Book review: Ken Brown's One Putt

Nick Bonfield reviews 'One Putt - The Ultimate Guide to Perfect Putting' by Ken Brown

Ken Brown, the five-time European Ryder Cup player and much-loved TV analyst, has made a foray into the book market with the launch of ‘One Putt – the Ultimate Guide to Perfect Putting.’

Brown began collating putting notes decades ago, but words from the late, great Seve Ballesteros – who wrote the book’s foreword – persuaded Brown to turn his folder of remarks and observations into something concrete.

Brown, who won four times on the European Tour, was renowned as one of the best putters on the circuit during his playing days with his famous hickory-shafted flat-stick.

In the words of Mark James, "Ken's putting method was closely examined by all and sundry, including myself. My practice times with Ken made me a better putter. I still work on his words of wisdom 40 years later."

One Putt is split up into a number of sections, which are designed to work in unison with one another as a ‘ladder’ that will ultimately lead to putting prowess.

The concise and easy-to-follow guide starts with choosing a putter and works its way to one-putting via sections on the basics, reading greens, the set-up routine, the stroke, touch and feel and tips and drills.

The book is wonderfully and clearly illustrated with pictures of both Ken and a raft of tour professionals, whose techniques are utilised and analysed throughout to complement the instruction with hands-on examples from the best in the business.

If you’ve been struggling on the greens, or simply want to increase your one-putt percentage, this is the book for you. It’s a clear, comprehensive, concise and well-illustrated guide put together by a master putter who’s been around the professional game for the best part of 40 years.

But don't just take my word for it. Lee Westwood's testimony is both succinct and accurate:

"You will hole more putts and understand why by reading this book. Ken takes you step-by-step up the putting ladder with a simple and easy-to-follow guide, revealing all you need to One Putt. I read it, and so should you."

One Putt - The Ultimate Guide to Perfect Putting by Ken Brown, published by Hamlyn, £18.99 www.octopusbooks.co.uk