The Complete Golfer

by Harry Vardon

The Complete Golfer, published in 1905, is Harry Vardon's instruction book, written when he had won the Open Championship four times and the American championship once. Vardon explains the grip that became associated with him, the stance and swing for driving, the use of the brassie, cleek and iron, approaching, putting and play from hazards, illustrated with dozens of photographs of himself in action. He also discusses the mental side of the game, equipment, the design of courses, practice and the differences between British and American golf, and he gives an account of his own early life in Jersey and his career. It remains a clear record of how the game was played and taught at the turn of the century. The full text is available to read online in your browser on Vinteuil, and the first chapter is free.