RECOMMENDED GOLF BOOKS

Here is my recommendations for golf books you must read. I have included a link to Amazon.com for your convenience. I have also organized my list by category: history, biographies, price guides, instruction, and fiction. Some titles are out-of-print and may be hard to find. Some of these I have found current reprints that may satisfy your need to read and gather an understanding of golf. Please enjoy your journey.

HISTORY

 

A Passion for Golf: Treasures and Traditions of the Game  by Laurence Sheehan	With 175 full-color photos shot on location in the U.S.--with side trips to England, Scotland, and France--A Passion for Golf (by the authors of The Sporting Life) is a season-by-season pictorial tour of the courses, clubs, legendary heroes, collectibles, and other subjects close to the heart of the world's millions of golfers ISBN:0517593637
A Pictorial History of American Golf  by Willow Creek Press	A diverse history of how golf took new roots in America--as perceived through a fascinating collection of rare photos and narrative drawn from the pages of period publications--"Back Then" follows the game from its humble beginnings to the marvel that it is today. 119 photos ISBN:1572231459
Down the Fairway by Bobby Jones and O.B. Keeler	Down the Fairway is a must read in the subject of golf and golf history written by a very wise but young Bobby Jones. . Included in the work are stirring chapters recounting some of Jones' greatest victories and the benefits he discovered in golf. There are many photgraphs in the book including some this reader had not seen before that are quite advanced for the time period. This book should be sought by all who are interested in golf. ISBN:1563526476
History of Golf  by Robert Browning	Reprint of one of the classics of golf. Contains thirty-four well-researched chapters that traces the devcelopment of the game from the time of King James IV to the international of the twentieth century. A must for any golfer's library  ISBN:0940889056
St. Andrews Open Championships: The Official History by David Joy	St. Andrews Open Championships: The Official History ISBN:1886947260
The Story of American Golf : 1888--1941 by Herbert Warren Wind	Reprint of one of the classics of golf. Includes the origins of the first golf course in America, plus numerous photos and stories of the great players in America who played upto 1941.  ISBN:0935112529
The Clubmaker's Art : Antique Golf Clubs & Their History  by Jeff Ellis	The Clubmaker's Art is the most complete, authoritative, and stunningly beautiful book ever produced on antique golf clubs. Eminent golf club collector, dealer, and historian, Jeffery Ellis leads you on an incredible journey into the minds and workshops of golf's greatest craftsmen, exploring the remarkable evolution of the equipment of the game. Sumptuously illustrated with 800 full-color photographs depicting more than 640 antique clubs, The Clubmaker's Art reveals the most astonishing array of sporting equipment ever assembled. The Clubmaker's Art is for everyone who loves the game of golf. It is an absolute necessity for collectors and students of the game. It will be the standard reference work in the field for decades to come and a treasured possession of everyone who owns it.   ISBN:096530390X
The Illustrated History of Women's Golf by Rhinda Glenn	Golf is experiencing its greatest boom ever, and women are increasingly a part of this boom. In 1988, 41 percent of all new golfers were women, and the new magazine Golf for Women already has a circulation of 100,000. The elegantly designed Illustrated History of Women's Golf appeals directly to this growing market. 200 photographs ISBN:0878337431
The Making of the Masters: Clifford Roberts, Augusta National, and Golf's Most Prestigious Tournament by David Owen	The first full history of the making of sport's rite of spring--the Masters Tournament--by the acclaimed author of "My Usual Game", based on unprecedented access to the archives of the Augusta National Golf Club. of color photos ISBN:0684857294
The Rules of the Green: A History of the Rules of Golf by Kenneth Chapman	The first complete, definitive history ... 250 years in the making "Golf rules aren't an abstract set of injuctions designed to punish the player. They're practical reflections of playing conditions designed to aid the golfer in his game". With this in mind, Kenneth Chapman has written a wonderful and intriguing account of the great game of golf from its inception to the present. The Rules of the Green is the first comprehensive history of the subject -- an exciting journey through the development of this age-old game. Through careful examination of rare, original documents, photographs, written and oral histories, Chapman traces the history of golf rules -- how they have altered the game, and the surprising ways in which the game has stayed the same. This fascinating and original book will delight players and history buffs alike. Readers will travel across continents as the game changes and grows from a simple diversion for common folk to its modern-day form as a game of immense popularity. The Rules of the Green transcends basic regulations by providing the complete story behind each and every golf rule. Chapman answers questions such as: -- What defines a stroke ... and how it came to be -- What determines an unplayable ball? -- What changes have been made to the scoring system? -- Why is golf played with fourteen clubs? "This book is a must ... Ken Chapman has turned out the first scholarly analysis of the evolution of the Rules of Golf.  ISBN:1852277114
The Ryder Cup: The Definitive History of Playing Golf for Pride and Country by Colin Jarman	The ultimate guide to what is perhaps golf's most dramatic event for both theplayers and fans--the Ryder Cup ISBN:0809225883
The U.S. Open, 1895 to Today by John Delery	The authors explore the rich and varied history of the U.S. Open, outlining the evolution of the premier event and the sport of golf itself. Full-color and b&w photos throughout ISBN:1567997821

BIOGRAPHIES

 

The Greatest of Them All: The Legend of Bobby Jones  by Martin Davis	Featuring essays by Dave Anderson, Ben Crenshaw, Peter Dobereiner, Nick Seitz, and Larry Dorman, and original reporting by Bernard Darwin, O.B. Keeler, and Grantland Rice, this exquisite reissue and repackage of "The Greatest of Them All: The Legend of Bobby Jones" offers an unprecedented, close-up look at one of golf's most heroic players. Approx. 150 photos, many in full color ISBN:1888531002
Byron Nelson: The Story of Golf's Finest Gentleman and the Greatest Winning Streak in History by Martin Davis	Byron Nelson was the top player in the game for several years during and immediately after World War Il. In 1945, he won 18 tour events, 11 of them in a row. These records were never equalled on tour before and, as the years go by, look nearly impossible to equal in future. He then retired at the age of 34. But, Nelson was much more than just a golfer. He was a pioneer in the golf business, helping develop both the golf shoes and umbrellas that we enjoy today, an astute club pro, a fine teacher, one of the first golf analysts on network television and the mentor of many, many young golf hopefuls, including Ken Venturi and Tom Watson. In words and pictures, Byron Nelson, The Story of Golf's Finest Gentleman and the Greatest Winning Streak in History tells the incredible story of Byron Nelson. We are indeed fortunate to be able to enlist the aid of some of the finest players and writers on the golf scene today - Ben Crenshaw, the two-time Masters winner and noted golf historian, Dave Anderson, the Pulitzer Prize winning columnist for The New York Times, Tom Watson, the five-time British Open champion, Nick Seitz, the Editor-in-Chief of Golf Digest, Dan Jenkins, the witty long-time columnist for Sports Illustrated and Golf Digest, and Ken Venturi, CBS television golf analyst and 1964 U.S. Open champion. In addition, statistician Sal Johnson of Golfweek magazine has compiled and brought up to date Byron's complete record    ISBN:0767900103
Hogan by Curt Sampson	Ben Hogan is probably the best golfer in the history of the game, having won 63 PGA tournaments--third only to Sam Snead and Jack Nicklaus. Hogan portrays the poignant and private life of this man who overcame poverty, insanity, and a potentially fatal car crash to be the only man to win the U.S. Open, the British Open and the Masters in one year.   ISBN:0553061941
Jack Nicklaus: My Story by Jack Nicklaus	Jack Nicklaus: My Story is Jack Nicklaus's complete and compelling inside, in-depth account of those legendary majors triumphs, along with many other competition highlights - and some lowlights, too - of one of the greatest sports careers of all time. But, because this fascinating man has always been so much more than a professional athlete, his long-awaited autobiography is vastly more than a book about winning and losing. Revealed with the unfailing candor and intensity that are his most distinctive personality traits, here are all of the Jack Nicklauses his legions of admirers, and even some of those close to him, have never known the son, whose eyes still well up at the mention of his father; the husband, deeply aware of how much the strength, resilience, charm, and love of a woman content to remain in the shadows have meant to both his public image and private happiness; the famous father who, every day of his life, really has put his children first; the artist, tirelessly creating highly acclaimed courses so that others can enjoy his beloved game; the businessman, staggeringly successful at times, staggeringly unsuccessful at others; the analyst of the methods and makeups of the golfers who pushed him hardest and, most candidly of his own strengths and weaknesses; the commentator offering deep insights and strong opinions on the whys and wherefores of an occupation that has been extremely rewarding for him, yet one that he still regards as purely a game; and the multimillionaire   ISBN:0684836289

COLLECTIBLES AND PRICE GUIDES

 

Antique Golf Collectibles: A Price and Reference Guide  by Chuck Furjanic	Discover the history of golf through the sport's colorful collectibles. Manufacturer and product histories, collecting tips, and a triple-grade guide to current market prices makes this the last word on antique golf equipment. Complete with a 10-point club evaluation system that will allow golf aficionados to buy or sell with confidence  ISBN:0873417909
500 Years of Golf Balls: History & Collector's Guide   by  John Stuart	Trace the evolution of the golf ball from the featherie of the fifteenth century to the dual cover Strat of 1996. This is two books in one and traces the development of the golf ball and also has the current market prices for collectibhle golf balls. This is a book that will fascinate a sports collector or someone just interested in the history of golf.     ISBN:0930625722
Gilchrist's Guide to Golf Collectibles by Roger E. Gilchrist	Featuring thousands of entries, this invaluable book for those who love the game of golf or who love to collect golf treasures includes facsimiles of golfer's signatures--from Tommy Armour to Babe Didrickson Zaharias--copies of program covers from Ryder Cup tournaments, price information on collectible golf clubs, and much more.      ISBN:1570900752
Miller's Golf Memorabilia by Sara Fabian-Baddiel	A perfect gift for golfers and collectors alike, covering all items of golf memorabilia from tees and antique clubs to paper weights and posters. Fully illustrated throughout, it also includes a price range for each piece shown and hints and tips for the collector.    ISBN:1857323505
Olmans' Guide to Golf Antiques and Other Treasures of the Game: And Other Treasures of the Game by John Olman	This fully illustrated book details the equipment of yesteryear along with other fascinating collectibles connected to the centuries-old game of golf. Includes collecting guidelines and identification tips for all golf collectibles; where to buy and sell; how to display and care for a collection; and more. Over 500 photos ISBN:0942117026

GOLF INSTRUCTION

 

A Round of Golf with Tommy Armour by Tommy Armour	Championship golfer Tommy Armour plays an imaginary round with the average golfer and shows how to play the best possible game, physically and mentally ISBN:1558212175
How to Play Your Best Golf All the Time by Tommy Armour	The classic golf instructional books by one of the great teachers   ISBN: 0940889021
Classic Golf Tips by Tommy Armour	Steely Scotsman Tommy Armour helped define the sport of golf in the 1920s and '30s. Later, as a respected teacher, he improved the games of dozens of professionals, including Babe Didrikson Zaharias, and Julius Boros. This invaluable handbook features 160 of his illustrated golf tips, providing simple yet crucial coaching in the areas of putting, driving, grip, and stance  ISBN: 0809233428
Ben Hogan's Power Golf by Ben Hogan	Clasic golf instructional book's written by one of the legends ISBN:0671729055
Five Lessons: The Modern Fundamentals of Golf by Ben Hogan	Another classic by Ben Hogan ISBN:0671612972
Dave Pelz's Putting Bible: The Complete Guide to Mastering the Green by Dave Pelz	The king of the scoring game and founder of the World Putting Championship now takes to the green in the follow-up to his national bestseller, "Dave Pelz's Short Game Bible". "Dave Pelz has added more irrefutable knowledge to the body of golf instruction than any man alive".--George Peper, Editor in Chief, "Golf" magazine. 200 photos, line drawings, & charts throughout.  ISBN:0385500246
Dave Pelz's Short Game Bible: Master the Finesse Swing and Lower Your Score by Dave Pelz	Nobody teaches the short game better than internationally revered golf instructor Dave Pelz. Here he explores the art of chipping, lobs, pitches, long-distance wedge shots, and bunker play. 75 photos & charts ISBN:0767903447
David Leadbetter's Faults and Fixes: How to Correct the 80 Most Common Problems in Golf by David Leadbetter	Acknowledged as the world's greatest golf coach, David Leadbetter shows readers 80 common "faults" and the appropriate "fixes" for each problem. Illustrated with 300 four-color drawings, and featuring a Foreword by Nick Price, this practical manual is an essential addition to every golfer's library ISBN:0062720058
Jack Nicklaus' Lesson Tee: Let the World's Greatest Golfer Teach  by Jack Nicklaus	In 45 colorful, easy-to-follow lessons, Jack Nicklaus shares his tips, techniques, and tactics for playing winning golf. Readers will find all they need to know to play the game to the best of their ability, including hitting the shots as well as actually playing the game. Full-color illustrations ISBN:0684852128
Golf My Way by Jack  Nicklaus	First published more than 20 years ago, "Golf My Way" has helped thousands of golf enthusiasts improve their game and enjoy the sport. Bringing to the book the same devoted concentration and intelligence that have carried him to the pinnacle of golf, Nicklaus offers in-depth, A-Z details on the game as he plays it. Illustrations, many in color ISBN:068485211X
My 55 Ways to Lower Your Golf Score by Jack Nicklaus	Nicklaus takes readers through the essentials of improving their swings and presents critical tips on playing the course. From the man who has dominated golf for almost 40 years, "My 55 Ways to Lower Your Golf Score" will appeal to players of all levels. 42 color illustrations ISBN: 0671557467
Harvey Penick's Little Red Book: Lessons and Teachings from a Lifetime in Golf by Harvey Penick	Penick's life in golf began at the age of eight when he caddied at the Austin (Texas) Country Club. Now, 78 years later, he is still there, dispensing simple wisdom and common-sense advice to famous pros and high-handicap amateurs alike. His Little Red Book is a classic to be cherished by generations to come  ISBN:0671759922
The Game for a Lifetime: More Lessons and Teachings by Harvey Penick	His gentle demeanor and timeless wisdom made Harvey Penick America's best-loved teacher of the game of golf. From his lesson tee at the Austin Country Club, he taught several generations of champions and high-handicappers, pros and amateurs alike. All who came in contact with him came away with their grips improved, their souls refreshed, and their hearts gladdened by his love of teaching and his eagerness to serve. In The Game for a Lifetime, Harvey tells us about the different methods he used to help his pupils find twenty more yards off the tee; about the incredible swing of Leaping Lucifer who did everything wrong when he stood over the ball, but whom Harvey helped to find contentment and joy both on and off the course; and about the sweet-swinging pupils whose swings he could remember and recognize without having seen them for thirty-odd years. He spends much of the book advising "the seasoned player" - whose seasoning is measured not in years but in experience on the links and at the practice tee. His highest praise goes not to any of the champions he trained or Hall of Famers he worked with but to his wife, Helen, who stood by him in thick and thin during his seven decades of service to the game he loved. And the book concludes with the tribute his son, Tinsley, paid him at a gathering of the world's best golf teachers during the week of the 1995 Ryder Cup. ISBN:0684800594
Swing Easy, Hit Hard by Julius Boros	The legendary smooth swing of Julius Boros can be learned with this classic book, first published in 1965. Any golfer is virtually guaranteed a better swing and more enjoyable golf, the Boros way ISBN:1580800157
The Master of Putting: Classic Secrets of a Putting Legend by George Low	One of golf's great hustlers reveals the secrets of his amazingly dependable putting technique, addressing stance, grip, tempo, and the other fundamentals that make putts drop ISBN:1580800122

FICTION

 

Golf in the Kingdom by Michael Murphy	When a young man en route to India stops in Scotland to play at the legendary Burningbush golf club, his life is transformed. Paired with a mysterious teacher named Shivas Irons, he is led through a round of phenomenal golf, swept into a world where extraordinary powers are unleashed in a backswing governed by "true gravity". A night of adventure and revelation follows, and leads to a glimpse of Seamus MacDuff, the holy man who haunts a ravine off Burningbush's thirteenth fairway - the one they call Lucifer's Rug. ASIN=0670880337
The Case of the Missing Links: A Golf Mystery by Lee Tyler	Golfing sleuths Harry "Win" Winslow and June Jacobs have to solve a mystery in Pebble Beach, the mecca for golf fanatics. At first the problem seems simple: Somebody has stolen the route plan for a golf course from Moore's architecture firm. Was it the assistant designer, the agronomist, the business manager (Moore's former mistress), the office gofer (Moore's current mistress)? Or was it a rival, a rabid environmentalist, or maybe even his own wife? At first it's an easy par-three case -- a little sleuthing with enough time for a few rounds at Pebble Beach -- until Moore turns up dead. All of a sudden the sleuth's hole-in-one just hit a sand-trap. Set in the spectacular scenery along Seventeen Mile Drive, this is a whodunit for anyone who loves golf(an estimated 24 million!) -- and everyone who loves a good yarn filled with humor, suspense, romance, danger -- and a wicked slice.   ISBN:1564743020
The Golf Omnibus: Thirty-One Humorous Tales from the Green by P.G. Wodehouse	Tales of careless caddies, crazy courses, and the hazards of playing with the wrong person highlight these 31 humorous tales by a master golfer. Wodehouse addresses the lighter, funnier side of the game ISBN:0517057948
The Kingdom of Shivas Irons by Michael Murphy	The author of the bestselling classic "Golf in the Kingdom" returns to investigate further visitations by mythic golf pro and philosopher Shivas Irons and his elusive mentor, Seamus MacDuff. Line drawings ISBN:0767900197
The Murder on the Links by Agatha Christie	Monsieur Renauld dies on a golf course just days after sending a plea for help to detective Poirot. Since Renauld possessed a plundered fortune, a scorned wife, a mistress, and an estranged son, there is no lack of suspects. It's up to Poirot to put the police onto the culprit before more murders occur  ISBN:0425067947
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