Backyard Golf

Well, my last excuse for being a lousy golfer (not being able to get to the course enough for practice) is now inadequate. Backyard Golf demonstrates that a surprising number of basic golf skills can be honed in a backyard setting using brooms, baseball bats, and tennis rackets, as well as actual golf clubs and (mostly plastic or foam) balls. Class “A” PGA professional trainer Tony Frabizzio isn't afraid to modify his equipment: his section on proper grip, for instance, starts with taking a red Sharpie to mark his glove to help line up the club perfectly in the hand; in addition, old clubs are adapted for swing drills, and an oversized cardboard tube is used to help players learn to keep their arms straight. Also serving up plenty of chipping and putting drills (such as aiming for a gutter extension or a flower pot as a short-range target), Backyard Golf is proof positive that while there are definite benefits to hitting the links, some skills can be practiced right outside your own back door. Recommended. Aud: P. (C. Block)