Classic Instruction (Hardcover)

~ (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

The story behind the publication of Classic Instruction is almost as good as the book itself, which is saying a lot, because the book is an instant classic, and a must for any serious golfer's bookshelf, regardless of skill level.

The great Bobby Jones left several boxes behind in his old law offices where they gathered dust through the decades until Martin Davis gained access to them while researching his massive pictorial biography Bobby Jones: The Greatest of Them All. In one of those boxes, he discovered the golfing equivalent of King Tut's tomb: more than 100 photographs of Jones demonstrating the game's fundamentals--grip, woods, irons, sand, chipping, putting, and the lost art of the stymie--with explanatory notes attached in Jones' hand. Jones used the photos in a limited series of film strips that he sold in the '30s, but never got around to writing the book. (Interestingly, the enduring instructional he did manage to write--Bobby Jones on Golf--is, solid as it may be, sadly lacking in illustration.)

Davis got the picture--and the pictures--and set out to rectify Jones' oversight. He immediately called Ben Crenshaw. Like Jones, two-time Masters' champion Crenshaw is a dedicated student of the game, and, in his extensive writings, an artful communicator. For Classic Instruction, he virtually collaborates with Jones. He carefully analyzes Jones' original text and the photos (many taken in detailed close-up); then, through added commentary attached to photographs of himself in similar swing positions and close-ups, Crenshaw updates the master to accommodate changes to the game and equipment that have evolved in the ensuing 60 years. In the end, the real revelation of Classic Instruction is how fundamentally sound and thoroughly modern Jones' game was. With a few minor adjustments here and there and a snappy new set of titanium heads with graphite shafts to replace his old hickories, there's no telling what kind of damage the young Bobby Jones could wreak on the PGA Tour today. --Jeff Silverman --This text refers to an alternate Hardcover edition.

Product Description

Drawn from a recently discovered archive, this landmark book is a treasure. It was born from an overlooked box at the Jones' law firm that included more than 100 photographs of Jones demonstrating the fundamentals of golf, along with his meticulous notes on yellow legal pads that were originally written in 1934.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 144 pages
• Publisher: American Geological Institute; 2 edition (May 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1888531061
• ISBN-13: 978-1888531060
• Product Dimensions: 8.1 x 6.1 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.9 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #620,607 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Book!, January 3, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: Classic Instruction (Hardcover)

This is truly Classic Instruction. Not only does it give great basic fundamental instruction from "The Greatest" Bobby Jones but Ben Crenshaw shows the more modern swing as well.

Great photos of Bobby Jones and his techniques.

It's also a must have for Jones' unique lost writings finally in print for the world to see. Great for a golf book collection.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent golf instruction and gift book, May 24, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Classic Instruction (Hardcover)

This is a very fine (and unusual) book on golf instruction. Using original photos and text from the old master Bob Jones, modern master Ben Crenshaw compares his swing and golf philosophy to Jones' swing and golf philosophy. This is also a very fine gift book--handsome and not too expensive. I recommend it highly to golf enthusiasts and neophytes alike.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Elegant Book of An Elegant Golf Swing, April 27, 2001

By	rodboomboom (Dearborn, Michigan United States) - See all my reviews (TOP 50 REVIEWER)

This review is from: Classic Instruction (Hardcover)

Crenshaw is not only a successful pro but also he is a passionate student of golf's history. So he is the perfect one to compile this side-by-side analysis of Jones' swing.

Martin Davis who edits this book found a box of over 100 photos of Jones' swing. Along with these were handwritten notes explaining the photos.

So, on one page is the B&W of Jones, then parallel is the four-color swing of Crenshaw and his discussion of Jones' notes.

It is masterful, elegant and a true keepsake to any serious golf historian's collection. A must!