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Dear John

I read your latest newsletter and was overwhelmed. It seemed to me that you speak right out of my heart but I never dared to do what you suggest on the golf course! This has to change for the forthcoming next year and the dull golf-weather we have at the time in Switzerland (the beautiful snow-days will follow!!) is perfectly fit for new goals and wills to hit that ball from tee to hole!!

Yours sincerely

Freundliche Grüsse

Hello John,

The Swing book was great! As I indicated in my first email to you, I have thrown away Golf Digest, Golf Magazine, and Golf Tips. Your approach to golf comports with my styles to solving problems...global and conceptual. I don't need the details, just the big picture. I haven't been out lately, because of work schedule, but I practice my swing every day.

Marshall Barnes II

Hey John, 

You made me a believer (giving me advice without seeing)...  I took your advice re. alignment and boy were you right...  when I aligned myself properly, my whole swing changed for the better.  Now I have to get my eyes trained to aim to the left of the target.  Thanks, great tip.
Now I know why the LPGA women have their caddies align them from behind (another privilege us regular players don't have - that professionals do).

Thanks again John, and keep up the good work.  Maybe you can single handedly change the perception of PGA professional teachers... Thanks

Giddy-yup!!!

"Coach" John,

I've finished reading the book you authored, GOLF CAN'T BE THIS SIMPLE - PLAYING THE GAME. It is by far the best game improvement investment I have made during the 40 plus years I've sought improvement. Along with a personal best score of 30 on the par 30 course I played shortly after reading the first half of the book, I have since decidedly improved my accuracy and ball striking quality since applying your ideas and instruction. When I have faltered, I've had a clearer idea of "why" so that corrective focus is immediately forthcoming. A welcome adjustment I'm now making is hitting "one less iron" for the given yardage.

I've taken the liberty of providing "cc" e-mail addresses for fellow golfers that I believe would appreciate knowing how to obtain your books so you may send them your Concept Golf e-news. Your unique approach emphasizing the mental aspects toward improved scoring and that major "swing surgery" is counterproductive to that improvement makes your instruction particularly welcome to long-time golfers and those who don't have gobs of time to give to the process.

You are to be commended for the courage to take an untraditional and less complicated approach to scoring improvement that is proving to be so effective by me and many other readers.

Dave Sands

Hi John,

I was at your session at Borders in Winston-Salem a week ago. I was the 'quiet' one , next to the 'vocal' one. I read the first 7 chapters of your book before he and I played on Friday, 2 days after meeting you. He didn't read the book.

I beat him by 6 shots, shooting 82, with 3 doubles, (most of the mistakes would have been eliminated if I had been able to read the rest of the book before playing) normally we're about evenly matched. But, the concepts I was able to apply in just 2 days, had me hitting the ball better than I ever have, and he was the same over-analyzed and frustrated golfer as always.

I've read both books now, and plan to play again in the next few days. Stay Tuned!


Thanks for making the game fun again,

Dan Rath

"Thanks for all your help. I never enjoyed golf until I had lessons from you."

Alex Powers, Artist
Myrtle Beach, SC
 

"John,

The game is getting more and more fun since I took your course. I wish I could pass my knowledge on to my playing partners who struggle with: "don't look up," "pushing the ball with your arms," "keeping weight on the left foot" and all sorts of mechanical details - details I have happily found I can now live without."

Marty Broadhurst
Sheperdstown, WV  

Hi John,

I am just about finished with your book. Still have Part II to complete
which is on the TO DO list for this evening. I'm about to go put your
principles into practice...will more than likely have some questions.
Do want you to know that your book makes me less afraid of the game, more
anxious to get out there....loved reading the swing myths to George.
He is enjoying your book as well.
Thanks so much.

Sue Forrest
Durham, NC

I've read the swing book cover to cover & now I'm slowing down to take a second pass at it....I played 18 holes last week after making my initial
adjustments & hit every fairway.....John, EVERY FAIRWAY!!!!....I don't think I've EVER done that before......Also my pitch shot is incredibly more
reliable now that I've relaxed my shoulders completely & learned to
trust....Someday, I'm gonna show up at your facility for some first hand
instruction....My wife has promised it to me if I get down to single
digits.....I'm a 24 right now but I can tell that won't last much
longer....Take care John & thanks for being so personable.

With much respect,

Joseph
 

Dear John,

I was begining to worry, and yesterday afternoon I received a slip from the Customs saying they had the videos, so I fished them out and viewed them last night. I was curious to know what you ment by 'relaxed', and I realise that means VERY relaxed.
This morning I played 9 holes, after not playing for over two weeks, and had a very relaxed and enjoyable game. I noticed I was comfortable opening my stance a little (I am used to a paralel stance), and my shooting was long and straight. The score was not at all bad either: one under bogey for a 16 handicapper. I'm waiting for the weekend, to relax my shoulders even further!!

Carlos Diehl

Hi John,

I have just received my first concept golf newsletter and wanted to say thanks for including me.  I have both of your books, which you autographed, and I have met you at Cheviot Hills for a couple of lessons.  I will be forwarding your newsletter to some friends who I hope will take advantage of your advice and sign on as one of your disciples. 

I got the chance to play golf a couple of times in Florida three weeks ago on a work/vacation trip and took your books along.  I have to blow the dust off of my clubs and brain, so revisiting your books is quite helpful.  I still struggle getting out of the mid 90’s, but I feel you have put me on the right track.  My wife, Lynn, is working on the concept golf ideas and probably has made more positive improvements to her game, as little as she plays and practices, than I have; I evidently have too many bad ingrained habits.

Thanks again, John, your newsletter is a great idea and I’m sure will be quite successful.

 Denny Britt

John:

The most significant idea for me in the CD was your encouraging us to lift that front foot heel ala Nicklaus and Watson, (probably Player, too.) I had not done so for many years having adopted the "modern" thinking to keep that front foot flat on the turf. Because you made the strong case in "Playing the Game" that it is the weight shift from the back foot to the front that determines the distance you hit the ball, it occurred to me that I would be more assured of having shifted the weight to the right side by lifting the left heel as I once did.

Allowing the left heel to come up on my par 3 course a few weeks ago (before the rains set in!) I found that I added 5 to 7 yards with my PW with as good or better accuracy. On the last hole, a 95 yard SW tee shot I had a kick-in putt for birdie - which I made by the way.

All the best to you in 2005.

Dave

Hi John...

Well, I received the total package yesterday... thanks.

I read the "The Swing" book last night and then went out and played a round of golf today.....

It was about 25-degrees but the sun was out with very little wind and I managed to go out as a single. Now - that's hard to do on a course here in Korea but I guess with the temperature and the timing , I was right on.

Anyway, I managed to hit 8-greens in regulation ( no Par 3's though) with 1-birdie, 10-pars, 6-bogeys, and 1-double for a score of 79

The principles are a perfect fit to rid oneself of all the other clutter that goes on in one's mind about the golf swing and hitting the ball.

Any mishits I had were attributed to not being relaxed....... so a little more practice on the course to ingrain all that you've written about the golf swing and how to play the game should lower my handicap significantly......

I even managed to hit two flag sticks...one with a pitch and one with a chip.........this game is FUN....

Travis Knotts

Hi John

I sent you a previously letter of frustration but I have been off all this week and I have been to the range every day practicing. I know you said no more than 25 balls but I feel I need to get the swing before I can do that. I do what you say and try not to fix my swing but just do the 5 principles. I do feel I am making good progress.

Thanks for everything. I really do believe you have the best instructional books in golf.

Don Yoshikawa.

John,

What a delightful presentation. I enjoyed it so much. I was playing
yesterday and a friend of mine was on the practice area hitting wedges. We don't have a range here and the practice area is next to the nr. 6 hole. As I was teeing off, Bart came running over and said, "Eureka" or something to that effect. Of course, I asked what he had found and he said that all he was doing was using the concept of throwing a baseball and he was hitting a good 30 yards farther and with less effort. What fun.

Bart Shirley played for the LA Dodgers for 4 years back in the 50s as a shortstop and is one of the most athletic people I know at age 65, but generally his golf is a disaster. Full of tension and hit and left arm straight and etc, etc. I said that I agreed with his discovery and relax and let it work. He bounded off the pick up balls and throw some more. I told him about your concepts a while ago and he was disinterested. I think we have found a new disciple.

Wife golf today. I'm gonna have to give Paula less strokes. She's beating
me like a drum. Chicken trips later though. Nice weather and looking
forward to a really pleasant day today on the course. Cold front tomorrow and no golf for a few days, probably until after Christmas. Speaking of Christmas, Merry Christmas to you and yours.

Wade

John:

I have been playing golf for the last 5 years and although I have a passion for the game I have been struggling to play well. I have taken lessons; played & practiced; and purchased many books, magazines, videos, clubs & swing trainers without much help.

I actually purchased your book a few years ago, read it, and for some reason dismissed Concept Golf as bunk and placed the book on my golf shelf to gather dust and almost gave the book away.

Last November I took an end of the season lesson from a new golf instructor who taught me to "relax my shoulders" and swing with my body and not my arms. I was killing my 3 wood off the deck - it was amazing! Although the season ended before I could develop what I was taught, I purchased books by Hogan and Knudson that taught the "whole body, passive arms" method. I am convinced that this is the answer/secret to great golf.

Last night for some strange reason I picked up your book from off the shelf and read it completely. You teach more clearly, simply and thoroughly this swing concept more than anyone I have read. What an amazing, but delayed, revelation. Thank you so very much -

Joe Scearbo
West Lebanon, NH.

Hi John,

I learned about Concept Golf from my cousin Robert Jacobs. I ordered your first book a few months ago and in just the short period of time that I have incorporated the concepts I have seen significant improvement. With the current order, your second book is for me and the first book is for my Uncle who is also an avid golfer. My goals as a golfer are simple. A consistent swing and to "feel" like I am actually playing the game as opposed to hacking around a course. I currently shoot in the mid to upper 90's and would like to get down to the low eighties. Too bad its winter up here now, but i an very excited about the new golf year coming up. We may be in Myrtle Beach
for spring break- are you anywhere near there?

Thanks for coming up with concept golf

Ron Wichin
DC

Thanks for the Sage Advice. I am being to incorporate the target concept into my swing. But I must admit that it is not my only thought. Although it is not my only thought. Your concept is very similar to when you pray 100% of your thoughts should be on the Lord (Sorry for the Religious theme).

One thing that has worked is only hitting a limited number of balls at the Range. I used to go to the Range and buy a large bucket and then buy another one when things were not working out. Now I buy 1 small bucket and end up leaving 1/2 the bucket or hitting 50 yard shots. This has really helped me out because I realized that my swing was fine and by hitting more balls I was trying to become something I am not.

Hope you have a great holiday

Michael Della Rosa

Thanks for taking time to respond. I will continue studying your two
books with delight. By the way, I mentioned that I coach basketball and
in Ohio. I seldom play during the season, but this past Sunday was just
too good to pass up. Keeping in mind that I have not played for over a
month and because of your first email I received re: relaxing the
shoulders, I went out with that thought in mind. I was AMAZED how well Istruck the ball just thinking about that principle. Thanks for caring.


Ray Slagle

John,

I have been meaning to write for some time. It took me a the better part of May but with some practice (and Robert Jacobs' watchful eye) I have
completely adopted your swing techniques with great satisfaction and
success! I wouldn't say that my handicap dropped below the 5 but that's due completely to short game and putting. My ball striking, however, was the best in my whole life!

My driver is my go to club - and one day I hit 13/14 fairways and the only one I missed was on the first cut and I made par anyway. I love hitting 3 and 4 irons. I have employed all 5 concepts, of course. Keeping the right knee in was probably the hardest to achieve but when I do the torque or isometric feel feels so athletic! What's more, just relaxing my shoulders and arms has helped me in so many other areas like handwriting and driving.  I am very pleased and grateful. Relaxing the arms and shoulders has also solved the problem of first tee jitters!

Some will say I am too optimistic or overstate my enthusiasm sometimes but I am not this time! My next task is short game. I need to get within 8 feet when I miss a green and start making those length of putts. I know I can find 2 per side.

Thank you again for your instruction. I am looking forward to next season. Best wishes to you and your family.

Sincerely,

Jim Hepfinger
 

Thanks for a great lesson! I am very optimistic that I will begin to excel at a game that has frustrated me for years.  It was a pleasure to meet you and I plan to keep you posted on my progress.  My only regret is that I wish it was April and not November.  One follow up question - the former baseball pitcher that I told you about who made a move much like what you advocate in concept golf - he addressed the ball with his right shoulder noticeably lower than his left, which seems to preset the weight shift to the right side.  Should I being setting up like that?
What an eye opener that was for me to understand the coiling into my right leg and then to push off to generate the power! I'm getting my clubs regripped next week.

Thanks again,
 

Harvey

Hi John,

I wanted to thank you for writing your book. Believe it or not, I found
your advice to be highly applicable to my work situation. I hope to apply
the concepts to golf someday - but as of right now, I have never played in my life. I am an artist, and I was given this book by a friend who golfs.
He said I would enjoy this book because of its positive approach to golf
that doesn't get hung up on techniques, but emphasizes watching your
thinking and even your words. I have often struggled to produce good art on demand as an artist, and have wished for a positive example of how to approach "performance on demand" issues. Your suggested approaches to mental hurdles in the game, and your emphasis on enjoyment and learning how to focus on the play of the game were so very helpful.

I'm also glad to have such a good introduction to the sport. I know when I learn to play someday that I'll be benefited by your teachings.

Sincerely,

Nancy Ward
North Hollywood, CA

John,

I bought your book (The Swing) about a year ago... I read through it and attempted to apply your concept to a three year old swing. I struggled so I gave up. Your book landed upon a stack of other books. It was almost donated to the public library.

Over time, by swinging my way, I gradually developed a nasty over-the-top movement that had my divots going 45 degrees left and my ball flight...
well, you can imagine.

While at the range it occurred to me that my posture and alignment were horrible; that both were affecting my weight transfer. Now where did I read about weight transfer? I had always started my swing with my arms and weight transfer was only a thought for me when moving right to left...

I began pushing off from my left side to start my swing and suddenly I was making better contact with the ball... After a few swings it was almost like the feeling I had when I realized my father had let go of the bicycle...I was gliding along.

Something just clicked. I got home and started going through your book
again.

I'm not ready for the tour, but I might start winning some more skins on the weekends.

Sincerely,

Curt Bany
Citrus Heights, CA

John,
I warned you more would come.
I am learning something interesting and would
appreciate your input.

In your book you describe the Mental and Emotional
characteristics of a good player. In particular you
mention Confidence and Inner peace and calm. Most of
the players I see are missing these qualities. They
get pissed at little things and take themselves out of
the game.
What I am learning is this: The good player
characteristics manifest in people who know the future
will be good. Things will work out.
What is interesting is this: If a person can be
grateful for the way things are, then they can be
confident of the future.
I can make better golfers by having them find things
to be grateful for.

 Doug

Being what I would describe as a feel player who tends to think too much ,I found your philosophy and 5 principles to be a huge weight lifted off my shoulders.( no pun intended regarding shoulder relaxation :-) All kidding aside, I probably own 90% of all golf books, videos, paraphernalia etc. that any mortal could attempt to absorb. though really, all along I just wanted something simple, something I could feel and develop some consistency through without thinking myself through the gazillion murderous "golf thoughts" and positions.

Before I talk you to death, I'll leave you with an interesting experience I've had over the years that relates to your concept of finding your own swing within the 5 fundamental principles:

As somebody who could be aptly described as a range rat ,I truly enjoy the exhilaration of a crisply hit shot on the sweet spot. The problem is that it's always come and go for me. But when I think back to the times when I felt that I HAD discovered my own way of repeating these crisp shots, it never had anything to do with technique or "golf cues" per se. Actually what it resembled most was a baseball pitcher !!! a simple but strong weight shift with the feet and legs propelling the arms and hands. So it is after about 3 or 4 years of Harmon, Leadbetter, McLean etc. swing keys, I've returned to my "pitcher swing" with much added encouragement from everything I read on your website. It's been so SO difficult a journey for me to finally understand that all I really have to focus on and feel is staying as relaxed as possible and shifting my weight powerfully. Boy am I glad that I stumbled upon your concept golf. You bring a wonderful game back from endless complexity to utter simplicity. Thanks,

Rob Reich

John,

Your letter to Skip in Backspin was quite helpful:

"The scientist would say that your power leg should be flexed about 64
degrees during the backswing. I'm not sure you will sense exactly how
much that is, but in your case you will be quite sure your knee will
touch the ground during your backswing. You won't touch the ground or
even get close, but your stupid senses will yell that to you."

I had taken about a month and a half off (didn't break 80 for about six
rounds, 7 handicap). After the layoff, as you suggest, I went out
thinking I'd just practice concept golf principles and enjoy. I went out
with the above quote in mind. After birdiing 2 of my first four holes I
was really having fun! I also putted while looking at the hole. Though I
played the last four four over I still shot 75. I was rippin' drives and
only took 25 putts. Thanks!

Scott Wilson

 

Hi John,

I've waited to reply so that I could thoroughly test your advice. I'm totally convinced! I now make a conscious effort to use more leg action to start my downswing. I'm getting more distance on my shots. I also do the same when I hit short pitches and lob shots. If I tend to swing my arms too fast and leave my legs behind I hit slice or toe shots. Now when that happens I simply say "use more leg action." Works every time. I like to feel like my feet start my downswing followed by my legs. Then I just let my arms drop and the shots are great. Thanks again for the advice.

David

John,

I went out today with the intention of just analyzing my swing. I knew two things. My biggest problem has been with actual contact with the ball. (I heard and felt a CLUNK instead of the little click) But my chip shots have always been very nice. After hitting a few chip shots I noticed that some how with that compact easy swing, my hands were always well ahead of the club head.

My first thought was to try to emulate that feeling in a full swing. Then I remembered you saying on the DVD to NEVER try to get the feel of a swing. Just DO the 5 concepts. So now what do I do? Simple. Just hit chip shots and get my mentality out of the dumps. I hit some very good and some not very good shots and was having fun again. Picking different targets at different distances. I happened to have an eight iron. (I didn't want a 7 iron because I didn't want to have the distance thing override my thoughts) After several swings, without thinking about it, I was hitting 110-120 yard chip shots nice and high and very close to the target. Then I purposely chose a target 110 yards away and hit 4 shots at it. None were more than 10 yards away.

I immediately picked up everything and went in the house with a warm glow in my heart. I may never THINK again. Just chip my way to the hole! :-)

I will do my practice swings tonight without the ball as usual but they may be more compact and relaxed!

Can't wait for the book. I wish I had try to beg an autograph from you! :-)

Still hangin in,

David

Correction: "None were more than 10 yards away" should have said 10 feet away!!!!

John,

I stumbled across your website (from who knows where) last week and was immediately successful in putting your swing principles to work during a weekend golf outing.

I think "armless" golf has just made another convert. Thanks!

Thanks again for being willing to share your ideas.

Jere Gray
Roseville, Ca.

I was doing my 15 minutes a day without the ball and concentrating on the 5 concepts. But, I was also going out and hitting 7 irons and doing the same thing. In fact if I were to be honest with myself, I was concerned foremost with distance. Instead of rejoicing that 90% of my hits are now straight to the target.

Anyway, from now on, when I got out I will play those holes and concentrate on the "game". Played the par 4 twice today and shot par twice. Never did that before! I hope this is a better way to go. I my distance should improve and I start hitting in the pond, no big deal. The pond in MY golf course is really a garden! :-)


Thanks John,

David

Hey John,

I know you are busy so I will try to be brief. As I have a bone disease that restricts almost any flexibility in my back, I finnally realized I was going to have no chance of accomplishing my main goal by attempting to produce the standard golf swing. I am a beginner (an old one at that) trying to evolve a swing for two years practicing in a field behind house.

In desperation, I Googled "Authentic Swing". Yep, as in Bagger Vance. I don't remember if you used that term on your site but, your site came up and I began to study your letters. As I read and read on a very rainy day, I came to realize that MANY times in my search for how to swing a club, your concept was "touched" on. Examples are: the age old quote, "let the club swing you", Hogan's practice of spending 30 minutes each day swinging and making the hands and arms do NOTHING, on the Golf Channel just last week was an instructor teaching to only turn the shoulders and that "leverage" is what produces power, Mark McGuire (soon going pro) stated "just let it happen" and there are more "hints".

All of these are fine but they are all presented in the context of the standard 3000 part swing. You have got it right! The five basic concepts make the swing! MY SWING!! It took me two days to actually get all the other thoughts out of my mind and trust the system but after reading "Thoughts Precede Results" I am hitting beautiful shots straight towards the target and really beginning to think target above all else. And my chipping... is smack on!!! My hope is to realize some decent distance. I have NO distance now but, hope to acquire average distance (100yds with pitching wedge and ten more each club).

Even with a little less but consistent and with accuracy, I feel I have a chance to accomplish my present long term goal.


Looking forward,

David Zimmer
Fairmount, GA

John,

For the first time in a long time I had that effortless swing. It took a LOT of willpower to just relax my shoulders and walk back and forth.

The results were very encouraging. My distance improved and so did my trajectory. Lower half wedges, etc.

My driving yardage was better. I also could carry the six iron about 170 yards as evidenced by five consecutive shots landing on a par three green. Not bad for a 50+.

To get to the point. I almost don't want to order your book. Why? Sometimes these instructionals end up harming more than helping. Understand, my statements are not a criticism but a left-handed compliment directed at your newsletters.

Regards,

Frank Bonerigo

 As you correctly state, such lessons typically and wastefully focus on "fixing" the swing. Your book more importantly has us fixing our THINKING with lasting and more effective results. Needless to say, your book has my whole-hearted recommendation. I am anxious to employ in my next round the ideas not only from the first third but, also, from the yet to be read 2/3 of GOLF CAN'T BE THIS SIMPLE!

David Sands
Van Nuys, California

John, my name is John Malpass, I have come across your web site and have found the information very helpful, after reading your news letters after 2 days I went out and played on Saturday. I was hitting my driver farther and straighter then I have ever done. I missed only one fairway and it was a pull, b/c I went back to rotating my hips. Anyways I am very impressed with your information.

Thanks for your
help on my golf game and your response

John M Malpass.
 

Hey, Coach.

Good Evening, Coach

Just received and completed first reading of "Playing the Game".

My first comment? It's found on page 185, "I always knew there was an answer to this game, and Concept Golf is it."

Good Job, Mister. I've highlited many good suggestions, and plan on implementing them often. Along with the Bible and my Big Book, Playing the Game is now required reading.

Thanks

Anson

I have now played 47 holes since first reading "Playing the Game". Man, am I ever pleased! Not only is my score improving, but, more importantly, I'm having fun again. The key points helping me so far are: relaxing my shoulders, the forward press, and Plan, Aim, Swing. I now have no time to worry about whether my fundamentals are correct, or what hazards might exist. It's just like it says: plan, aim gone! I was having short game troubles for a while, but got that straightened out today. So tomorrow is a new day.

Thanks.

Anson Galyon
Knoxville, TN

John:

Thank you for taking the time to answer my E-Mail. I really appreciate your advice. There is a line in the movie "Bagger Vance" that I think really mirrors your approach. Bagger Vance tells the hero Juna, "Everyone has one authentic swing that is theirs alone. You have to find that swing."
I understand that Concept Golf is about principles and not mechanics. I'm looking forward to finding my "authentic swing." I believe Concept Golf will help me find it.

Thanks again,

Mike Blanton

Well, yes, thank you. These are, in fact, for four friends. If you could
sign them that would be great.

I am very pleased with my ball striking. Shot even par for 9 the other day, but am not playing as much as I would like nor am in the position to play in anything "official." Four young children can do that to a guy!

However, I am very comfortable with the 5 concepts and am working hard on all of them. And, as I said, the improved ball striking makes the game great fun. I would say that the majority of missed shots come when I am not relaxed or when I try to grunt away and swing hard!

I am very please and excited about my play. Thank you again!

Jim Hepfinger
 

John
Had a great round to day, my main thought to stay relaxed, and not to expect to hit everything perfect. I shot a 68 that could have very easily been a 64 or 65. Not all shots were great, I remained focused and made the most of each and every shot, never letting those errant balls get the best of me. The key to it all, as you know , RELAX. I had fun, and it has been some time since golf has been so enjoyable for me. Thanks, Mo

P.S. Say Hi to Linda. You would not believe the shots Barbara is hitting, You have made it really fun for her.

Hi, John;

I am really enjoying the fruits of your training. I have never hit so many greens with longs irons - EVER! Driving is coming along nicely and I am now working on short game and course management. I am back in the high 70s and my goal is even par!

The relaxation and weight shift while keeping the right knee in has made so much difference! And it feels so athletic and stable. Every swing feels like hitting a long iron easy just to lay up on a par 5!

Thank you for your insight and training.

Jim Hepfinger

Hi John,

I received the books and videos and have had a chance to read one book (The Swing) and to watch both videos once, plus practice a couple of evenings for 15 minutes this past week.

Saturday 6/12/04 my friend and I played 18 and my swing is much better and I am hitting the ball crisper and further than I have for the past year. I only had missed hits when I was falling back into my old habits of trying to swing too hard rather than letting it swing freely. Many of my hits seemed so effortless compared to the past!

I look forward to more swing practice in the back yard without a ball and am excited about setting a course of continual improvement without over analysation. The relaxation of the upper body and arms is my primary concentration at this time.

Your first book "The Swing" was loaned to me for two weeks by a friend of mine (Gary Winder) who has read your book and spoken to you when he was first having trouble understanding the concept of the weight shift. Based on his experience and excitement on his improvement, I felt that I needed to give it a try. I believe that the second book and video are important to me because I have tried so many different things that my mind no longer had a road map to follow. My short game disappeared and your clear instruction will help me set a proper base line when I am in the bunker or chipping.

Thanks again for the positive instruction!

With best regards,

Walt Wood

John,

Your book just killed a lot of golf magazines. I used to
subscribe to at least four of them. Your principle of the
open stance, relaxed shoulders and arms, and moving the ball
to the target, solves the problems of clearing the body and
coming over the top. As a result, I can feel more coil in
the weight transfer during backswing and more speed during
the forward swing.

Your suggestion to hit low shots worked great for a guy with
the tendency to top the ball, even with a 2-3/4 inch tee.

I look forward to reading your book on playing the game.
Thanks millions.

Marshall Barnes

Coach:

Just want to inform you I shot my best score of 76 at my Club, Ruffled Feathers (Pete Dye) yesterday on a wet and windy day. I give all the credit to our meeting.

I really could have scored better but missed a couple putts and, since I am trying different shots, some questionable club selections. Some drives are still turning left of target at times, but I just keep trying to hit the target. I am hitting some great shots! I know I am going to shoot par this summer. I am keeping my par, birdie, and eagle score card. I'll keep you posted.


Thanks,

John J. Downey

John:

I want to thank you for changing my golf life. I played four times since our meetings and the first 3 scores were not good, but, I hit many great shots at my target with the ball flight and shape I intended. I need to practice around the greens a bit and my putting ( our greens are still bumpy with poor grass). Yesterday, I scored a 82 in the wind and wet conditions. I could have easily shot 78 but missed all of my birdie buts, and a few short par puts. I also made some mistakes in club selection and on uneven lies, which we get a bucket full of at my course even in the middle of the fairway. But, I am almost finished with your second book on playing the game. I now am understanding the weight shift a bit better and the lag of the arms and hands. It has to come quietly to your game, not intentionally. I am going on a 4 day golf trip this week in Indiana and will keep you updated on my progress.

I thought you might want to know that my golf pro/GM at my course, Ruffled Feathers, was taught by Johnny Ballard 15 years ago and has great respect for him. Don't worry, I will not be seeking any lessons from anyone from now on except for an occasional journey to the "Wizard of Wake Forest." Talk with you soon, have a great week.

John J. Downey

John,

The book came Saturday and already it has made a difference! I played
today and my drives are straighter and longer then ever before. I have
read the book once already and tried some of the drills. It's amazing
how simple the swing is. I make it difficult when I try to control it
and with your approach it's so easy to know when I have controlled it.

Regards,

Gary Winder

As you may remember, I had you send your new book to a friend as a Christmas present. He has read it several times as I have. We now have a term for shots that turn out well after we have planned, aimed and visualized the shot. We refer to these as"Toepelian" shots.

Hey, thanks for writing back. :)

I have been in the 4.8 to 8.0 handicap range for three years or so -- after taking up golf 10 years ago, when I was 36 (after an ACL knee surgery from basketball). Your book "hit the spot" in that it REALLY convinced me of the "way" to go low and not be limited by my own unspoken (and inadequate) expectations. Thanks for that.

Thanks again,

 -mike

Hi John...... Just a hearty "thank you" for a tremendous book! Fantastic. SO "simple" and I'm looking forward to the season to "put into play" what you've instructed. Thanks again. :)

-mike peters

 Thank you John,
Last season I read it can't be this simple the
swing. I went from shooting in the high 90's low 100's
from the whites to mid to low 80's from the tips. it
was amazing to me and my friends and I owe that to
you. with a new season around the corner I've ordered
and read (playing the game) I haven't got to play yet
but I can already feel a change in my thinking. even
when I'm just swinging a club in the living room I'm
not thinking about the swing. I'm seeing the picture.
a beautiful green with a flag tucked in the corner
with shade from a tree just covering the stick.
I'm headed to Florida on the 24th of this month
I'll let you know how I do.
thanks again

Doug Davenport
Michigan

Hi, John,

Thought I'd mention that, last Sunday, I illustrated my sermon by putting a quote from your "Let" chapter up on the big screen as we studied Genesis 13. When I substituted "God" for "system," it was amazing how relevant your idea was/is. Hope you don't mind! I gave you full credit.

Ken Fong

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