The Golfing Machine. Geometric Golf. The Computer Age Approach to Golfing Perfection. 1982. Cloth.

by Homer Kelley

In this 241 page book, the author discusses the computer age approach to golfing perfection through the use of text, graphs and dozens of black and white photos.

Genres: Nonfiction

241 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1979

Reviews

[Steve · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a student of the fundamentals of the golf swing and the game of golf for many years “The Golfing Machine” is an extremely well written technical manual of the intrinsics of what goes on start to finish during the swing process. There are different fundamental swings that can occur and their properties are also broken down. Mathematics and physics are used to illustrate the swing mechanics and their interaction with the golf ball. It was a slow read for me to grasp and think about the different fundamentals for me to tie what I was reading to what I wanted to achieve with my own golf swing. A great study on the game of golf.

[Brian · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a colossal effort by a man to categorize the different components of the golf swing. There are some very good insights in it. However there are inaccuracies in the science due to this being written in the era before high speed cameras were widespread not to mention the doppler radar based ball tracking systems like Trackman.

If one were to read and apply this manual (not book) they could develop a fairly good golf swing. But they'd also come away without a proper understanding of things such as the modern ball flight laws.

Homer was a pioneering legend in his field. But we know so much more now.

[Zi Chi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kelley’s central thesis is that the golf swing is a "machine" composed of 24 components (e.g., grip, stance, hinge actions, power accumulators) that can be adjusted in different combinations to produce an efficient, repeatable motion.
He introduces: The Three Imperatives – What every effective golf swing must achieve: A flat left wrist (for clubface control) A straight plane line (for swing path consistency) A lagging clubhead (for power generation)
The 24 Components – Variables like grip type, wrist action, and pivot mechanics that can be mixed and matched to fit a player’s physique and swing style. The Law of the Flail – A physics-based explanation of how the golf club behaves like a double pendulum, emphasizing centrifugal force and angular momentum.


Although some may argue that this book is a holistic approach to the golf swing, a lack of drills as well as overly complicated terminology makes it hard for beginners to read and understand.

[John Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

So much great information. Way to much to read front to back (or in the several paths through the book suggested). I'm going to be using this more as a reference guide and textbook than a thought-provoking read.

[Jim · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars if you want to delve deep into the mechanics of the golf swing.

[liam kilcoyne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very informative. Still largely applicable today

[Steven · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an informative book. I can honestly say this book really opened my eyes to the possibilities within golf coaching. The golfing machine is a source of information that became a mans quest to solve the biggest puzzle of all the golf swing itself.

Homer Kelley, singlehandedly solved the mystery of the golf swing and documented it for all to read. Homer recognised there were different ways to achieve the desired impact alignments required to play golf at a respectable level.

This will be a book I read ongoing for the rest of my life.

[Christopher Junker · Rating 4 out of 5]

I do not think there is much that can be used from this book unless one is fairly skilled already but it is certainly a fascinating analysis