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The Four Foundations of Golf: How to Build a Game That Lasts a Lifetime
#1 Amazon Golf Book Best-SellerLower Your Scores, Increase EnjoymentAre you struggling to take your golf game to the next level? Learn the philosophy that has helped thousands of players worldwide lower their scores and improve their relationship with golf.
Swing tips come and go, but foundational golf skills last forever. Whether you are a complete beginner or an advanced player, The Four Foundations of Golf will give you the blueprint to build a stronger, longer-lasting game. This is not your typical, fluffy golf guide that leaves all the important details out.
Since 2015, Practical Golf has been one of the top online game-improvement resources for golfers. Jon Sherman has written hundreds of articles, sharing his perspective as a “player-coach.” You can finally get all of the methods he’s used to become a scratch golfer and coach other golfers in one complete guide.
Every golfer wants to know the secrets to golf. But they are always looking in the wrong places. There are four foundations to building a successful game - expectation management, strategy, practice, and a sharp mental game. In each of these sections, you will receive tangible and actionable advice.
In this book, you will learn how
• Become a happier, more fulfilled golfer through expectation management• Understand how scoring truly occurs and use modern data analytics to lower your handicap efficiently• Learn a strategic framework a golfer of any level can quickly adopt - pick smarter targets with every club in your bag and watch your scores drop overnight• How to practice efficiently. Get detailed, step-by-step instructions on methods that will increase your skills and finally transfer your practice range game to the course• Improve your swing without thinking about your technique• The secrets to increasing your distance used by touring pros and elite amateurs• Use statistics to customize your practice sessions and strategy• Learn mental techniques to calm yourself, build routines, and stand over the ball with more confidence• And much, much more
Finally, you will no longer have to feel like you are lost and alone in your golf game. The Four Foundations will teach you how to be your own coach, and not waste time on methods that don’t work. Stop listening to your friend’s questionable tips and learn what all the greats have figured out.
If you like detailed, straightforward information with plenty of examples, you will love this book. It will reshape how you think about golf entirely and give you the tools and strategies to transform your entire game.
Swing tips come and go, but foundational golf skills last forever. Whether you are a complete beginner or an advanced player, The Four Foundations of Golf will give you the blueprint to build a stronger, longer-lasting game. This is not your typical, fluffy golf guide that leaves all the important details out.
Since 2015, Practical Golf has been one of the top online game-improvement resources for golfers. Jon Sherman has written hundreds of articles, sharing his perspective as a “player-coach.” You can finally get all of the methods he’s used to become a scratch golfer and coach other golfers in one complete guide.
Every golfer wants to know the secrets to golf. But they are always looking in the wrong places. There are four foundations to building a successful game - expectation management, strategy, practice, and a sharp mental game. In each of these sections, you will receive tangible and actionable advice.
In this book, you will learn how
• Become a happier, more fulfilled golfer through expectation management• Understand how scoring truly occurs and use modern data analytics to lower your handicap efficiently• Learn a strategic framework a golfer of any level can quickly adopt - pick smarter targets with every club in your bag and watch your scores drop overnight• How to practice efficiently. Get detailed, step-by-step instructions on methods that will increase your skills and finally transfer your practice range game to the course• Improve your swing without thinking about your technique• The secrets to increasing your distance used by touring pros and elite amateurs• Use statistics to customize your practice sessions and strategy• Learn mental techniques to calm yourself, build routines, and stand over the ball with more confidence• And much, much more
Finally, you will no longer have to feel like you are lost and alone in your golf game. The Four Foundations will teach you how to be your own coach, and not waste time on methods that don’t work. Stop listening to your friend’s questionable tips and learn what all the greats have figured out.
If you like detailed, straightforward information with plenty of examples, you will love this book. It will reshape how you think about golf entirely and give you the tools and strategies to transform your entire game.
424 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 16, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
October 25, 2022
I've read dozens (yes, dozens) of books on golf. This is THE BEST one yet. Sherman has a wonderful way of blending practical knowledge, data insights, and sports psychology to provide very actionable advice on how to improve one's game. I love that he de-emphasizes technical swing analysis and instruction. In my opinion, golf teachers went off the rails when they began spending all their time trying to teach amateurs the intricacies of the swing. As Sherman notes, all that matters is ball striking. The author gets it.
July 17, 2023
Should be mandatory reading for any golfer
November 28, 2023
For the golf nerds, a must read about the mental game and putting things in perspective.
May 30, 2023
Fantastic golf guide. I am a recreational 19 handicap golfer and this book was phenomenal! Lots of practical advice, tips, strategies, and philosophy. I am already putting them into play. I highly recommend.
May 2, 2024
A solid 4 1/2 ⭐️s … after starting this as a physical book, I switched to audiobook when I saw it was on sale on Audible. It was read by the author who has a very easy voice to listen to and very conversational tone. It has great tips on improving your golf game and none (or very little) of it is related to your swing. I found myself listening to it on my car drives to and from the course. I like it enough to immediately pick up his follow up book.
August 14, 2022
An excellent book for players of any skill level. This is a great “coaching” book; you won’t find any swing tips or advice on technical maneuvers here. But that’s exactly what makes it great. Sherman does a great job of illustrating and supporting his concepts with statistics and objective data, while presenting in the information in an easily digestible manner. I have seen immediate improvement in my game, and many others too - not because of technical advice, but due to course management strategy and an improved perspective while playing. I feel like I now make smarter decisions on the course and have more fun playing. I’d recommend this book to any golfer.
August 12, 2022
One of the best golf books out there!
Golfers of all skill levels can benefit from this book. The mental side of the game is so often ignored, yet it is crucial to success. I have personally improved after reading this book, but more importantly I am just having more fun playing the game!
Golfers of all skill levels can benefit from this book. The mental side of the game is so often ignored, yet it is crucial to success. I have personally improved after reading this book, but more importantly I am just having more fun playing the game!
November 13, 2022
Aall you need for the REST of the game (outside swing mechanics)
Exactly what I was looking for. Most booos proclaim to be THE answer, but this book looks at all the decisions pre- & post-shot on and off the golf course, that contribute to your score, but more importantly, your enjoyment.
The chapters around managing expectations were particularly helpful to me, using Strokes Gained understanding. For example, knowing you are almost always better off getting closer to the hole, as long as you avoid hazards (water, bunkers, deep rough) or out OOB. That alone had me working my driver and long irons more deliberately.
Check out the preview and the contents to get an idea of what I am talking about.
I’m only a hacker (avg 110-120 strokes/round) but already enjoying my golf more!
Exactly what I was looking for. Most booos proclaim to be THE answer, but this book looks at all the decisions pre- & post-shot on and off the golf course, that contribute to your score, but more importantly, your enjoyment.
The chapters around managing expectations were particularly helpful to me, using Strokes Gained understanding. For example, knowing you are almost always better off getting closer to the hole, as long as you avoid hazards (water, bunkers, deep rough) or out OOB. That alone had me working my driver and long irons more deliberately.
Check out the preview and the contents to get an idea of what I am talking about.
I’m only a hacker (avg 110-120 strokes/round) but already enjoying my golf more!
February 12, 2023
Jon Sherman’s Four Foundations of Golf
An 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.
An 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.
January 31, 2024
I think this book is perfectly targeted for players such as myself, who want to get better and be a good player, but don't have the time or money to invest in the practice time, equipment, or lessons required to make a big jump. Rather it's about making improvements around the margins to help make the game more enjoyable, such as strategic decisions, mental approaches, and basics of the game. There isn't a ton of technical instruction, not even the so-called basics of grip, stance, and setup, but there's a good amount of focus on the truth of the game - hitting the center of the clubface. I've made some decent improvements over the past 2 seasons by focusing on mental and strategic decisions and expectations, and this book will only help further my goals.
The only critique I will make of the book is the same one I make of most books. It's a 400-page book, and honestly there isn't 400 pages of material in it. There is quite a bit of redundancy. Truthfully, the author runs a great Twitter account and often provides almost all of the content in the book, but in bite-sized chunks. The info works better that way, for me. The book does act as a more organized way to find specific information, though, so perhaps it will work better in book form for others.
The only critique I will make of the book is the same one I make of most books. It's a 400-page book, and honestly there isn't 400 pages of material in it. There is quite a bit of redundancy. Truthfully, the author runs a great Twitter account and often provides almost all of the content in the book, but in bite-sized chunks. The info works better that way, for me. The book does act as a more organized way to find specific information, though, so perhaps it will work better in book form for others.
May 17, 2023
This is a book that most amateur golfers who care about improving their game should read. The focus on how to improve your game without offering swing advice is an approach that can help a lot of players who are caught in an unending cycle of terrible quick tips from golf magazines and youtube instruction. Jon makes it clear that trying one "5 minutes to cure your slice" tip after another will not lead to lasting improvement. Jon takes a holistic approach to improving your game covering everything from ball flight rules to physical fitness to mental preparation.
My overall rating reflects the fact that there isn't much here for people who've already explored a lot of other high quality golf instruction books. Anyone who has read "The Practice Manual" (written by the author's podcast partner) or "Be a Player" by Nilsson and Marriott will find a lot of similarities in this book. Also, anyone who follows Jon on social media will find a lot the same things discussed there covered again in the book. The quality of the information in this book was high, there just wasn't a whole lot I didn't already know.
My overall rating reflects the fact that there isn't much here for people who've already explored a lot of other high quality golf instruction books. Anyone who has read "The Practice Manual" (written by the author's podcast partner) or "Be a Player" by Nilsson and Marriott will find a lot of similarities in this book. Also, anyone who follows Jon on social media will find a lot the same things discussed there covered again in the book. The quality of the information in this book was high, there just wasn't a whole lot I didn't already know.
March 29, 2024
My first golf book after getting back into the sport two years ago, and for the most part, it was the kind of book I needed to get better/smarter when playing the game.
This is a great semi-beginners book. I wouldn't recommend it to brand new players who still need to learn the golf swing and get those fundamentals down first. But once you've got the basics of the swing down and are ready to really start learning the game and all of its myriad aspects, this is a great first step book.
It covers everything from course management, swing thoughts, mental game - a complete overview of how to play the game of golf. I knock it down a star because the writing is pretty poor and very repetitive - it felt like Jon was told or chose to bloat up the book to 400+ pages because he repeats the same points over and over and over again in every chapter. A little goes a long way. This might be beneficial for others who learn from repetition, but for me, it was grating.
Other than that, it's a great guide for those tee-ing off from the second to the front tees on a course or those with high handicaps like myself.
This is a great semi-beginners book. I wouldn't recommend it to brand new players who still need to learn the golf swing and get those fundamentals down first. But once you've got the basics of the swing down and are ready to really start learning the game and all of its myriad aspects, this is a great first step book.
It covers everything from course management, swing thoughts, mental game - a complete overview of how to play the game of golf. I knock it down a star because the writing is pretty poor and very repetitive - it felt like Jon was told or chose to bloat up the book to 400+ pages because he repeats the same points over and over and over again in every chapter. A little goes a long way. This might be beneficial for others who learn from repetition, but for me, it was grating.
Other than that, it's a great guide for those tee-ing off from the second to the front tees on a course or those with high handicaps like myself.
April 2, 2024
This book is not a typical how to swing right kind of book and author does make a note of that at the onset of this book. However the book provides a smorgasbord of information about golf and hopefully helps you “enjoy” the game a bit more.
While the book will help more if you at least golf recreationally but does provide some insight for someone like me who is trying to transition from range practice to playing time.
I picked up golf rather late in my life but nevertheless trying to immerse myself as much I possibly can to pick up this sport. I cannot commit a significant playing time given competing priorities but nevertheless plan to come back to this book as I embark on my golf journey.
A good read!
While the book will help more if you at least golf recreationally but does provide some insight for someone like me who is trying to transition from range practice to playing time.
I picked up golf rather late in my life but nevertheless trying to immerse myself as much I possibly can to pick up this sport. I cannot commit a significant playing time given competing priorities but nevertheless plan to come back to this book as I embark on my golf journey.
A good read!
December 17, 2022
This book was well marketed on social media so I had been anticipating its arrival for some time. On the whole, I found the book to be very good, if somewhat unsatisfying as a better player. Additionally, most of the topics covered that would be fresh for some readers were previously covered (and in greater detail) by Adam Young’s The Practice Manual. Unsurprisingly, as co-hosts of an excellent podcast together titled The Sweet Spot, their philosophies to golf improvement and practice are quite similar. I preferred Young’s book, even though the writing in Sherman’s is more articulate and better organized. Definitely worth a skim to the parts that may interest you.
3.9/5.0
3.9/5.0
September 11, 2023
Audio version narrated by the author.
This is an excellent golf book. Sherman focuses on adjusting expectations, course management, and more mental game vs technical instruction. It probably works best as the video version Sherman references, middle as a print book with all the references available, and third as an audio. I still got a lot out of this book as an audio and will in all likelihood listen to it again. I've seen improvements in my game on the course from the lessons I took from this book. I still have a long way to go, but I'm glad I picked this book up so soon after picking the game up again in my mid-30s.
This is an excellent golf book. Sherman focuses on adjusting expectations, course management, and more mental game vs technical instruction. It probably works best as the video version Sherman references, middle as a print book with all the references available, and third as an audio. I still got a lot out of this book as an audio and will in all likelihood listen to it again. I've seen improvements in my game on the course from the lessons I took from this book. I still have a long way to go, but I'm glad I picked this book up so soon after picking the game up again in my mid-30s.
March 22, 2023
As a long time golfer I found this book to be one of the best guides I have read to inform and set more realistic goals for my game. It is not a swing instruction book nor a golf physiology book although elements of both of these are referred to in the chapters. It provides guidance on how to manage your expectations for all aspects of the game. Guidance on training to provide a more enjoyable round where a poor score on any given day does not destroy your enjoyment of the never ending challenge which is the game of golf. Throughly recommended
May 1, 2023
Title a little of a misnomer
To me this book is a little bit of a misnomer. The author does admit that he’s not going to talk technique and he succeeds at that. I believe this is mostly about the mental side of the game. It does rehash some of what o learned in the book titled “Golf By the Numbers” by Roland Minton” and that is good info. But since the author is apparently a plus handicap, perhaps he could have added a little on what he sees as the fundamentals of the swing.
To me this book is a little bit of a misnomer. The author does admit that he’s not going to talk technique and he succeeds at that. I believe this is mostly about the mental side of the game. It does rehash some of what o learned in the book titled “Golf By the Numbers” by Roland Minton” and that is good info. But since the author is apparently a plus handicap, perhaps he could have added a little on what he sees as the fundamentals of the swing.
September 19, 2023
Great Golf Read on How to Get Better
Loved Jon Sherman’s book on the four fundamentals of golf. The advice is a very helpful treatise on how to get better while staying away from the details of how to swing (see a pro). There is a lot here on how to improve without changing your swing (such as strategy, attitude, practice). A lot of good guidance on where to go for additional resources (books, apps, training tools). Golfer at any level can benefit.
Loved Jon Sherman’s book on the four fundamentals of golf. The advice is a very helpful treatise on how to get better while staying away from the details of how to swing (see a pro). There is a lot here on how to improve without changing your swing (such as strategy, attitude, practice). A lot of good guidance on where to go for additional resources (books, apps, training tools). Golfer at any level can benefit.
March 16, 2024
glad I read this book.
While there were no ah ha moments this primer on the mental side of the game was useful to reinforce concepts that were mostly intuitive for me. The book underscores why we should play this marvelous game and perhaps why others should not. Honestly some personalities are incapable of learning or just resistant to do so. Those motivated to improve their enjoyment here would benefit from reviewing and understanding some of the concepts reviewed.
While there were no ah ha moments this primer on the mental side of the game was useful to reinforce concepts that were mostly intuitive for me. The book underscores why we should play this marvelous game and perhaps why others should not. Honestly some personalities are incapable of learning or just resistant to do so. Those motivated to improve their enjoyment here would benefit from reviewing and understanding some of the concepts reviewed.
October 23, 2022
If you are given one book and then stranded on a deserted island (with your golf clubs), let it be this one. I have yet to find a book more comprehensive, yet approachable, and so vital to learning the foundations of golf. Jon Sherman takes his lifetime of experience and helps the reader/golfer through the difficult aspects of golf to make better golfers, and happier people.
December 8, 2022
Very helpful for new golfer
Not started applying loads of this yet but even just reflecting on the chapter about grit really helped me after a couple of tough/disappointing sessions at the range. One week later, I hit the ball as well as I ever have.
I'm sure there will be lots of other concepts that become useful as continue to learn playing golf
Not started applying loads of this yet but even just reflecting on the chapter about grit really helped me after a couple of tough/disappointing sessions at the range. One week later, I hit the ball as well as I ever have.
I'm sure there will be lots of other concepts that become useful as continue to learn playing golf
December 9, 2022
A great book for a beginner to golf. I read a couple of chapters when I went to the golfing range or played a round. Spreading out the reading and applying some of the ideas helped a lot!
This book contains everything except the fundamentals of a golf swing, so you’ll need a coach or a different resource for that. It’s also fairly repetitive, so reading it quickly could get tiring.
This book contains everything except the fundamentals of a golf swing, so you’ll need a coach or a different resource for that. It’s also fairly repetitive, so reading it quickly could get tiring.
January 12, 2023
Practical and Useful for Any Golfer; Awesome read
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 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.
November 20, 2023
Great for a high to mid-handicap golf player or even a low-index player—who somehow has miraculously achieved a low handicap without consulting any course strategy.
I wouldn't suggest this for anyone just beginning to play and is still figuring out the ins and outs of a golf swing. That player should go to Ben Hogan's book.
I wouldn't suggest this for anyone just beginning to play and is still figuring out the ins and outs of a golf swing. That player should go to Ben Hogan's book.
December 31, 2023
I found it to be geared towards people just picking up golf or really high handicappers. A lot of the information if you follow golf in any fashion isn’t new. It was also really repetitive from chapter to chapter. What I read the book for didn’t come until the last 100 pages and again, was nothing ground breaking or new.
January 3, 2024
Whether you are a 20 handicap or +2, this book is a must read for the average golfer. Jon gives thoughts backed by shocking stats which the average golfer needs to consider especially when setting expectations for their next 18 holes. The provided stats, advice, and even crucial training drills provide a clear path to not only get better but enjoy this awesome game we are all gladly addicted to!
July 6, 2022
Golf Book Covering All Aspects of the Game.
Jon does a great job with the outline of the content. Easy to read and understand. Jon makes tough subjects easy to understand. His personal experience and stories of others makes the material relatable. For anyone who wants to get better at golf, this book’s for you.
Jon does a great job with the outline of the content. Easy to read and understand. Jon makes tough subjects easy to understand. His personal experience and stories of others makes the material relatable. For anyone who wants to get better at golf, this book’s for you.
July 23, 2022
Uncommonly Good Common Sense
What a wonderful book for any golfer at any stage of their journey. It will make you think (but not overthink!) about how to approach your game in a much more enjoyable and beneficial way.
What a wonderful book for any golfer at any stage of their journey. It will make you think (but not overthink!) about how to approach your game in a much more enjoyable and beneficial way.
August 10, 2022
Plenty of good advice
I would say this book would benefit higher handicappers and would most certainly help to reduce handicaps, but there is also a lot of good advice for the lower handicappers too. Definitely worth a read.
I would say this book would benefit higher handicappers and would most certainly help to reduce handicaps, but there is also a lot of good advice for the lower handicappers too. Definitely worth a read.
November 8, 2022
Most of the stuff I already knew. It was good to have much of it confirmed. And there were some good nuggets in here that I will take to the range and course. I would not say this is a revolutionary book, but, again, some good wisdom to be found here and there.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews