POLL: What is your Desert island golf book (assuming the island has a golf course)

[bones75]

I wanted to buy my first golf book, and didn't know what to get (also want to get a buddy of mine a golf book for his birthday).  What one book would you recommend?  NOTES:

        - In a way, this pool is intended for ppl who have read lots (or at least multiple) books.  e.g. If you've only read one book, you still don't have to vote for it, else this might become more of a bestseller list which we can get elsewhere.

        - I got this list from the top 20 most viewed (not replied) threads in the Reading Room.  Hopefully this list captures the biggest contenders.

        - I've searched and found a few threads to this effect in TST, but haven't seen a poll before

        - I would have posted in the Reading Room, but you can't add new topics there?

Edited May 12, 2016 by bones75

[Patch]

I voted for Penick, only because I did not see Earnest Jones, and his "Swing The Club Head" listed.

I have read both of theses books, several times. A few of the others listed, I have not read, so I have no idea whats in them. 

Edited May 12, 2016 by Patch

[9wood]

Chicken Soup for the Golfer's Soul - First and Second Rounds

[newtogolf]

Since Brodies book wasn't an option I selected Lowest Score Wins. I'd want a book that I'd want / have to read multiple times to extract every detail from.  

[nevets88]

Hogan's book is overrated. The Golfing Machine is super technical. Pelz's books, more effective short game technique books are out there, The Impact Zone is too narrow in scope and not really much substance. I could go on. I really think video as a format has overtaken print for the most part w/respect to instruction, see James Hahn (or whoever CBS mentioned) and his YouTube obsession. 

[boogielicious]

I've read 12 of the books on the list. I guess it's what you want to get out of reading the book. If you want philosophy, Harvey Penick. Psychology, Rotella. If you want history, Jack and Tiger. But if you want to play that one golf course to the best of your ability, Lowest Score Wins.

You left off Dave Stockton's books, which are good reads as well as Ray Floyd. I've read them as well. I put them in the Stan Utley category.

I encourage everyone to read most of these books. It is good to get perspective from different angles. Plus I like to read.

[nevets88]

I sounded like a book burner in my above post there didn't I? If I did, it's because the ratings for some of  these books imho are overblown and I'm cynical, definitely read them, but they're not a cure all panacea for your swing which some people make them out to be - the instruction ones.

[Big C]

Sorry - Didn't read the OP closely enough. I'll look again and reply

[bones75]

8 hours ago, boogielicious said:

I've read 12 of the books on the list. I guess it's what you want to get out of reading the book. If you want philosophy, Harvey Penick. Psychology, Rotella. If you want history, Jack and Tiger. But if you want to play that one golf course to the best of your ability, Lowest Score Wins.

 

This is probably what I intended, but there probably is more than one interpretation of "desert island golf book".  Thanks to you and other posters so far on your concise and to the point categorization on some of these books.  Very informative.

[MacDutch]

Deserted island?  Playboy would be the best buy in my opinion.

[bste]

I recommend Lowest Score Wins. It's not your typical golf book.

 

[natureboy]

Left out "Short Way to Lower Scoring" by Runyan.

[chilepepper]

If I was on a desert island, if there was a book specific to the sand game, I'd want that