Endorsement by Mike Hebron - Excerpt from Mike's new book "Golf Swing Secrets and Lies - Six Timeless Lessons".

Endorsement by Jack Kuykendall - The world's leading scientific teacher.

Endorsement by Chuck Hogan - Nationally recognized as a golf guru and educator.

21 May 2004

Gary Travis, a very well known PGA pro from the state of Texas, having played some on mini tours and now the Head Pro at a prestigious course in Heath, Texas wrote the following reaction to The Country Where Golf is King:

Ed, Thanks for sending me your book. I have already read it and enjoyed it very much. It could have been about my teaching career! Ha! Maybe it can be made into a movie some day.

Thanks, Gary Travis

16 Apr 2002

Ed: thanks for sending me your training manual. Here is my input: You can decide if you want these opinions posted on a forum.

STRENGTHS:
Easy to read, short words, snappy sentences, discovery of an internet magazine, myths of golf, very effective and eye opening to me. Discovery of impact clubs, introduction to three names I have never heard of: Ernest Jones, Percy Boomer and Jack Kuykendall. Drills on page 1-P very helpful, reverse K illustration on page 2 N effective, importance of right hand in the swing; a refreshing change for me. Keeping shoulders parallel to line of target; page 3-R the most important information I received, since most postings I have read seem to say bring the club inside quickly. If the club comes in quickly, it seems to me that the shoulders must follow inside as well.

WEAKNESSES:
On page 2D, swing on a single plane is given an F. Did not understand this. The business connection between Kuykendall and Moe Norman is vague? friends, enemies, allies??? Page 3M states initiate downswing... rolling your rear forearm over your lead forearm seems to conflict with page 4M, which states at impact, palm is facing up as club is released and at page 3P, which states after you hit... palm should be facing the sky. I was confused with the club set-up explanation, which states that the club becomes an extension of the right arm vs. note the straight line fromed from the left shoulder to the ground.

WOULD LIKE TO HAVE SEEN MORE OF:
Drills such as you have posted in the internet, more info on impact clubs, more info on Kuykendall, Jones and Boomer.

Thanks for sharing your ideas with me,
Jerry King

23 Mar 2002

Single Axis Golf Book Review: I have just finished reading what I think is the only fictional book that pertains to the type swing us NGers use. While it won't go down as one of the all time greats like Gone with the Wind or War and Peace, it should be noted that it is the first and only known fictional publication that I know of about the single axis swing that we use. Although it is a fictional book with fictional characters, everyone who plays Natural Golf or other type of SA swing will find themselves in this book.

Probably the best part about this book is that while your reading about the different charactors and stories involved, that SA instruction has snuck it's way in. Altough at times humorous, it definently makes you take your mental game more seriously. Golf is life and life is golf, what you make of one can affect the other. I found that after reading this book, my mental perspective of swing thoughts were to definetly get off the "Instructional Merry-Go-Round".

There are a lot of references to Moe Norman and Jack Kuykendall in this book so you know that it's a book committed to the single axis swing. I don't want to talk about the stories or whats going on in the book and maybe take away from what someone else wants to read on their own. I would recommend this book to anyone using Natural Golf or other SA swing method. Where else can you find a fictional book of this standard totally about our different way of swinging the club? The book that I'm giving the review about is, "THE Country Where Golf Is KING" by Ed Laskody.

If you remember back a few posts, Ed and I were butting heads. I felt I needed to read his book if he was taking it as serious as his posts. I feel that I understand him much better now and see why he's proud of his book. I give the book a thumbs up and though I wouldn't say it is required reading for NGers, why not read it? Do you have any other books on your shelf about our great swing?

Fuzzy Briggs

15 Mar 2002

'Almost finished with TCWGIK. In a word: TGOEL. It's pronounced "teegoal"; THE GENIUS OF ED LASKODY.

Thank You,
Laurence Colony

John Mule' is a bank officer in New Orleans who has been a golfer for over twenty years. He has taken lessons from traditionalists like Mike Hebron, Carl Lohren, and John Geersten Jr.. He has also been mentored by non-conventional teachers like Jack Kuykendall, Tom Sanders, and Todd Graves. His commentary follows:

6 Feb 2002

Ed:
You've written a very creative and entertaining book - I really enjoyed reading it. Actually a very sly and witty look at established methods vs so-called non-traditional (aka single-axis) approaches to the game. I was pleased to see you mention Percy Boomer's name and his great book. For a while there I thought people had forgotten about Mr. Boomer. His 'On Learning Golf' was my first real golfing "Bible" when I was in high school and about 400 books (and 30 years) later it's still the most fascinating instructional ever. The good folks on the forum would do well to study his work instead of worrying about timing their "6/100" position and COAM - nice things to know but I've never known a really good player who thought along these lines (see Chuck Hogan). I should know - I've been down that road before! Thanks again for writing this book and please continue the good work.

John Mule', New Orleans, La

P.S. - The comment by Hebron that the book is "fatally flawed" due to the references to Natural Golf is not valid. If you're attempting to depict the potential "changing of the guard" from traditional to single-axis, Kuykendall and Natural Golf HAVE to be prominently mentioned. Most of the "fatal flaws" I see in golf books today have to do with non-scientists espousing scientific views on golf technique...get my drift?

...easy reading, filled with humor, insight, instruction, satire, philosophy and prophecy. -R. Ballou, golfer (about TCWGIK)

If I had read your book earlier, it would have certainly convinced me to switch sooner -Bill Barbour, golfer

Ed, Your book is certainly different, but right up there with "The Legend of Bagger Vance".

Dan Reade, USGTF pro

12 Feb 2002

Being a self-employed computer programmer, when I read, it is usually something technical in nature. I can't remember the last time I read for pleasure. What a shame, huh? Anyway, on the rare occasion that I do read for entertainment purposes, I generally enjoy it. And Laskody's "The Country Where Golf Is King" is no exception. I give it 2 thumbs up. Good job Laskody!

Phys Ed, Single-Axis Golf Forum

30 Nov 2000

Mr. Ed, I got your book and read it in one setting. 'Had an accident and have not been doing anything except lay on my back on the floor. I enjoyed the book. It is different. I am glad I never swung a golf club the so called CG way. I have not had to go through the things in the book, as I started out on NG and later got the IMA tapes, then LPG and now back to copying Moe's swing. I would recommend the book for reading and will post this on the forum in a couple of more days.

Thank you,
Medreth

3 Dec 2000

Question: If we now play natural golf, did we once play unnatural golf?
Great story Ed. ²   Who is Jim going to run into next?

Richard

2. The writer was referring to my fictional account of my hero running into John Daly aka Bob Bailey. Look at the potential of NG with sandy Lyle. What do you think John Daly would do with the same swing? Then maybe my account would not be fictional anymore. EL

11 Dec 2000

Thanx!! I got the book 2 days ago and have finished reading it already... My overall impression of the book is good. I think it is fairly well written, very amusing and definitely revealing. I agree that most of golf instruction today is much like riding a confusing carousel.

I think I have been a diligent student of the game and the swing in particular for the last ten years. I would have to say that I have been able to learn something from everything I have studied, but the best and most freeing was by Fred Shoemaker. I must admit I am not very familiar with Natural Golf, although I am aware of Moe Norman.

My interest is piqued, but I do have a basic question. Do you think an expert player who plays the traditional way can benefit from Natural Golf or is it more for the beginner or someone who has struggled for a long time? Again, Thank you. I will gladly post my review of the book on our USGTF web board and look forward to hearing from you.

Respectfully,
Danny Shutts

12 Dec 2000

Ed, I just finished posting some comments on your book. I hope that I've done your book justice. Thank you very much for the book and the opportunity to comment on it. I've also appreciated your emails commenting on my swing. I've found your comments on the forum to be helpful and will keep me viewing and participating throughout these snowy months in Ohio. If you don't mind, I'll email you from time to time . Happy Holidays!

Terry

7 Feb 2001

Ed: Hi. 'Just want to let you know that I got your book, and I am on the 56th page, and will finish it tonight. So far, it's VERY good. I can't wait to see what you write about JK. This is a good book to make a movie out of. If you do, I will agree to be the part of "Joe." But really, it's great and has my endorsement.

Seeing as you live in NY, if you:

June 18-June 24, 2001
Buick Classic
Westchester Country Club
Harrison, NY
ESPN/ABC

come to the tournament to watch it, after the tournament is over, maybe you and I and whoever you bring can play a round at Westchester Country Club and discuss...golf in general. Anyway, think about it and get back to me. Thanks for the book. I appreciate you just sending me a copy. It's GREAT.

Sincerely,
Brian

7 Feb 2001

Ed: I am almost finished reading your book. I have like 30 more pages to go. However, I want you to know that it's a VERY great book and fun to read. I don't know how you ever wrote it, but it's great. About the movie, I have a correction. I meant Jim, not Joe when I said, "If you ever make the book into a movie, I will be willing to play the part of 'Jim.'" Did you ever think about writing another book about golf? Also, I was just thinking, would it be at all possible we could "team up" and write a book about golf?? And finally, I just would like to know your personal opinion about the Casey Martin case. Do you think the PGA Tour should let him play with a golf cart, or not? Thanks, and again, the book is GREAT and thank you very much.

Sincerely,
Brian

19 Feb 2001

Ed, Thanks for the book! I love stories that teach a lesson and yours is the best I've read! I can recommend several other great story/golf books, if you're interested. The story is great!

What's your story? How did you come to write the book? What is your experience with Jack, Chuck and Moe? Where are you from? You cross your 7's, which is unusual for an American. Why was the book printed in England?

I read the book over the weekend. I couldn't put it down. I watched the tape on Saturday. I've seen Jack's work before. I'm not too sure about swinging from the elbow yet. I'll have to give it a try come spring.

The $15 check is in the mail. My parents have two VCR's, but one is not hooked up. I'll have to hook it up to copy the tape. I'll get it back to you as soon as possible.

Thanks!
Randy

14 Mar 2001

Different Strokes - The Golfhelp Newsletter
Published by www.Golfhelp.com - The #1 Golf Search Engine.
Issue #60 :

WHERE GOLF IS KING: A GOOD READ

From time to time we've mentioned and even encouraged readers to look into alternatives to the traditional golf swing. Now along comes Ed Laskody's short book "The Country Where Golf is King". In it Ed, too, makes the case for a simpler, single-axis swing, only he does it with a compilation of imaginative, fable-like vignettes that not only instruct, but also tickle the funny bone.

Ed's imaginative license takes the history of golf back beyond the British Isles to the orient and Marco Polo when, according to his version of things, the golf swing was simple and easily mastered by children. It was only because of a hoax pulled off on the Celts that the golf swing became so complex as to make it virtually unmasterable except by a chosen few.

The hero is regular guy and weekend golfer Jim Blake, who makes a deal with the Devil to learn "perfect knowledge of the golf swing." Jim travels to and becomes a citizen of the Country Where Golf Is King, then visits a Tibetan monastery where ultimately the sought after secret is revealed.

To order a copy of "The Country Where Golf is King" go to golfisking or write to Ed Laskody at Elaskody@nc.rr.com

18 Apr 2001

Your criticisms of "traditional instruction" in your work "The Country Where Golf is King" are dead on.

Tom Ford, writer, LI Golf Magazine

The following endorsement is from a female editor with no golf knowledge at all:

I really liked "The Country Where Golf is King" written by Edward Laskody. The subject matter is a highly novel idea. Not being a golf fan myself, I was impressed with the manner in which the author managed to make the subject both accessible and entertaining. The style of the prose was light and witty and the combination of fact and fiction makes the whole experience of reading this most illusionary and conflicting... as is intended.

It is definitely written in a manner which would be amusing for both those with an interest in the game, and lets face it an interest here usually means fanatical following, but also those who wonder what all the fuss is about. The author demonstrates acute imagination in his prcise knowledge of the golfing world, managing to spin a web of fiction around the truth. This is a most interesting and original effort at bringing the popular world of golf to a new audience.

In conclusion, I thoroughly enjoyed this unusual work, even though I have no golfing knowledge whatsoever and I definitely recommend it for publication.

Reader Kate Dale (publications director)     Verdict-- passed.