Golf Magazine's "How to Hit Every Shot" a perfect winter read

They say the winter is the best time to improve your game. You’re not worried about score. There are few tournament rounds for amateurs. It’s a time to reflect on your swing and your game.

What better way to do that than read: “How to Hit Every Shot” by the editors of Golf Magazine. Like the tips in the magazine itself, they are well-organized, focused, easy-to-understand tidbits that might help your game. But the larger pages, which allow bigger pictures and a more graphic-oriented approach, make these tips friendlier than the magazine tips.

There are eight different chapters:
1, How to control your shots;
2, Shape shots with your driver;
3, Hit the green from any lie;
4, Recovering from trouble;
5, Escaping the sand;
6 Greenside super shots;
7, Make the putt from anywhere; and
8, Trick shots that work.

As with any tip, you take them with a grain of salt. Some will confuse you with too much information. Others will be pure gold.

I’ve always struggled hitting shots off a severe down slope, but I’ll feel more confident after reading the book. I particularly like the “meter,” which rates how difficult the shot being explained will be. The downhill lie rates a “5,” the hardest. I feel better knowing I’m not the only one who hasn’t mastered this shot.

The book, retailing for $29.95, more than pays for itself with shaved strokes, which, in turn, should help win more money matches from your buddies.