Discover the competitive and cultural history behind one of the world's most popular sports, and absorb expert advice to mastering the perfect swing. Find all there is to know about golf: from its ancient origins to the global competitions today. Learn about the strokes and analyze the talents of the world's best. Check out the gear and try out the equipment, from drivers and irons to carts and clothing. Meet the players from the Golden Bear to the White Shark, and come face-to-face with the stars as you read about their finest performances. And take a close-up look at the great competitions from the Open to the Curtis Cup and walk the fairways of the preeminent courses. An invaluable reference section advises you on buying equipment, including custom fitting, guides on the all-important golf etiquette, an explanation of golf's most important rules, and definitions of all the key golfing terms. Showing you exactly what it takes to achieve an effective--and repeatable--golf swing, this book works systematically through every type of shot, from tee shots, iron play, pitching, and chipping, to coping with bunkers and putting. Brimming with detail and superbly illustrated with over 1,500 photographs, illustrations, maps and diagrams, The Golf Book is the definitive guide to the famous game.