Golf books

[neudi]

I am going to find a few books to read about how to improve my game that much more. I am wondering what books you guys have read and how you well they were for topics such as improving your game. I will most like buy the Nicklaus golf my way book, but I was wondering what others were good.

[ipark1303]

My favorite book is "The 5 fundamentals of Golf" by Ben Hogan.
I read it every winter... just a reminder for better golf swings!

In these days, I am reading "Be the Ball", a collection of golf quotations from numerous Golfers (amateur and pros). I bought it because it was on sale... but I must admit that it ended up surprising me for the quality of the quotations.

[Hogan Fan]

I watched the "Golf My Way" video years ago and it helped me big time!
Wish I had a copy of it.
Ben Hogan's "Five Lessons" or "Power Golf" are good ones also.
I have an origal 1953 paperback (pocket book) edition of Hogan's "Power Golf'.
It's the prize of my golf library. I also have the 1969 edition.

[Ogg]

I like Bob Rotella's books as they deal with the mental aspects and I think I always need help with that part.

For fun, Rick Reilly has 2 books out called 'Missing Links' and 'Shanks for Nothing' that are hilarious and just plain fun. I highly recommend both of them. Anyone else read these?

[Shindig]

  neudi said:

I am going to find a few books to read about how to improve my game that much more. I am wondering what books you guys have read and how you well they were for topics such as improving your game. I will most like buy the Nicklaus golf my way book, but I was wondering what others were good.

My problem with books is that they tend to have very different instructions in them, which causes me to have multiple thoughts in my head when I swing (should I putt the way Pelz says or Harmon says?, etc). Maybe spend the time and money on a gym membership and do golf-related fitness?

[Shindig]

  Ogg said:

For fun, Rick Reilly has 2 books out called 'Missing Links' and 'Shanks for Nothing' that are hilarious and just plain fun. I highly recommend both of them. Anyone else read these?

No, but they're going on my "to read" list.

[pmcarync]

  Shindig said:

My problem with books is that they tend to have very different instructions in them, which causes me to have multiple thoughts in my head when I swing (should I putt the way Pelz says or Harmon says?, etc).

I agree with you Shindig...too many 'tips' and 'swings' can go through one's head...and sometimes those expert advice thoughts are conflicting. The book that I found to be wonderful is Michael Hebron's "GOLF SWING SECRETS AND LIES" in that he doesn't tell you how to swing, he explains what needs to happen to get the ball to move (and to move where you want it to) which will allow for self-discovery of a swing that works for you (and that you can repeat, repeat, repeat...). It's somewhat unorthodox from the usual 'learn to swing' books...and was exactly what i needed. Plus I took a 3 day workshop from him... been playing great golf since...

[Shindig]

  pmcarync said:

I agree with you Shindig...too many 'tips' and 'swings' can go through one's head...and sometimes those expert advice thoughts are conflicting. The book that I found to be wonderful is Michael Hebron's "GOLF SWING SECRETS AND LIES" in that he doesn't tell you how to swing, he explains what needs to happen to get the ball to move (and to move where you want it to) which will allow for self-discovery of a swing that works for you (and that you can repeat, repeat, repeat...). It's somewhat unorthodox from the usual 'learn to swing' books...and was exactly what i needed. Plus I took a 3 day workshop from him... been playing great golf since...

I guess I should say something good about one of Pelz's books ("Putt Like the Pros"). Although the stuff I mentioned earlier turned me off from it, the description of the physics of putting - 'lumpy donut' and so on - is great and helps mentally when you barely miss a putt.

[Ogg]

  Shindig said:

No, but they're going on my "to read" list.

Trust me, you will not be disappointed. They are that much fun.

[stiffiron]

  Ogg said:

I like Bob Rotella's books as they deal with the mental aspects and I think I always need help with that part.

Yeah, they were good fun, in a trashy humorous novel kind of way. Bit like Carl Hiaisen for golf...

[pickapocket]

  neudi said:

I am going to find a few books to read about how to improve my game that much more. I am wondering what books you guys have read and how you well they were for topics such as improving your game. I will most like buy the Nicklaus golf my way book, but I was wondering what others were good.

Some excellent golf books in no particular order...

5 Lessons, Ben Hogan: Iconic book on the full swing, you can really see where Tiges swing changes have come from. Short Game Bible, Dave Pelz: Excelent science backed up with some real common sense ideas on the scoring game Nice Jumper, Tom Cox: Book about a young lad drowing up in the UK playing golf and getting up to no good. Very very funny. 5 Iron in the Soul, Lawrence Donegan: Former pop-stars account of caddying for a European Tour journeyman for the season. Excellent insights into the less glam sides of tour golf, again some very funny bits. Ben Hogan Biography: Not read this myself but apparantly an inspiring read. Has anyone read Bud,Sweat and Tears by Rich Beam? Wondering if it is any good?

[mgresh]

I just finished a book by Bob Rotella called The Golf of Your Dreams and found it had some very good ideas on game improvement for folks who are really serious and willing to commit. Given your handicap index you must already have a good grasp on the fundamentals so I think what this book discusses may aid you in your quest to continue to improve more than some of the other books I have seen mentioned. I am not discounting the importance of the fundamentals...we all need to check ourselves for those regularly...but at the level of your game, strokes do not come off easily. It is about making the right decisions on the course, placing the ball on the right level on the approach, making two or three six footers you might not have otherwise, and having the ability to trust your swing/technique whether it is a two dollar nassau or to qualify for the US Open. This book talks more than about just banging balls or taking lessons...it discusses choosing a mentor/teacher and developing a plan to get your game from point A to point B. It discusses charting your rounds and focusing on the "scoring clubs" and I believe that is where you will find you can improve the most. Hope you enjoy it.

-matt