Good Reading

photo credit: nessguide   GOLF DIGEST’S latest book recommendations:  THE GOLF BOOK $30, is a SPORTS ILLUSTRATED publication that incorporates 300 photo’s and essays that describe the long history of golf, it’s heroic figures and golf’s quiet moments.  THE KING AND I $28, Arnies inner circle, for the past 50 years, describes what it was like to be close friends with Palmer.  The book has over 200 photographs of Palmer and his personal friends.  THE CLUB MENU $50, a recipe book that is a bit corny but includes recipes from 50 different golf clubs such as Oakmont’s, Big Mouth Sandwich.  ST. ANDREWS LINKS $35, with a forward by Jack Nicklaus, this book reveals the long history of the most famous golf course in the world.

“And Then Chi Chi Told Fuzzy…”

photo credit: DaveFayram   Written by Don Wade, “And Then Chi Chi Told Fuzzy…” includes more than 250 of the “greatest true golf stories ever told.”  The book is a compilation of amusing tales about true life occurances amongst some of the most famous names in the history of golf.  With names like Tommy Bolt, John Daly, Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer and many more, the reader has the opportunity to “listen in” on some fascinating stories.  Although there are a few relatively uknown characters in the book, the stories about them well make up for the lack of notariety.

The book also covers some famous golf course episodes from Augusta National, Shinnecock Hills and Oakmont, to name a few.  These tales are amusing because they convey the real life idiosyncracies of the characters of these world famous athletes and locations.  A must read.

THE FLAT STICK by Noah Liberman

photo credit: Pierre -M-   PGA Tour Pros make 99 percent or more of their putts from two feet or closer, right?  Nope.  They miss at least 6 out of every 100-an astonishing high number.  They make roughly one third of their putts from twenty feet right?  No again; they make no more than one in six.  As if the truth of putting weren’t hard enough, we make things worse by imagining it’s easier for the pros than it is.

Gay Brewer, PGA Tour Pro once said “putting is 90 percent mental.  If you think you you can’t putt, you can’t.”  On another occasion he said “the game of golf is 90 percent mental.  The rest is mental.”

PGA Pro, Frank Beard once said, “I’m having putting troubles, but it’s not the putter, it’s the puttee.”  he was implying that the golfer is controlled by the club, not the other way around.

PLAY LOWER HANDICAP GOLF

photo credit: Dru Bloomfield – At Home in Scottsdale   PLAY LOWER HANDICAP GOLF by Phil Rodgers sets the standard for golf instruction.  The book is a wonderful compilation of Rodgers’ swing theories and methods.  It covers all the basic fundamentals of the golf swing including putting techniques and even some “specialty” shots.

In 1984 Jack Nicklaus, while contemplating retirement, conferred with his longtime friend Phil Rodgers.  After lengthy discussion, Nicklaus asked Rodgers for his help and they spent several months working on Jack’s short game.  Nicklaus’ game was revived and he went on to win many more tour events including two Majors.

The book went into print in 1986, even so, everything contained is applicable in today’s game.  The book is a lesson in fundamentals.  This is one book you want in your golf library !  Check out www.Amazon.com.

“THE MATCH”

photo credit: danperry.com   Eddie Lowery was the famous 10 yr. old caddie for Francis Ouimet who was  the youngest US. Open Champion.  Now a wealthy car dealer, Lowery made a bet with fellow millionaire George Coleman, that two of his (Lowery’s) car salesman, Harvey Ward and Ken Venturi, could beat any two golfers in the world.  Coleman took the challenge and the match was set to begin at 10:00 a.m. the following morning at Cypress Point, CA. to settle the issue.

Coleman accepts the challenge and shows up with Ben Hogan and Byron Nelson, the game’s two greatest living players with 14 Major Championships to their credit.

THE MATCH is a thrilling and wonderfully written account of one of the most famous, yet little known matches of all time.  This is a must read for all golf enthusiasts!

Harvey Penick’s Little Red Book

photo credit: shareski   Surely, one of the most popular instructional books ever written, Harvey Penick’s Little Red Book is a compilation of lessons and teachings from one of the world’s greatest golf instructors.

Harvey Morrison Penick began his golfing career as Golf Coach at the University of Texas.  he has coached such notables as Tom Kite, Ben Crenshaw, Kathy Whitworth and many others.  In 1992 the PGA of America named him Teacher of the Year.

Shortly after Penick’s death in 1995, Ben Crenshaw, who was a pallbearer for Penick) became the second oldest Masters Champion.  When asked to comment on his victory Crenshaw said “I had a 15th club in my bag,” which was a reference to his longtime mentor.  The book is available at all bookstores or at www.Amazon.com.

PETE DYE GOLF COURSES by Joel Zuckerman

photo credit: danperry.com  In November 2008 Pete Dye was introduced into the World Golf Hall of Fame; it is only fitting that a new book has been written about his life and work.  Dye’s courses have one unmistakable design characteristic, plenty of water and wooden ties.  Known as the games greatest architect, Dye once said “you can’t build a golf course from bed.” 

The book includes photographs of some of Dye’s magnificent golf holes along with anecdotes from Zuckerman.  There are also some very insightful and interesting quotes from course managers and PGA Tour Pro’s alike.  Quotes from such notables as Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer and Greg Norman are seen throughout the book.  This is one book to add to your collection, you won’t be sorry you did.

John Daly “My life in and out of the rough”

photo credit: MCHart John Daly, one of the most popular golfers on the PGA Tour, has an interesting and very controversial book out called “MY LIFE IN AND OUT OF THE ROUGH.” The book begins with Daly’s early childhood and takes readers through his adolesence, college years and strugle on the PGA Tour.

Daly led a troubled childhood with an alcoholic father who put a lot of pressure on John as a youngster. The truth telling in this book is uncommon but knowing John Daly, you would expect nothing less.

This is a book that every golfer should read, not because they are infatuated with Daly but because it gives the reader a wonderful insight into what life is like as a professional golfer on the PGA Tour. You can find his book at www.Amazon.com It’s a must read!

Golf Magazine

One of the premier magazines in the world today is GOLF MAGAZINE. The magazine is published monthly by Sports Illustrated for subscribers throughout the world.

The publication covers all areas of the game but delves more into instruction than other golf magazines. The “private lessons” section is the most personalized instruction to be found. There is in depth instruction for senior’s, high handicappers and low handicappers written by some of the games greatest instructors and players.

The “shop” section deals with all of the latest golf equipment. The articles are very informative and designed to educate the consumer about newly introduced golf clubs and accessories. A GOLF MAGAZINE subscription will keep you up to date on the game of golf and is well worth the price.

Ben Hogans Five Lessons: modern fundamentals of golf

Many people say that Ben Hogan was the game’s greatest player, however, one thing that everyone agrees on is that he was the game’s greatest technician. Hogan’s story is one of defeat, tragedy and triumph. At the top of his career a violent car crash dashed his hopes to ever walk again, never mind play professional golf.

Hogan met the challenge and not only was able to walk again but went on to win several major championships. In order to compensate for his injuries Hogan had to learn how to swing all over again. His book FIVE LESSONS is one of the most in depth descriptions of the modern golf swing ever written. Hogan goes into every aspect of the swing and no detail is left out. This book is a “must read” for every serious golfer.

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