The X-Factor Swing

Rating:
Summary: Good stuff on technique
Review: I found this book to give interesting info on golf technique. The X-factor seems to make sense but it is a theory. I'm not sure if I totally believe in this theory. However, this book does offer some solid technique advice on how to play better and to hit the ball further. I also read recently "The Ultimate Golf Instruction Guide: Key Techniques for Becoming a Zero Handicap Golfer or Better" by Patrick Leonardi. This book gives you all the necessary and concise information on how to become a scratch golfer. I know because I used it and it helped me shoot scores in the 70-75 range.

Rating:
Summary: The best book I have read on the long game.
Review: I have read several books on golf and the golf swing and this is the best describing the long game. If you want to know how to generate power in the swing, this is the book. Most golf instruction books, videos and television shows describe the golf swing as unusual, unnatural and not anything like other sports. Jim McLean shows how the golf swing is very similar to other sports and imitates common athletic moves. After I read this book I was able to put Jim's concept of the X-Factor to immediate use.

Rating:
Summary: Disorganized, verbose and fragmented
Review: Mr. McLean is no doubt an expert in golf -- I have no doubt about that. I have seen serveral of his videos and have gained from them. This book, however, could have been helped immensly by a strong editorial hand. Mr. McLean waffles on and on about fragmentary parts of the swing, interspersing it pointless stories and dropped names. Only one point comes through clearly: the power in a swing is generated by the differential between the hip and shoulder turn. I am sure that if I re-read the book more points would come to light, but it is far too tiresome.

Rating:
Summary: Disorganized, yet helpful
Review: This book could certainly used a better edit. If this is the first golf book that you are trying to purchase go with another author. Mr. McLean, while a great teacher, does not write well enough to convey information to the beginner. If you have read several books on the swing then you can understand the information he conveys. Otherwise, you will be lost in the nomenclature.