The Gate to Golf by Douglas J. Edgar
The Gate to Golf by Douglas J. Edgar
The Gate to Golf by Douglas J. Edgar
The Gate to Golf by Douglas J. Edgar
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The Gate to Golf by Douglas J. Edgar

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The Gate to Golf by Douglas J. Edgar. First Edition 1920, with original box and gate device. 61 page hardcover book with the original box and wooden device that mimics the intended golf swing. The Gate to Golf (D & J E2260) was published by Edgar & Co. in 1920. An English golfer from Newcastleupon-Tyne, Edgar was a fan of hitting the ball from the inside-out and is credited with being the first golfer to popularize what is essentially the standard modern swing. He won the French Open in 1914 and the Canadian Open in 1919. Harry Vardon said about Edgar, 'This is one man who one day will be the greatest of us all.' The unusual aspect of the book is that it is accompanied by a box which contains a 'gate' device, which eager golfers can use to see what the motion Edgar recommends looks like. The box contains a rubber 'gate,' attached to a metal hinge, which flexes and simulates the action Edgar was trying to explain showing the club head hitting the ball. The box also has an undeniably great cover illustration with an enticing image of Edgar leading golfers into the promised land where he unveils the secret to the game. Instead of passing through the gates of heaven, the hickory golfers enter the gate to golf. As Edgar describes in the book 'Golf is truly a Goddess, and must be wooed accordingly, with due meekness and humility.' Edgar was a true believer: 'The Gate will not fail you unless you fail The Gate.' The book is chocked full of black and white images of Edgar demonstrating the golf swing and how to use the gate (dressed in a suite and dress shoes and wearing a bow tie!). It is most unusual and difficult to find this book with box and wooden device intact. Some soiling around the edges and rear of the box consistent with a 100 year old item.