Master Strokes

401 Proven Lessons for Mastering Every Golf Shot

by Nick Mastroni and Phil Franke’

Running Press; Publication Month: October 2003; Paperback; ISBN: 0-7624-1581-9

By Barry Vermillion

Golf Writer

Member, Texas Golf Writers Association

A stroke of genius

The heaviness of this little book of golf lessons might be outweighed by its convenient 4 ¼ x 5 ¼ inches in size.

You can pack it in your golf bag where it will be a handy reference when you are on the course. Inside the 481 pages are over 400 lessons to help you, as the title implies, master every golf shot.

A compilation of Master Strokes syndicated newspaper supplements, the book is appropriately organized, beginning with preparing to play a round, swing techniques, short game and sand play, to reminders of good etiquette on the course.

Nick Mastroni has been an instruction editor at Golf Magazine, Golf Illustrated, Senior Golfer, and GolfTips magazines.

Phil Franke’ has been an illustrator at GolfTips magazine and his work has been published in The New York Times, Sports Illustrated, The Wall Street Journal, Golf Magazine, and Golf Illustrated.

Lessons are included on making your practice sessions productive and how to conduct off-course training.

Mastroni’s lessons are clear and concise. Each is accompanied by a Franke’ illustration that demonstrates the lesson with movement in a way that cannot be done with photographs.

Reading the book from cover to cover might be enjoyable for some, but the real value of this book is the way it is organized.

You can go to a precise section, such as The Short Game: Wedging and Pitching, or go directly to the lesson When To Use The Texas Wedge, when you need help getting up and down with a lie a few yards short of the green.

Master Strokes is a valuable reference for golfers of all skill levels.

Available for online order from Amazon.com.