverman

About the Author

John Jacobs, world-renowned golf coach, has often been referred to as the Professional's Professional. He is the founder of the European Tour and was British Ryder Cup captain in 1979 and 1981. He was awarded an OBE in 1997 for his services to golf. Today, he owns 29 golf schools in the United States bearing his name.

Steve Newell is the instruction editor of Golf World. He has written several golf books, including How to Build a Classic Golf Swing and The Complete Short Game, both with Ernie Els.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 160 pages
• Publisher: William Morrow; 1st edition (February 16, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 006271614X
• ISBN-13: 978-0062716149
• Product Dimensions: 10.8 x 7.9 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.9 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #879,409 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

32 of 33 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars My All-Time Favorite Golf Instruction Book, September 30, 2000

By 

Allan Muskopf (Rochester, NY) - See all my reviews

This review is from: 50 Greatest Golf Lessons Of The Century: Private Sessions with the Golf Greats (Hardcover)

I have read and own a huge library of golf instruciton books in my life-long quest to improve my golf game. Many are filled with conflicting and confusing information. John Jacob's book is by far the best golf instruction book I have ever read. I poured over this book for hours, underlining profound information, anxious to get to the practice tee to try out his suggestions. I knew immediatley that I was reading a book written by a master teacher who profoundly understood the golf swing and was able to communicate that understanding in clear and simple language. I went out and bought a copy for a golfing friend the next day.

14 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Private Lessons with Greatest Coach with Top 50 Players, February 21, 2001

By 

rodboomboom (Dearborn, Michigan United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)   

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This review is from: 50 Greatest Golf Lessons Of The Century: Private Sessions with the Golf Greats (Hardcover)

Butch Harmon, Tiger Wood's coach, called Jacobs the best teacher the game has had. Valid because most of the greats at one time or another has went to this man for help.

He's got an approach to the game which is unique, trys to keep it simple, yet unique to each individual.

Here in this wonderful book at the millenium, he takes 50 of the game's best, from Hogan to Nicklaus, Jones, Palmer, Faldo, Sned, Walter Hagen, Olazabal, Norman, Byron Nelson, Watson, Trevino, Palmer and more, and shows us what each one of them exhibits about the game that we can learn from.

The one for me that gives remarkable results is Hale Irwin, who spent two whole weeks doing nothing but hitting balls with his feet together: this gets the hands and arms swinging freely.

A collector's item, with magnificent photos, art work, and wonderful commentary by this master teacher.

Get this book, it will give you enjoyment and hints for improving your swing.

5.0 out of 5 stars John Jacobs is Top-notch, November 25, 2011

By 

James Lythgoe (Ottawa, Ontario, Canada) - See all my reviews

This review is from: 50 Greatest Golf Lessons Of The Century: Private Sessions with the Golf Greats (Hardcover)

John Jacobs is one of the best golf instuctors in the world. His presentation of golf swing lessons reflect his talents and expertise. It goes without saying, if you are not familar with him nor have read his books, you owe it to yourself to do so. Without doubt this book will give you the direction to improve your golf swing. These are my thoughts on John Jacobs and any golf instructional book he authors, from the author of The Golf Swing: It's All in the Hands.