If you've spent much on About.com Golf, you're probably already familiar with Roger Gunn. His audio golf tips are a popular feature here, and at several other top golf websites, too.
But audio tips aren't the only kind Gunn provides. He also deals in video - specifically, his 10-volume DVD or VHS series, "Golf Levels with Roger Gunn."
The idea behind the "Golf Levels" series is simple: instruction geared to specific levels of playing ability. A beginning golfer doesn't need to be confused with instruction on how to draw the ball, and an advanced golfer doesn't need an instructional video that spends too much time going over such basics as alignment.
In "Golf Levels," Gunn allows each of us to pick the level of instruction we most need.
"I guess the generic nature of golf instruction has always bothered me. The beginning golfer certainly doesn't need to hear exactly the same information as the golfer trying to win the club championship," Gunn said. "This series speaks specifically to different handicap levels to help give golfers exactly the information they need for their ability.
"The series is geared much more toward on-course instruction than it is toward swing theory. It's really not about elbows and knees, but more about how to get around the course with what you have and get the most out of your game."
"Golf Levels with Roger Gunn" is divided into five segments, each consisting of two DVDs (or VHS tapes). Golfers can purchase the entire 10-volume set, or buy only a single level.
Each level is split into two segments: full-swing instruction and short game instruction (hence the two DVDs for each level).
Level 1 is for beginners; Level 2 for golfers with handicaps from 30 to 20; Level 3, handicaps 19 to 12; Level 2, handicaps 11 to 5; and Level 5 is targeted at golfers with handicaps of 4 and below.
Each succeeding level also includes a brief recap of some of the pertinent segments from the previous level. And each level contains about 90 minutes of instruction, split between short game and full swing.
"Golf Levels" is one of the best golf instructional series we've seen. Gunn's teaching starts with fundamentals and builds from there; it's straightforward, and Gunn's easygoing manner makes him easy to watch.
More importantly, his simple, straightforward ways of explaining the techniques he is teaching make them very easy to follow. He tells the viewer how a particular shot works in plain English, employs an analogy or two that makes it even easier to understand, then demonstrates. The use of slow motion is also a very effective tool.
Here's how Gunn describes each level:
• Level 1: "Level 1 does have some swing basics. A new golfer needs to know the basic concept of how to hit a golf ball and how to make use of the club to get the ball in the air. There is some great high-speed footage that analyzes how impact occurs and how to hit the different clubs, from the short irons through the driver.
"I then teach the new golfer how to practice the right motion on both grass and mats. In the Short Game section, I teach the new golfer about basic chipping technique, and how to fly the ball the right distance. You'll also learn the basics of how to get out of the sand."
• Level 2: "I start talking more and more about taking that good swing to the course with aiming, troubleshooting, uneven lies, and hitting from the rough. The Short Game section analyzes hitting from the rough, choosing the right clubs around the green, and more sand play."
• Level 3: "Level 3 addresses more the needs of the better golfer. I talk about trouble shots, wind play, and how to make sure your equipment is just right for you."
• Level 4: "Level 4 starts to deal much more with course strategy and how to practice. The Level 4 Short Game has one of my favorite shots, the "modified Lob," along with some of the more advanced short game shots."
• "In Level 5, I really roll up my sleeves and talk about working the ball. I talk about the different methods to do so and how to practice them. The Level 5 Short Game has segments on those shots that someone will need to play the game at its highest levels. There is also a great section on dialing in those wedges from inside 100 yards."
If you're interested in learning more about "Golf Levels with Roger Gunn," you can visit Roger's website at golflevels.com. The series is also available through Edwin Watts.
The MSRP for the complete, 10-volume series is $149.95; individual levels can be tried for the cost of shipping only for 30 days when ordered through golflevels.com (the cost is $34.95 per level if you decide to keep the DVDs or tapes).
