Hank Haney's Essential Book

If you are a high or medium handicapper, this is probably the best book on the golf swing you can get.

What I like about it is that it goes back to basics -- no, essentials. For instance, there is a very definitive discussion on the grip. But it goes beyond the basic fundamentals for beginners. It is unequivocal about what is an essential golf swing element. For instance, the end of the takeaway position is an essential (parallel to the ground and the target line).

It is more than a breakdown of the swing into intermediate positions; on the contrary, it simplifies staying on plane by indicating two important drills for the backswing and the release. His descriptions of the "feel" is also spot-on, such as the wrist cock (he doesn't call it that but describes how to do it) at the start of the takeaway.

It is not a collection of tips. Haney distinguishes his approach from the "instant fix" mode of instruction. He refers to Hogan's Five Fundamentals, and I think Haney's "Essentials" can be considered a worthy sequel to Hogan's book.

I took a few of the concepts to the golf course yesterday, particularly staying on plane in the takeaway and during the release after impact. I felt like I've never hit the golf ball this well. More importantly, Haney's essentials is a formula for repeatibility.

No need for more golf tips. Just buy this book.