What Golfers Are Saying About The Four Foundations

Very helpful for any level of golfer to improve their mental approach, on-course strategy, practice routine and more. Written very clearly and accessibly, will be referring back to this one for as long as I play.

This book lays bare many myths and misconceptions about your game of golf. It is not a how-to-swing-the- club type of book but is a very comprehensive mass of information that will help you feel better about your game. It will spell out with facts and statistics what you should be focusing on the most and it will put into perspective every aspect of your game and how you should rightfully be responding to your (so called) bad shots.

About a month ago, I purchased your Four Foundations book from Amazon. I'm mostly through it at this point. If you are considering buying this book, you need to know that it is hands down, the best publication on how to play the game that I have ever read.I had hit a plateau in my game. I'm a decent player, but I have not been able to achieve any meaningful improvements over the past several years. I had been introduced to the concept of real strategy and how to apply it, but this book put it in very simple terms that were far easier for me to apply to MY game. That said, I went out recently and shot my best round ever, which included a -1 back nine on a course I've never played before. I've never shot under par on any 9 in my life, much less one I've never even seen that had a 71.5/145 rating!This book taught me to pay attention to the strike. I worked on that and found a setup position that allowed me to find the center of the face repeatedly. This book helped me pick an approach target that had me considering my shot dispersion in a way I never had before. The results speak for themselves.This book is absolutely incredible. I walk out on the golf course now and I am playing a completely different game than I was a month ago. This book has given me renewed energy and promise that my handicap can still be pressed lower. I've never been more excited to play my next round!

I've been playing this game as a mid single digit handicap since I was 12. College and High School golf teams, and USGA amateur tournaments, 50 plus years. This is one of the few books I have read that will lower your score and improve your understanding of the game without digressing into the nuances of technique. I wish I had read it 20 years ago. This book just seems to make it easier to understand the journey. Buy it whether you shoot low to mid 70s or 110 plus, and enjoy the game with the tools it provides. And you will. Good luck.

I'm about halfway through reading it and I already feel compelled to write a review. This book is excellent. It's so good in fact that I purchased another copy to give to my brother for Christmas. The tips Jon includes are applicable to golfers of any skill level and after having implemented some of them into my own game, I've already started to see an improvement. He covers everything from course management to pre-round preparation and includes tips on how to practice effectively. I'd say that if you're a golfer and looking to improve this book is a must read.

I stumbled upon Jon on Twitter a couple months back and saw his ideas and how easy it is just to tweak a couple things to enjoy the game more, and shave some strokes off. Just after reading a thread of his, my mindset changed slightly so I knew I had to get the book.Since reading the book I have started to enjoy the game a lot more and I have started thinking ahead more even. I'm a 14 handicap golfer that will swing down to 10 once in awhile depending how I am playing. I truly feel this will help me in the future to just stay more consistent and not have those terrible 100 stroke outlier rounds anymore.I used to get very frustrated playing, and this book has helped me keep a level head and understand the statistics of the proximity to the pin on certain shots, and not be so obsessed with getting on the fairway with a safe club.Thank you for helping me fall back in love with the game again.

I have been listening to sweet spot for a little over a year now and am a big fan of Jon Sherman and Adam Young (Lenny, cue the Adam way music).This book is essentially a recap of all of the podcasts best topics with additional insights, data, and statistics. It really breaks down what you need in order to improve your golf game. I enjoy how he highlights throughout the book that golf is supposed to be FUN! I have the tools, now it's time to hold myself accountable to the four foundations.PSA. This book is NOT a book about swing mechanics/fundamentals.

A must read for any golfer! An abundance of tips on managing your expectations, preparing for a round, executing shots, improving the physical and mental aspects, and so much more. This is a book that will be constantly referenced for those who want to improve their game and of course, have fun.

I would recommend this book to anyone who (or is thinking of) swinging a golf club… Male, Female, Teen.. Beginner, Advanced. Anyone. Jon tells it as it is. My favorite chapter is about "practice". Helping golfers with routines, techniques and drills. Fun to read and will be with me for a long time.

I have read The Four Foundations of Golf and feel like it is an excellent read and tool for improving one's golf game and enjoyment of the sport. I will be incorporating much of it into my game and practice in 2023 as I try to move my index to low single digits. Plenary of highlighted areas and bookmarks that I am sure will serve me well if I combine it with the GRIT that will be necessary.

Back in my salad days (20-25 years ago), I was a pretty good golfer. The energy and confidence of youth provided quite a few rounds in the 70s and I held onto it as long as I could. But all these years later, now in my early 50s, I simply don't play golf as much as I used to, and all I look for in my game today is enjoyment.That word – enjoyment – is what makes "The Four Foundations of Golf" a must-have textbook for those golfers who want to get back to the joy of the game we had in our youths. Without worrying about club position at the top, pronating or supinating, lag, forward press, blah blah blah. I don't expect much out of my game other than to enjoy the walk, weather, and companionship.Four Foundations will help the golfer keep perspective with regards to expectations, both in score and ball-striking ability. There is so much common sense commentary about what I can expect from my game, and how to get the most out of it. For example, I don't belong to a club anymore and spend more time practicing. I like and understand the idea of tracking where the ball hits the face at impact, and how it affects contact and distance. A little foot spray or baby powder will do it! Instant feedback.Course management is another important part of enjoying the game, and there is a wealth of knowledge in this book to help golfers like me avoid stupid mistakes and understand that it's OK to play for a bogie and the center of the green is your friend. Oh, and don't measure myself against the guys on TV! They are out there for a reason, and I have nothing to gain from comparing myself to the 0.01% of the best players in the world.I could go on, but overall, I recommend this book (textbook) for golfers who seek common sense advice and course management strategy. Get out and enjoy the game!

After following Jon's Twitter account and picking up lots of useful insights from that, I bought a copy of his book. As he mentions throughout, this is not a book with swing instructions or drills. It's more a compilation of the things he's learned and observed that have helped him become a better golfer and what he believes can help others who often get stuck in a never-ending cycle of instruction of swing tips and suggestions from online instructors and golf publications.I'd describe this book as a sort of "Chicken Soup" for golfers - things that we sometimes already know that are reinforced; often things we didn't know and are eye-opening. In any case he explains them in a way that makes them easier to apply on the golf course or when practicing. Without divulging too much, Jon has a way of illustrating how golfers sabotage themselves with their expectations of their game versus their skill level and their practice habits...and never in a condescending way. He also provides tips and insights that helped me re-frame my practice habits and my mental preparation before and during a round.This isn't rocket science, which makes it even more effective in my opinion. It's just a basic, "common sense" approach to golf and how to get more fun out of it. And it works. I have found I enjoy the game much more now; because I've reset my expectations of what good golf shots are, especially when compared to "scratch" or tour professionals, I've found I'm less disappointed with my shotmaking, and often am amazed at how well I can play when I just "let it go".This book appeals to all skill levels and ages. An absolute must have for your bookshelf.I'm a 55 year old golfer who's played for about 40 years and my handicap index is near the lowest it's ever been (5.5). I believe I still have plenty of opportunities to improve on that.

The presented data helps to understand expectations while providing insight on how to improve and most importantly, how to enjoy the game of golf. Sherman writes in an engaging and entertaining tone which is enjoyable and easy to understand.

A wonderful program of thought, analysis, and systematic approach to enjoying rather than fighting the highs and lows of a difficult game. I highly recommend this book for players that would benefit from refocusing their physical and psychological approaches to having FUN again on the course and life.

The course management suggestions alone are worth the price of this book. You'll wonder why anyone should ever hit into bunkers if they play smart.You'll read a lot of the material and think to yourself, I knew this all along, but my pride got in the way or I fell victim to quick fixes that didn't work.The book puts swing lessons in their proper place, as only one part of your golf game. You still need to own everything. You need to make adjustments based on the feedback that you're getting for yourself. Sherman explains the level of commitment that it will take to get the most of out of your ability. It's high, but we chose this hobby because the rewards are worth the effort.Sherman's recommendations on other books and figures in the game were very helpful, as well. I've been delving into his Sweet Spot podcast archives for more details.I came back to golf after ten years away. If you're like me, this book will inspire you to get back into the game. I cannot recommend this book highly enough.

I didn't know I needed this until I found it. Not regurgitating swing tips that are available everywhere. Explaining cause and effect of a golfers decision whether physical or mental.I stumbled across Jon because I was searching for a specific design for a logo I was looking to create. His wind blown pin was what I had in mind so I wanted to see what he was about. Happenstance.

I have read many golf books. This one stands out because it is a comprehensive but very accessible guide to everything you need to know to significantly improve in this game. It covers essentials from course management to how to practice to how to mentally approach the game. It will complement whatever technical swing book you are studying or lessons you may be taking. The chapters are short and to the point. Each chapter has a bulleted summary. After reading the whole thing, I was able to go back and quickly refresh on the main points prior to practicing or playing. Really an outstanding book!

I am a 15 handicap and looking to improve my game. I couldn't recommend this book more. It has changed the way I look at the game. It is not a quick fix book and the information is applicable for most golfers

Thoroughly enjoyed this book. I've been reading the book during a non-golfing recovery period after some spinal surgery and feel I now have a lot of new insights and techniques to take back to the golf course to lower my scores. The principals discussed in the book make complete sense and I can't wait to put them into practice on the course.

I have followed Jon's articles on his website for a long time and have already made significant changes to my thoughts and strategies on the course. They have made a huge difference for me in performance as well as enjoyment level. I was one who would blow up and pout and disassociate with my buddies when things started going badly. I'm proud to say I am no longer that person thanks to Jon.So when this book came out, I knew I would enjoy reading it. And it did not prove me wrong. Jon did a great job writing this book and he covers all of the subjects very well and easy to understand. I gained further insight on things I had already learned from him as well as learning new information that I did not know. I can't wait to put his ideas into practice and I am looking forward to even more improvement and enjoyment on the course.Thanks Jon! I really loved your book. All golfers should read this book. It can help everyone in my opinion.

If you like golf, then you need to read this book. Period. End of story.Golf is hard. But, Jon's ideas will make it easier … and more fun!This book is highly practical. It's not touchy-feely or fluffy. It's real. And specific. I wish I would have read it a lot sooner than I did.

I played golf in high school (about 30+ years ago) and basically gave it up; my clubs are no kidding about 40 years old. This year I decided to try to get back into the game, so I am slowly starting to acquire supplies, and soon, new clubs. This book has been helpful in reminding me - and in some cases learning the first time - more of the coaching and mental aspects of the game. How to make practice count, setting realistic expectations, etc. I'm sure I will be referring to it many times, and I am glad to have discovered the Practical Golf website, which I am soon to begin exploring as well. Well worth the time and cost for this book. Thank you,

Jon Sherman's Four Foundations of GolfAn absolute must-read for any golfer of any level. I'm in my early 40s and wish a mentor, coach, or my dad had put a book like this in front of me when I was 9 years old (albeit the data Jon references was not available in the 1990s, but you get the point).I read the book from cover to cover over a few weeks. I made notes in line, tabbed the pages, and transferred many of Jon's strategy, practice, and mental game notes to my on-course reference book (Jon's book is slightly too large to carry on course).My three sons will read this book, specifically Part One: Managing Expectations. While you can reference specific areas of Jon's book directly without issue, I highly recommend you read Part 1 first. This section, along with the work of many of Jon's references, showed data and educated or corrected me on defining: what is a good golf shot; what is a good round; and setting realistic performance expectations. Part 1 is applicable beyond golf (as is the Mental Game, Part 4).Jon accomplishes exactly what he set out to do with his writing, which is to 1) spell things out clearly with little room for interpretation and 2) communicate in a simple and straightforward manner.Jon does not bog you down with technical aspects of the swing or other technical deep dives. He focuses on developing skill and transferring that skill to the course with Strategy (Part 2), including course management, proximity, shot patterns, course study, pre- and post-shot routines, and mental analysis.Finally, Jon is approachable and a credible teacher. He provides numerous other resources to build upon the material in his book. Jon also quickly responded with generosity to a personal request. I cannot recommend this book and Jon's online resources enough.5 stars.