Although professional golfers have always been teachers of the game, their instruction has been imparted more by example than by precept. Such a method was and is undoubtedly the best, but it is not available to the same extent at the present day as it was, say, fifty or even twenty years ago, and hence a demand has sprung up for books of instruction. Amateur golfers have hitherto been the sole contributors to the literature of the game, but the belief has frequently been expressed to me that a volume coining from a professional would be read with interest, and it has also been suggested that I should undertake to write one. Encouraged by such friendly remarks, the attempt has been made, and it is hoped that what has been written will be of service to golfers. Being intended for a book of instruction, the history of the game is omitted, and no reference is made either to our famous links or to the past and present heroes of the game, save with the view of illustrating the more effectually some of the subjects dealt with. An endeavour has been made to write as concisely and briefly as is consistent with giving intelligible information.

I hope that lady golfers will not feel disappointed because they are not specially referred to. There is but one game of golf, and what has been written is applicable to all who play it. Proof is not wanting that there are lady players inferior to none save a lew of the cracks.

I have to thank Mr. J. E. Laidlay for kindly supplying me with photographs and diagrams of the style of play of which he is so able an exponent, and I cannot conclude without acknowledging my indebtedness to Mr. John Anderson for the assistance be has given me in preparing this book for the press,

W. P., J R.

MUSSELBURGH, 1896.