I debated whether or not to write a post about The Four Foundations of Golf by Jon Sherman because it isn’t a novel or a typical book that I would read. The book is more of a manual divided into four parts: managing expectations, strategy, practice and the mental game. This is the second book that I have read/purchased by an “amateur” that started a website and eventually created enough content for a book. In both cases, I’ve found the books extremely informative and helpful. These self improvement type books just seem to have more concrete information when they are written by a typical partitioner (ok in both cases better than typical) in the subject matter, instead of a professional.

Jon makes it plain right from the beginning of the book that he wants to be a coach, and not a swing instructor.

Just to set expectations I am not a good golfer. I’m a below average golfer that is eager to improve. I have taken several lessons at this point, and they have all been focused on swing (which is fine). I’m finding it extremely beneficial, at least mentally, to not focus on swing, but instead strategy. Jon walks through how to approach a course (where you should aim), technology that can make you better, practice tips, how weather effects the course, etc. He also dives into his own personal experiences, which I find equally fascinating. For me, this book is exactly what I was looking for. With golf I have always felt a little lost on how to practice, other than going to the range. And even at the range, I’m not really sure what I should be working on. Jon goes through a lot of common mistakes, and I find that I have made all of them.

This book is not going to instantly make me or anyone else a better golfer. However, if you are like me, and are not feeling particularly sure how to improve, I would definitely recommend this book. To me, it remind me of studying for different career certifications. If you pass the certification it does not make you an expert in the subject, but it does highlight all the areas that you should try to grow your knowledge in to become an expert. The Four Foundations of Golf is a book I expect to continually refer back to. I’m not trying to memorize all the advice, and I know that I cannot, but I am using the book to build out a practice strategy. I expect I will still be a terrible golfer for the foreseeable future, but at least now I will be a terrible golfer with a plan on how to become an average golfer (I’m really hoping the plan works out).