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 enlarge | Authors: Fred Shoemaker, Pete Shoemaker
Publisher: Perigee Trade
Category: Book
List Price: $14.95
Buy Used: $1.99
You Save: $12.96 (87%)
New (34) Used (39) Collectible (2) from $1.99
Avg. Customer Rating:  33 reviews
Sales Rank: 9892
Media: Paperback
Number Of Items: 1
Pages: 224
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.6
Dimensions (in): 7.8 x 4.6 x 0.7
ISBN: 039952276X
Dewey Decimal Number: 796.35207
EAN: 9780399522765
ASIN: 039952276X
Publication Date: April 1, 1997
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Shipping: Expedited shipping available
Condition: Good reading copy. May include highlighting/writing, some completed exercises, missing dust cover, crease, and/or overall wear. Ships within 2 business days. 100% Customer satisfaction guaranteed.
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| Customer Reviews:
 Great book January 10, 2007
1 out of 2 found this review helpful
This book won't be to everyone's taste. If you are looking for quick tips on improving your game, look elsewhere. If, however, you are looking for the secret to genuinely enjoying the golf game you have, and improving your attitude on the course, it's a wonderful book. I've heard golf called a good walk spoiled, but this book points to how it can be fresh and enjoyable again.
Where we went wrong August 23, 2006
5 out of 5 found this review helpful
My game went through something of a transformation not long ago, and for the worse. Swinging a club was a burden, because I couldn't do it "right". The motion held no joy, and depression set in as I watched the ball fly everywhere but where I hoped it would go.
I wouldn't go so far as to say that Extraordinary Golf will cure all golfing ails. Actually, it will probably promote the opposite for a bit. Shoemaker forces you to stand outside yourself and watch what is happening, not just during the swing, but inside your mind. These are places that, in reality, most golfers do not want to go.
All the things Shoemaker discusses in this book are merely guideposts to help nudge you towards a different approach to golf than you might have known. Observation without interference, instruction without control, etc.. Many clues were obviously taken from Gallawey's Inner Game series, but they are put further into perspective here from the standpoint of a professional golfer.
If you think you need a wake-up call in your game, you must read this. Your game may not improve, but your enjoyment of it will.
Seriously - if you only own 1 golf book, make this the one! August 25, 2005
9 out of 9 found this review helpful
Fred Shoemaker gently and persuasively reminds us that golf is an experience, rather than a result. It's only by being aware and in the moment that we can really enjoy the experience - or play our best. Yet, as he clearly illustrates, the "Culture of Golfers" is to focus on the results and on what's wrong with our game... which robs us of both the enjoyment, and the potential to play to our full ability.
Why do I recommend this book so highly? Because golf is meant to be fun, not a chore or a test. If you love the game but find yourself constantly frustrated or disappointed - read this book! Or if you're intrigued by the game but intimidated by all the jargon and attitude you hear - read this book!
Oh, and does it deliver? Yes! Personal example: As a 14 handicapper I'm constantly obsessed with breaking 80. Typically I start every round with the best of intentions to just enjoy the walk... but after a couple of good holes, or a couple bad ones, I start the mental games of "Don't goof it up!" or "Fix it!", which continue through the rest of the round. So it was with my most recent round: a rough start and already I'm 5 over par, struggling to find my swing.
But this time there were two differences: (1) I'd begun re-reading Extraordinary Golf (first read it 2 years ago), and (2) my playing partner was having an even worse round, loudly expressing all the frustration and anguish that often entails. With Shoemaker's coaching in my mind, and such an obvious example before me, I was able to make a different choice about my day. I was able to follow his guidance to relax and just focus on being aware.
So did I break 80? Nope - shot an 81. But I played the back nine in 2 over, a personal best on that course. I was so focused and aware that I can still go back to each shot and replay just how it looked & felt. And most importantly, I played without fear and enjoyed it immensely.
After all, isn't that the point of playing a game?
fabulous July 30, 2005
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
I loved this book. I hadn't played golf in 10 years, went out after reading this book and had sooooo much more fun and consequently, played sooo much better. I am amazed that my game can improve so much just from reading a book. I loved the philosophy it puts forth and have even tried applying it just to daily life. I have given this book as a gift to most everyone I know that plays golf.
Golf can be extraordinary! Excellent book. March 23, 2005
5 out of 8 found this review helpful
Many golfers are stuck at the same scores for years. I finally got fed up with scoring between 90 and 95 every time I went to play.
I read many books on golf including Zen Golf, which I found quite helpful also.
However, Extraordinary Golf really shows you how to get past the limits you put on yourself in golf.
I also used The Ultimate Golf Instruction Guide: Key Techniques For Becoming A Zero Handicap Golfer Or Better written by Leonardi. Leonardi's book is another book that showed me how to hit the ball harder and straighter.
If you like golf magazines with lots of interesting stats, I also highly recommend Golf Week. This is my favorite golf magazine.
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