Dave Pelz's Short Game Bible Hardcover – 1 July 1999

I bought this book along with Ben Hogan's Five Fundamentals of golf. The two are very complementary but it is Dave Pelz who explains why every golfer needs two swings - a power swing (Ben Hogan territory) and a finesse swing (Dave Pelz territory). Pelz also identifies putting as a third swing but doesn't cover that in this book. Pelz gives a lot of background reasoning on why the short game is the crucial part of golf. If you are already convinced about that and simply want to get to the 'how to do it' part then you may find the book overly verbose. It certainly takes careful reading to make sure you are getting the correct message because Pelz intersperses pictures of the wrong way to do something with the correct way without flagging the 'wrong' pictures with large warning signs. I have read only the first 30% or so of the book (and practiced the advice therein) but have already seen the benefits in terms of reduced scores on the golf course, and a feeling of confidence rather than fear when confronted with awkward shots such as a short chip to the flag over an intervening bunker. Whether I get pro rata benefit from the rest of the book remains to be seen, but even on the first 30% it represents value for money.

This is a BIG book considering it focuses on shots from 100 yards in. There is a lot to digest in this book, but it's worth it. If you can stick with it you can develop a system used by many pros, to dial in your wedge play.

I got more out of this than Pelz's Putting Bible, and that's saying something as I got a heap out of that. Lots and lots of ways to improve ones short game, some of which I've put into action already and have already gained positive results from. It's long and repetition is used to groove what's being taught, which I found great.

Dave Pelz goes into great detail covering every apect of the short game and you will adopt a lot of his ideas into your game. Unlike his book on putting, which I found very heavy reading, this covers aspects of the short game succinctly and I have incorporated a lot of his ideas into my game.I would be very interested if he ever turned his attention to the full swing and driving for though their are many books on the subject his approach is good for he tackles the subject for Mr Average. The best teachers are not always the best golfers and vice-versa.

Although a little long winded to start off, once you've got through the research and background I found the book very useful for improving my short game. I found it useful to practice from my armchair during inclement weather then put into practice on better days. Like any book it is not a miracle worker and the only real way to improve is practice, but using Daves tips I now have some factual info to put into my practice.

Forget trying to drive the ball another ten yards into the bushes, Accurate shots from shorter distances lead to lower scores on your card.A superb instruction manual and one I will keep referring to for as long as I play golf.The perfect Christmas/Birthday (or Father's Day) present for the aspiring golfer.

Truly a bible; good research - it's worth looking at "Every shot counts" for the statistical angle of approach v. "short" game. I found having read the Broadie's book first make the numbers in this one easier to understand.

I have been pondering over buying this book for some time, but after a particularly bad spell on the short game I decided it was time.Dave Pelz has clearly done his homework, and the book is full of figures and numbers that back up his theories. It wont be a book for everyone, as if you dont like knowing the technical side of things it will likely bore you. It does mean you understand the reasons for the outlined swing motions, which can be a great help in understanding.My only gripe would be a few more drills and explanations would be handy.