The Modern Fundamentals of Golf

by Ben Hogan

August 10, 2025

Overview

"The Modern Fundamentals of Golf," also known as "Five Lessons: The Modern Fundamentals of Golf" by Ben Hogan, was first published in 1957. This classic instructional book outlines Hogan's approach to the golf swing and has become one of the most influential and enduring golf instruction books ever written.

Central Thesis

The central thesis of Hogan's book is that any golfer with average coordination can learn to break 80 if they apply themselves patiently and intelligently to mastering the fundamental elements of the golf swing. Hogan breaks down the swing into five key lessons, believing these fundamentals form the building blocks of a successful golf game.

Key Strengths

  1. Clear Instruction: Hogan's explanations are straightforward and easy to understand.

  2. Detailed Illustrations: The book features precise drawings by Anthony Ravielli that clearly demonstrate Hogan's teachings.

  3. Timeless Principles: Despite advances in technology, the core principles remain relevant to modern golfers.

  4. Authoritative Source: Hogan was one of the greatest golfers in history, lending credibility to his instruction.

Structure of the Book

The book is divided into five main lessons:

  1. The Grip

  2. Stance and Posture

  3. The First Part of the Swing

  4. The Second Part of the Swing

  5. Summary and Review

Key Concepts and Practical Insights

  •  The Grip: Hogan emphasises the importance of a proper grip as the foundation of a good swing.

  •  Stance and Posture: Proper alignment, foot placement & body positioning are crucial.

  • The Backswing: Hogan breaks down the first part of the swing, focusing on the takeaway and rotation.

  • The Downswing and Follow-Through: Hogan emphasises the importance of hip rotation and maintaining the swing plane.

  • Practice and Integration: The final chapter ties all lessons together, stressing the importance of patient, deliberate practice to ingrain these fundamentals.

Memorable Quotes

  • "The average golfer is entirely capable of building a repeating swing and breaking 80."

  • "Good golf begins with a good grip."

  • "The most important single thing in golf is the stance."

Critique

While widely praised, some modern instructors argue that Hogan's method may be too rigid for all body types and that some concepts, like keeping the left arm straight, may not apply universally. Additionally, the book doesn't cover the mental aspects of golf or short game techniques in depth.

Target Audience

"The Modern Fundamentals of Golf" is valuable for golfers of all skill levels, from beginners looking to build a solid foundation to experienced players seeking to refine their technique. It's also of interest to golf instructors and enthusiasts of the sport's history.

Conclusion

"The Modern Fundamentals of Golf" remains a cornerstone of golf instruction literature. Ben Hogan's clear, methodical approach to breaking down the golf swing has helped countless golfers improve their game over the decades. While some aspects may be debated in light of modern biomechanics research, the book's core principles and Hogan's insights into the golf swing continue to offer valuable guidance to golfers striving to improve their performance.