'A Swing For Life' An Interesting Read, Good Primer

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Category: Book Reviews

Published: 2016-01-10

The recently re-released 'A Swing for Life,' courtesy of Nick Faldo, which coincides with the 25th anniversary of Faldo’s first major title, the 1987 Open, is a fascinating blend of old-school and new wave components.

I’m a hands-on kind of learning guy. I can read something and understand the principals in play, but I’m better off getting a feel for what I’m trying to learn by doing, not seeing what I want to figure out, especially in the world of golf.

However, the recently re-released 'A Swing for Life,' courtesy of Nick Faldo, may be changing my mind on that premise.

This release by Simon & Schuster, which coincides with the 25th anniversary of Faldo’s first major title, the 1987 Open, is a fascinating blend of old-school and new wave components.

That is, the print, all 274 pages of it, is there to pore over if one wishes, but at the same time there are also 23 video lessons, accessible via Smartphone and Microsoft tags implanted on the pages of the book, making this a win-win situation no matter how you prefer to learn.

Now please realize that I’m a golf lesson book-collecting fanatic. I have over 50 titles on my bookshelf but they were for the most part published prior to 1980. Many of them are from as far back as the ‘50s and ‘60s, so to pick up a recent release (2012) is for me unusual. The thing is, going through the pages is intriguing as times, and equipment, have changed so much.

The main part of the game of golf however has never really changed. The need for a swing that works time after time and that’s where Faldo begins his lessons. He notes early on, like so many of the tomes preceding this book which is actually a re-release of his book by the same name from 1995, that a repeating swing is the foundation in becoming a better player.

Since the issue of the book I received from the publisher was an uncorrected reader’s proof, I can’t share any direct quotes from Sir Nick with you, but trust me on this: from a guy who has looked at dozen of instruction books including ones by Nicklaus, Hogan, Snead and Palmer among others, this one is right up there in working you through what needs to be done to become a better player especially since you can see the the instructions being played out.

Through its 10 chapters, Faldo takes you on a journey that focuses on the mental side of things as well as the physical end of the game. He dwells on fundamentals, working the ball, driving, chipping and putting and sand play – in other words, all aspects of the game rolled up in an easy read on large pages with still photos and, of course, the digital age enhancements chipped in to make this book a worthy purchase.

Known as a Smart Book, 'A Swing for Life' is all about reading, watching, listening and, yes, learning.

The book lists for $39.99 but is available at any number of online websites for varying prices. Be assured, though, no matter what you pay, this book is a great piece of instructional material that will help your game if you put what you read, and learn, into play.

About the writer: Gord Montgomery is the sports editor of two weekly newspapers in the Edmonton area and is a member of the Golf Journalists Association of Canada. He has written for Inside Golf for the past five years with the majority of his coverage in north and central Alberta.

He can be reached at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..