New Book
 

Does anyone know anything about this new book? Not my new book, but the new TGM book (Homer Kelley's Golfing Machine: The Curious Quest That Solved Golf)...

http://www.amazon.com/Homer-Kelleys-...2351382&sr=1-1


Just was woundering I saw it being talked about on another golf forum that I read on, and thought I would ask.

I wonder who he interviewed?

Book Birthing
 

Scott Gummer called twice, and we talked.

First, I satisfied myself as to his motives. Then, I answered his questions and filled in the blanks based on my personal experiences with Homer Kelley.

I never heard from him again.

I got a global email from him this morning announcing the book and soliciting a marketing effort.

Having received no complimentary copy for my previous or solicited effort, I'll order it now. [Knowing its content is part of my job description.]

:)

If you are similarly inclined, go here for an immediate 33 percent discount http://www.amazon.com/Homer-Kelleys-...351382&sr=1-1).

For those more patient, know that books not self-published and not in serious demand are often 'remaindered' after four months. After which, you may be able to obtain a copy for shipping costs.

Thanks Yoda-

I was not sure if it was worth buying and was not sure if I should post about it here. Maybe I will wait a few monts. Thanks.

BurleyGolf-

I'm buying a copy. Just to learn about Salley and how she coped. I called her about twenty years ago when I lost a copy of the book. She said that she only had a few left but would sell me one of them if I promised that I was serious about learning TGM. :)

Copy on Order
 

I ordered a copy from Amazon yesterday....should receive it on Tuesday. Looking forward to reading about Homer's influence on Morgan Pressels golf swing. What AI taught Morgan???

DG

Martin Hall

I won't touch anything TGM/Homer Kelley related until it passes muster with Mr. Blake. :salut:

Sad Ending
 

Thanks Augusta Golf...

I was in Borders today and found the new book on Homer...it's funny, you can find this new bio on Homer but you can't find a copy of the 7th edition in any Borders or Barnes and Noble store.

I thumbed through the book and was surprised to discover Homer and Ben Doyle had a major falling out towards the end of Homer's life...and Bobby Clampett and Homer never met in person only communication by phone.

DG

Hi DG,

Does the author identify and quote sources?

Hi Asleep,

It's a great day to be a believer! My copy was just delivered and I am diving in. I'm not a fast reader, just taking my time and enjoying it. I think it is very well written, and I hope Yoda is pleased.

In the forward Steve Elkington explains he has been putting the book [The Golfing Machine] to the test under the toughest of conditions for a dozen years. "I have found EVERYTHING in the book to be true." That got my heart thumping. Take that you guys who think "book literalist" is negative! :naughty: :happy3: :salut:

:golf:

Kevin

Just got my copy. Forward by Steve Elkington. He did thank you, Lynn, in the acknowledgements. I have to work today, but I will definitely curl up with this tomorrow.

Seeking the Whirlwind
 

Good to hear, efnef. I felt that more than a little was left on the table and was surprised not to hear from him again.

I sincerely hope the book is at least a critical success. Despite the mammoth contribution that Scott's subject, Homer Kelley, made to the game, its chances as a commercial success are slim. That's not a knock; it's just recognition that making money in the book business is very tough. It will be interesting to see how the book is marketed.

All that could change, of course, if TGM-trained performers continue to make their mark on the various Tours worldwide, and in turn, in the international media.

:)

Now I'm interested in the book . . . wasn't gonna read it. Did y'all see the little write up about it in the most recent Golf Digest with the dude with the starter mullet that assumes 'the position' when he reads putts on the cover . . . Golf Digest called us a "cult." Beautiful.

So, they think we're a cult? Maybe the "Right Forearm Flying Wedge" Handshake gave us away. :laughing9

Or, maybe our habit of Capitalizing terms.

:salut:

Or, maybe our habit of using coded language: "You can't use 10-2-D with Horizontal-Hinging, you twit." :confused1

Or could it possibly be our sense of humor:

Tomasello Validated
 

It's funny for so MANY years GSED Tom Tomasello was blamed by so many for deviating from TGM. Well, for all of you who have Scott Gummer's new book checkout pages 201 and 202....it was Ben Doyle that was blamed for deviating from the book.....not Tom Tomasello.

DG

Hell, I don't wish anyone bad its hard not only to write a book but to market it the right way. I know it took me awhile to write my new book and marketing is word of mouth for me since it came out in late April, but its doing good. I think that this guy has talked to some really smart people with TGM and might have something really great. I will wait till all you guys put the 2 thumbs up on it before I buy it though. Best of luck to the guy, I think that he has picked a great person to write about and might draw some more attention to the "CULT"!

BurleyGolf-

It was funny I mwas on vacation in maui last week i happened to be in the golf section of a barnes and noble looking for something to read oon the plane ride home. I thought when i saw it maybe it was the seventh edition i have the 5th and 6th but it was this book interesting read i enjoyed it kinda touched on all the tgm topics good info on clampett and hoow he kinda got ahead of himself left tgm and couldnt get it back wonder what he would say

In the acknowledgments you'll note one Lynn Blake of course but also it would seem Diane is still alive, as is a certain Mike O something.

That is a very astute observation . . .

Lynn and Tommy's (Tomasello) phone conversation with Homer is included in the book. I have read the first 180 pages. So far, an interesting read. :)

Ending of Book
 

The book was very interesting and enjoyable.
BUT the ending should have been about Lynnblakegolf.com
In my opinion Lynn is the real revival to the Golfing Machine.
The book mentions that Morgan Presel knows nothing about
Homer Kelley and has never read the book, makes one wonder.
How could one study the principles of the The Golfing
Machine for years and never find the interest to read the
book? I wonder why Martin Hall did not not bring the
Homer Kelley termanology into his teaching for her?

Although I enjoyed the book, I feel that Lynn Blake
did not get the credit he deserved for bringing the
Golfing Machine out for all to see.

Donn Kerby

I'm not saying this about Martin Hall, because I don't know him or what he teaches. But most TGM Golf Instructors who don't completely understand the Concepts re-invent the method. They need to "fill-in-their-knowledge-gaps" with other methods to complete the picture. This leads them not to abandon TGM altogether, but modify it in way they Claim is more easier for the average Joe to understand. But over simplifying just makes it harder.

IMHO, TGM is about the teacher not the student. The student does not need to know about Homer Kelley although that would be rewarding.

I read it and liked it
 

I just finished the book and I liked it very much. I learned a lot about Mr. Kelley and even if some of the TGM terms are not exactly right (said locked instead of cocked in one spot that I remember) it was a fun, fast read.

I really liked the story of how Mr. Kelley worked on the ideas (or carots as he called them), how he found Diane to be his model, and how the book got published and used. If you are into TGM and want some more information on Homer then get the book. I can't attest to how accurate the information is and I am sure there are other errors but this is one of the few biographies that I have totally enjoyed cover to cover.

All in all, I thought it was very well done and would recommend it to anyone who is interested in TGM. I even bought an extra copy to send to my brother in law (he is a TGM devotee from way back....got me hooked).

I'm reading it now and I'm about halfway through.

Its pretty enjoyable.

I especially liked the part where Homer went to the library to check out a book on how to write a book and get it published and none existed.

He immediately decided after writing his book and getting it published he would write a book about how to write a book and get it published.

Otoh
 

One problem with MHO, which has been brought to my attention, is that Mr Kelley intended that his book "serve as the Duffer's Bible, the Golf Nut's Catalog, the Circuit Player's Handbook and the Instructor's Textbook." :)

Book on Homer and TGM
 

Just finished reading Scott Gummers book on Homer & TGM, found it very interesting story on Homer and TGM.

I have 5 versions of TGM my first 3rd edition I just sold, but wish I hadn't since reading this book. Seem's that 6th edition was the last Homer peersonally updated, and the 3rd was his best.

All in all, I think Scott Gummers the author did a nice job.

Ironically, I had 1/2 day lessons with two of Homer's first AI's
Ben Doyle and Tom Tomesello, neither of which could help my overly long swing. I know that TT was a hitter and Ben teaches swinging, I know TGM's 3 basic imperatives are correct but I still "flip" my wrist too much.

Im almost at the end of the book. Had to put it down for a while after reading about Bobby Clampett's loss at The Open.

I find it to be a great story and very well written.

The only question I have so far, is that while Homer did shoot 77 some five months after his first proper game, I dont believe it was his second time out as suggested. Anyone have an opinion on this?

Fly In the Ointment
 

Right you are, O.B.

Unforunately, the author (and those he may have relied on for accurate information) dropped the ball on this one. Homer Kelley played many rounds between the end of his indoor training and the 77 he himself referenced in the preface to the first three editions (1969, 1971 and 1975). Also per these first three editions, the time was four months (not five).

Too bad, as this fantastic statement strains credibility from the outset ("outset" being defined as the introductory notes on the dust cover's inside flap).

http://www.answers.com/fly%20in%20the%20ointment

:(

The most incredible thing to me is TGM itself. How Mr Kelley broke the code of golf is beyond my comprehension. It took a different sort of person with a unique ability, Im thinking. As such we are all fortunate as it easily might not have happened. I like the books insights into Homers world, I get a better feel for what he was all about.

The Way It Was -- Maybe
 

Feel.

Yes.

Well-meaning, reasonably Fact-associated Feel.

Close enough for me.

Sort of.

:salut:

"Homer Kelley's Golfing Machine"
 

I received a copy of Scott Gummer's book "Homer Kelley's Golfing Machine" and couldn't put it down. I really liked it. It helped fill in the early history of the Golfing Machine in my mind.

After completing the book I felt as though it finished too fast. Somethine is missing. Perhaps it needs a second book explaining all the work being done by the authorized teachers. From my point of view, Lynn's work needs to be included.

My introduction with the golfing machine started on the Internet when a curious green fellow named Yoda started answering questions about the Golfing Machine that no else could answer adequately. Later, my wife and I very fortunately were able to attend Lynn's first seminar at St. Augustine. There, I met Chuck Evans, Martin Hall (great British humor), and many great fellow students. Fond memories and very productive results for my golf game.

I'm sorry for the rambling, but I hope Yoda is keeping good notes, very good notes. For these could lead to a book titled; "Homer Kelly's Golfing Machine from 2000 to now"

Yoda, I dont think you've read the book yet but it would be great if you could set the record straight where or if needed. The bigger points anyways. This book, however well intentioned, will probably form the known history of Homers life. Maybe you've already addressed the one and only point of contention? I dont know.

I know you are not in the business of correcting peoples mistakes (unless its in their golfswing of course) but there are a lot of people who would be interested in your opinion.

Ob

from the author...
 

Hello,

My name is Scott Gummer, and I am the author of the new book Homer Kelley's Golfing Machine: The Curious Quest that Solved Golf.

Firstly, I wish to thank Lynn in this public forum for the time and insights provided. It was a whirlwind researching and writing the book, and it has not let up since the book came out.

I interviewed dozens of subjects for the book and spent significant time with people who were closest to Kelley, including Ben Doyle, Don Shaw, and Sally's niece Anne Timm. I traveled to Hawaii to meet with Diane, Homer's model and only co-worker. I spoke with a number of Homer's students and AIs, unearthed Homer's job applications, marriage licenses and divorce decrees, and tracked down Marilyn Cooksie, the daughter-in-law of the Tacoma billiard hall owner who first took Homer golfing in 1939.

To that, nothing in any of the research or interviews suggested that Homer played golf between his rounds of 116 and 77. He took lessons, courtesy of Cooksie, before going out the day he shot 116, but those closest to Homer, who recalled hearing the story first hand from Homer himself, suggested he did not play in between.

I felt tremendous pride and responsibility in having the opportunity to finally bring Homer's story to light, and I appreciate the interest in the man and the passion for his work.

Open Letter to Scott Gummer
 

Thank you for your visit to our site, Scott, and for this first post. Also, thanks for your diligence in documenting Homer Kelley's life. His was a life worthy of documentation, and I'm glad you were up to the task.

Your work was made more difficult by the inability to converse with the man himself, and thus, to verify certain facts. In the referenced issue of Homer's first 18-hole score, I have a recording of his personal recollection of that special day (and those leading up to it). I may have been able to shed further light on the subject. And I would have . . .

Nobody has championed Homer Kelley and the truth regarding his life and teaching more than me. There is no doubt that Lynn Blake Golf, LLC (its website and 54-country outreach, its products, and its Academies conducted world-wide) is directly responsible for much of the renewed interest in The Golfing Machine. Further, my personal work with PGA TOUR players and the resulting publicity -- for example, CBS, The Golf Channel, Sports Illustrated, and ESPN radio -- is generating international recognition that has long been absent.

Good luck with your book. I wish you both critical acclaim and commercial success. I sincerely hope that our continued success will increase your book sales and further spread the word about Homer Kelley and his remarkable Golfing Machine.

:salut:

Congratulations Scott on a very well done job. I really enjoyed it and recommend it to all golfers whether they know of Homer Kelley or not.

Can you tell us about meeting Diane?

All the best.

ob

The goal is quite simply to share Homer's story, and to that end I hope my book will lead golfers to Homer's book and to teachers who are carrying on his lifework.

One thing I found most interesting: ultimately, human emotion is the ghost in The Golfing Machine, a fact that manifests itself not only in the story of Bobby Clampett (and the never-ending struggles of Joe Duffer), but also in the fractured TGM fraternity.

For as precise as Homer was in his studies, his constants could not overcome the variables of individual interpretation and perspective. A lot of devotees are working earnestly to achieve what they believe Homer would have wanted, however those beliefs are often at odds.

This is by no means surprising; look at the way family members often clash over how best to move forward when the patriarch has passed. I offer this simply as an observation of what is/was perhaps inevitable. It would be nice if there were a unified TGM movement...but then it would also be nice if I could sustain more lag.

To wit, it is not impossible. It just takes time and effort.

I do not recall how I first found her, but we spoke on the phone then I went to Hawaii and spent a lovely and enlightening day with her. She is sharp, and her memories were clear and insightful. Nothing interesting was left on the cutting room floor; everything she shared made it into the book.

In many ways I think Diane was the most important supporting character in the book, as she was Homer's only co-worker, the only person with insights into what he did and how he did it given that he was making it up as he went and she was Homer's guinea pig (both in front of the camera and during the lessons he gave her as barter for her modeling).

Hard to imagine Homer's book--or mine--without her.

Mr Gummer,

Just a quick note of thanks for your book. I loved it, and I believe it is a MUST HAVE for anyone who loves the work of Homer Kelley.

Thank You,
Kevin