My series of columns throughout 2007 will attempt to connect your game of today with past golf history and tradition. By presenting a comparison of 1916 and 1919 PGA Champion Jim Barnes' book, "Picture Analysis of Golf Strokes," with my book, "The PGA Manual of Golf," I will be able to show you trends and changes in the game.

Barnes' technique was the finest of his era and provides incredible insight into the development of the strokes of today's top players. By comparing Barnes' swing to our generation's best, my goal is to encourage you to look -- with an eye for the past -- at your game, shot selection, equipment, clothing and even the golf course you play, in order for you to gain a new understanding of the game as it is played today.

In addition to winning the first two PGA Championships, "Long Jim", as Barnes was often called, finished as runner-up in 1921 and 1924. He also won the 1921 U.S. Open, 1925 British Open and was a three-time winner of the Western Open, then considered a major, as the Masters had not yet formed as a tournament. In 1939, he won his final tournament, the New Jersey Open, at the age of 53.

An original member of The PGA of America and the PGA Hall of Fame, Barnes was also a wonderful teacher. He held positions at various clubs throughout the United States, so he could provide instruction when he was not competing professionally. His reputation was so strong that in 1920, he was signed by one New York club for a reported $20,000 annually -- the same amount Babe Ruth received from the Yankees at the time. During this period, the average annual salary in the United States was $1,236, and the cost of a new car was less than $300.

A Classic Lesson on How You Can Use Your Short Irons

The finish stroke of Jim Barnes when he used his Mashie Niblick (approximately 40 degrees of loft -- similar to today's 9 iron) was shorter arms held very straight, with a wrist position that was less hinged. His body was turned to face the line of flight and not beyond.

Barnes' masterful technique is useful when hitting a shot with low spin, but high trajectory. Try this finish position on your short iron shots where you use a less-lofted club (8 iron or 9 iron) and the abbreviated finish Barnes made famous.

And who from today might you see using a similar swing that Barnes mastered for his short game?

Try 2005 PGA Champion Phil Mickelson, who used the same type of shortened finish for his fantastic wedge shot on the 72nd hole at that year's PGA Championship at Baltusrol Golf Club in Springfield, N.J. -- a classic testament to what Barnes did during his day with his Mashie Niblick.

If you are interested in reading Barnes' groundbreaking "Picture Analysis of Golf Strokes: A Complete Book of Instruction," -- originally published in 1919, and re-released just last year -- visit the pga.com store.

To find a PGA Golf Professional near you to help you master your golf technique, be sure to visit www.PlayGolfAmerica.com, and use the ZIP code search tool.

Here's to better golf in the New Year!

Rick Martino is Director of Instruction for The PGA of America. He teaches at the PGA Learning Center in Port St. Lucie, Fla., and is ranked among the Top 50 instructors by Golf Digest Magazine. The author of the PGA Manual of Golf (Warner Books/$34.95), Martino can be reached at (800) 800-GOLF or by email at pgalearningcenter@pgahq.com.