Understanding the Golf Swing

For the first time in paperback, this modern classic of golf instruction by renowned teacher Manuel de la Torre (the 1986 PGA Teacher of the Year and the #11 teacher in America as ranked by the editors of Golf Digest in 2007) presents a simpler approach to the golf swing based on Ernest Jones’ principles. Understanding the Golf Swing includes information on the philosophy of the golf swing (with emphasis on the development of a true swinging motion), the most thorough analysis of ball flights available, and analysis of the principles of special shot play (including sand play, pitching, chipping, putting, and playing unusual shots) and the mental side of golf and effective course management. The final chapter offers an organized approach to understanding golf courses and playing conditions. The result is a blend of philosophy and practical advice found in few golf instructional books. Skyhorse Publishing, as well as our Sports Publishing imprint, is proud to publish a broad range of books for readers interested in sports—books about baseball, pro football, college football, pro and college basketball, hockey, or soccer, we have a book about your sport or your team. In addition to books on popular team sports, we also publish books for a wide variety of athletes and sports enthusiasts, including books on running, cycling, horseback riding, swimming, tennis, martial arts, golf, camping, hiking, aviation, boating, and so much more. While not every title we publish becomes a New York Times bestseller or a national bestseller, we are committed to publishing books on subjects that are sometimes overlooked by other publishers and to authors whose work might not otherwise find a home.

Manuel de la Torre has twice been recognized by Golf Magazine as one of the top 100 golf professionals in America. He is typically described as today’s leading authority on the ‘Swing Principles’ method of instruction developed by the legendary golf instructor Ernest Jones. Manuel de la Torre has been celebrated throughout his 50 year career as a passionate keeper of the golf instructional wisdom presented and made popular in the 1930s and 1940s by Ernest Jones. In fact, Manuel’s father. Angel de la Torre, himself the two-time Spanish Open golf champion, had met Ernest Jones at a tournament in England. When the two families settled in America Ernest Jones and Angel de la Torre became lifetime friends. Manuel literally grew up discussing the golf swing with his father and one of the games most celebrated instructors. These historical elements are presented in several meaningful appendices, including Manuel’s moving essay on the experience of leaving his homeland Spain as civil war broke out in 1936. Manuel de la Torre was head golf profesional at the Milwaukee Country Club from 1951 to 1996. Manuel continues to conduct seminars for teaching professionals at the local, state and national levels. He lives in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.