The Little Black Golf Book has been created by Lee Johnson, a PGA professional since 1973 and head pro at Burhill Golf Club in Surrey, who has been successfully coaching Surrey Juniors since 1987.
The LBGB has been developed as a result of a request from the Surrey County Golf Union for the formulation of a logbook system, which makes multi-coach confusion a thing of the past.
The outcome is a complete player development system, which encompasses the six key stages of game improvement.
Preparation
Tuition
Practice
Play
Analysis
Goal Setting
With its effective format, the LBGB highlights strengths and weaknesses, pointing the golfer in the direction of the most appropriate tuition.
Having started out to develop a system for junior golf, Lee is quick to point out that the end result is a system that can be used equally well by the young and old, from novice to professional and all that is required is a desire to improve.
“It is perfect for anyone who seeks improvement in their golf and, as the LBGB will be retailed by PGA professionals (£14.99/€23.99), golfers will be able to buy a copy from their local stockist, ideally their teacher,” said Lee. “There is no doubt that the LBGB maximises the benefits of professional tuition and the overall result is enhanced coaching and results which can only be good for golf.”
Key Features of the LBGB
Pocket sized
Waterproof
Loose-leaf format
2 internal pockets for planners/scorecards etc.
1 Welcome page
6 Index/guidance pages
28 personal log pages (average use 1-2 years)
Space for a further 50 pages and diary
Professionals’ contact details
Website address
One-off cost of £14.99 / €23.99
Refill pages available from PGA stockists
The realisation that the LBGB is a useful tool is already evident. It is being retailed by several professionals and used in many junior development programmes. The most high profile user is Gary Orr, the 1993 ‘Rookie of the Year’ and 2000 British Masters Champion. Gary was immediately struck by the effectiveness of the LBGB and now uses it as an integral part of his performance analysis and preparation. Other PGA professionals who have been keen to recommend the book include:
Ian Rae, Scottish national coach
Eddie Birchenough, head professional, Royal Lytham & St. Annes Golf Club
Adam Hunter, coach to 1999 Open Champion, Paul Lawrie
The number of golfers using the book is growing, Surrey County Golf Union have integrated the book into their coaching programme. Initial reaction is very good with positive feedback from the users, proving that the book does exactly what is intended. It creates motivation and discipline through each player’s enhanced knowledge of their own game.
The website provides interesting and informative backup to the book. It has many features and details on the concept, stockists, news and a monthly competition. Advice on how to take golf lessons from a PGA professional further enhances the website,