10 Books Every Golfer NEEDS to Read

  1. The Match: The Day the Game of Golf Changed Forever, by Mark Frost 

Mark Frost, the co-creator of the television series Twin Peaks, has also penned one of the greatest golf novels of all time. This unbelievable true story follows a 1956 match game between two amateurs against Ben Hogan and Bryon Nelson. The story is a nail-biting page-turner from the setup, the match itself, and the conclusion. It is a story of facing impossible odds and being the best that one can be. The book is not filled with tips or tricks to improve your own game. Instead, it is simply a novel to reinvigorate your love for this sport. 

  1. Harvey Penick’s Little Red Book

If you are looking to improve your game then this is the place to start. Harvey Penick packs a lifetime of caddie knowledge and wisdom into this book. He reduces the complicated game of golf into easily digestible advice. There is subtle humor and a casual tone. Regardless of whether you are a beginner or a professional, there is certainly something to take away from this amazing book. 

  1. Ben Hogan’s Five Lessons: The Modern Fundamentals of Golf

With almost a million copies sold, Ben Hogan shares his vast wealth of knowledge in his book. Ben Hogan’s lifetime of achievements is unparalleled in history. He understood the game of golf on a fundamental level. This book includes his teachings and features drawings and diagrams to assist in your understanding. 

  1. Golf is Not a Game of Perfect by Dr. Bob Rotella

Dr. Bob Rotella has spent his life as a “performance consultant”. Performance consultants work to enhance players’ performances by analyzing the mental and emotional aspects of the sport. This book covers Dr. Rotella’s unique advice towards tackling the psychological intricacies of golf. This culmination of stories will improve your game or at the very least, your attitude towards golf.

  1. Caddy for Life: The Bruce Edwards Story, by John Feinstein

No one on a golf course sees more or understands more than the caddies. This is true both on a technical level, but also on a more personal level. This novel written by the great sportswriter John Feinstein, covers the career of Bruce Edward. Bruce Edward was one of golf’s greatest caddies of all time and Feinstein unveils the important part he played in the sport’s history. Tragically, Bruce Edward died from Lou Gehrig’s disease in 2004. This is a must-read for any golf fan. 

  1. The Last Stand of Payne Stewart: The Year Golf Changed Forever, by Kevin Robbins

Sportswriter Kevin Robbers delves into the complex, exciting, and tragic life of Payne Stewart. Payne Stewart’s iconic performance on the PGA Tour in 1999 will be remembered forever, if sadly because of Stewart’s tragic death in a fatal air disaster. This book transcends the sport. It covers the importance of living life to the fullest and highest.

  1. Fearless Golf: Conquering the Mental Game by Dr. Gio Valiante

Similar to Dr. Rotella’s novel, Dr. Gio Valiante writes to help golfers worldwide conquer the sport. Fear is the enemy to all golfers. It is what ruins shots and confidence. It drives scores up and keeps people off the course. Dr. Valiante utilizes his life of applicable knowledge to provide a detailed plan to overcome these obstacles. If you find yourself struggling with nerves out on the course, then pick this book up

  1. Every Shot Counts: Using the Revolutionary Strokes Gained Approach by Mark Broadie

Analytics has infiltrated the core of every major sport. Sports teams are utilizing analytics to improve teams, win championships, and become better. The PGA Tour has been no different. Mark Broadie takes his business style approach to explain analytics in golf. He delves into the facts and stats to understand how golf is played. This book can be what you need to take your game to the next level. 

  1. Golf My Way, by Jack Nicklaus

This is one of the best-selling golf books of all time. Jack Nicklaus, the icon of golf, shares his strategy towards the game. Originally published in 1974, the book may seem dated, but the lessons are timeless. This comprehensive book covers nearly every aspect of the sport. Nicklaus shares his thoughts and experiences from both a physical and psychological aspect. This is an excellent read for any golfer.

  1. Golf My Own Damn Way: A Real Guy’s Guide to Chopping Ten Strokes Off by John Daly

Jack Nicklaus is the golden child of golf. John Daly on the other hand is a successful stepchild. Two-time major winner John Daly is nothing less than an incredible golfer. However, he has always approached the sport in his own unique way. Often criticized, Daly’s method is often more appealing to your “everyday golfer”. He does not use fancy terminology or complex metaphors. It is a simplified, funny, condensed book that will help you approach your own game. Overall, it is an excellent sequel to Nicklaus’ famous book. There is something to be gained by reading both. 

Leave a Reply

*required