My party and I were the last four to get on the bus at the PGA Merchandise Show Demo Day. The four of us made our way back to the back of the bus and each had to sit in different rows that were not close to each other. I happened to sit next to Joe Laurentino, author of The Negotiable Golf Swing. Mr. Laurentino is the Head Golf Professional at the Indian Hills Country Club on Long Island and a PGA member since 1997. As someone that studied physics rather extensively in my college days, I really enjoyed hearing him talk about his theories on what is and what is not negotiable in golf. It’s true if you think about it…there are non-negotiable parts about golf and there are others that are less static and negotiable. He told me that there is more than one way to effectively swing the golf club and that is why the golf swing is negotiable.
Check out his website and you’ll be introduced to his concept of the negotiable golf swing:
What is a negotiable golf swing? A negotiable golf swing is a compatible arrangement of the many permissible alternatives that, while not conforming to the computer models of the perfect golf swing, can still function very well to get the job done. By identifying and organizing these negotiable swing components, The Negotiable Golf Swing will show you how you can use basic swing components and their permissible permutations to negotiate a better game of golf.
In other words, you can learn how to play a better game of golf with a lot of what you're already bringing to the table. Few swings need a complete overhaul, a total retooling from setup to finish position. It's more likely that you, like thousands of erstwhile golfers, just need to learn what's negotiable with the golf swing and what's not. The Negotiable Golf Swing covers the nonnegotiable as well, that is, all those immutable laws of ball flight, which are determined as the clubhead moves through the impact area making contact with the ball.
The introduction takes you right to the negotiable parts of the golf swing – Jack Nicklaus’ flying elbow, Ben Hogan’s flat arm swing, Arnold Palmer’s helicopter finish, Curtis Strange’s floating head. He then discusses the learning model and ends up with the question, "Should you take a lesson?"
The book is a very easy read with plenty of illustrations at just under 200 pages. Mr. Laurentino explained that he did his best to get right to the point in his book so that everyone could easily benefit from what he had to say. In the book he explains how he has been a true student of the game, taking notes along the way and learning from some of the most elite teachers.
You can find more information about the book on the author’s website and can buy the book on Amazon. I’m just getting started on it and am hoping to pick up some good points.
Mr. Laurentino is truly a great instructor and ambassador of the game. This past fall he came to my school to do a seminar for our PGM program where he went more into depth about his book and ideas about the golf swing. It gives a great outlook to many inspiring students of the game.
This is truly a great read and recommend reading his book.
Michael Dolan
The Negotiable Golf Swing is a book that will give you a different outlook on the golf swing and the game of golf. When he came and talked about his book to our PGM program he described his book in great detail and gave more insight on his theory. This book is a great read to really understand the golf swing.
I would highly recommend reading his book.
Christopher Kohn