Editor's Note:

You can also check out RhodyGolf.com's exclusive interview with Swing Machine Golf author Paul Wilson.

A standard joke among my wife and family is the number of golf-related books I own. I cannot help it, I simply love to read about the game. In each new edition of RhodyGolf.com, we will attempt to review a different book for you. In our first ever review we will take a look at Swing Machine golf by author Paul Wilson and co-author/publisher Ken Steven. After my review, you may also want to read the interview which Paul granted RhodyGolf.com.

Swing Machine Golf: The Fastest Way to a Consistent Swing

Product Details
Authored by: Paul Wilson with Ken Steven
Hardback: 205 pages ;ISBN: 0-9730569-0-8
Publisher: Storytrend; Copyright 2002

If you would like to order the book after reading the review, you may do so by clicking the image to your right. The book is not sold in bookstores, and can only be ordered directly from the publisher.

The first time that I ever heard of this book was via a discussion on GolfChannel.com. When I first saw the title of the book, I thought that this was the newest load of crap to hit the golf training aid and book markets. However, when I started reading the discussion threads more closely -one thing that definitely caught my attention was that the author Paul Wilson was answering others questions. In fact, he responded to every question posed to him.

The book and authors pose a simple question, Who/What has the perfect golf swing?

Wait you say, you have asked a question which has no quantifiable or clear answer. At first, some would immediately say Tiger Woods! As the discussion develops, others would say the Big Easy, Ernie Els has the perfect swing. And as you can imagine, such a discussion would ensue that it may lead to fisticuffs in the 19th hole bar and grill.
But believe it or not, I think I (or let me say the authors) have a definitive answer. To me the truly perfect swing has to be repeatable at any time, under any given circumstance. I think we can all agree no human has the ability to do this under any given circumstance, at any given time over and over again, if they did then Tiger and Ernie would probably win every tournament every week. 

It is actually not a person (even though it does have persona), rather it is a thing. What Paul Wilson and Ken Steven have done, is carefully researched and scrutinized the swing or Iron Byron the mechanical behemoth which is used to test golf balls and golf clubs at the USGA facilities in New Jersey. The book actually begins by explaining to the reader of the history of Iron Byron as well as how it works, and why it is important to relate these principles to your swing.

The book is simply one of the most beautiful, well-done books that I have ever read. The authors follow the simple principles of:

• Tell the reader what you are going to say
• Tell the reader
• Tell the reader what you told them

Each chapter begins with an overview of the lesson, it is clearly explained to the reader, and then a summary is given. What is truly nice about this book is that the author always shows three pictures detailing what the correct position looks like, and compares the correct position to incorrect positions.

In the above sample from the book, you can see how Paul Wilson is showing the correct position in the color picture (on the right), the incorrect position is shown on the left inblack and white.

The book is written in a sequential building block approach. Interestingly, the authors begin with what the proper finish position looks like, and progresses through the swing until discussing the proper components of a good back swing.

As I have mentioned repeatedly, this is one of the most beautiful golf books I own. It is evident that the authors take great pride in their work. Due to the books size and ample photographs it is a thorough treatment of the swing.

I also like how Paul ends the book. He focuses the final chapters on:

• Putting it All Together
• Fine-Tuning the Swing
• How to Practice
• Taking it to the Course
• Self Diagnosis: How to Identify and Fix your Swing Flaws

However, this approach and beauty also come at a cost. Due to working in a marketing department, I have some idea of what things cost. Due to the books unusual size and large number of photographs it comes at fairly large price tag of $60 plus shipping.
But, I believe the price is well-worth its value.

Think about it. It is not uncommon for us, as golfers to pay more than $60 for a round of golf with a cart, or take golf lessons for the same relative cost. In our area, many local, well-respected professional charge between $30 - $50 for half-hour lessons. Just think, you could own this beautiful, extremely informative and helpful book for the same price.

Believe me, it will help revolutionize your game, and provide you with a in-depth understanding of what elements help create a sound and repeatable golf swing.