Best Golf Books

For those who can’t get enough of the game on the course, golf books offer a perfect escape. Whether you’re looking to sharpen your skills, find inspiration or immerse yourself in golf history, there’s a book for you. Here are our picks for must-reads for any golfer.

The Long Golden Afternoon

Written By: Stephen Proctor

If you wonder how and why golf has become the sport that it is today, Stephen Proctor’s The Long Golden Afternoon is a great place to start. This book highlights how colf changed and developed in the late 19th and early 20th Centuries. Proctor focuses on technological advancements and the social and cultural impacts of the game. You will also learn more about key moments in golf history. 

Who It’s For: Readers interested in the history and evolution of golf 

The Hogan Edge

Written By: Jerry Austry

It’s hard to consider yourself a true golf enthusiast and not have some understanding and respect for Ben Hogan. Jerry Austry spent three years as president of the Ben Hogan Company during its most tumultuous period. And given the Hogan Company’s history, that’s saying something. Austry walks his readers through company politics, corporate raider ownership and what it was like to work day-to-day with Ben Hogan himself. And he explains the challenges the company experienced in actually designing and manufacturing one of the top-selling irons of all time, the Hogan Edge. Austry’s memoir combines a remarkable business case study with an homage to one of the game’s greats.

Who It’s For: Any Hogan fan needs this book but it’s also a great historical read. If you really love Hogan, also look into Ben Hogan’s Modern Fundamentals of Golf. 

The Match

Written By: Mark Frost

Mark Frost shows up a couple of times on our list of the best golf books, for good reason. 

The Match is a nonfiction account of a match between the top two amateurs and the top two professionals in the U.S. in 1956. Ken Venturi and Harvie Ward take on Byron Nelson and Ben Hogan. The book blends sports history with great storytelling and suspense. 

Who It’s For: If you love a great story and some golf history, The Match combines them well. 

The Grand Slam: Bobby Jones, America and the Story of Golf

Written By: Mark Frost

The year 1930 was a great time to be a fan of golf. Bobby Jones captured the Grand Slam, an accomplishment that truly changed the evolution of golf. 

In Mark Frost’s The Grand Slam, you can gain insight into the early years of professional golf, the life of Bobby Jones and what made him different from any golfer the game has ever seen. Jones had a tremendous impact on the game of golf and also on American culture. Frost captures this perfectly. 

Who It’s For: If you don’t know anything about Bobby Jones, this is a must-read. For Bobby Jones fans, this one should already be on the shelf. 

Ben Hogan: An American Life

Written By: James Dodson

Although I’ve read hundreds of golf books, Ben Hogan: An American Life by James Dodson is my favorite. It helps that I’m a fan of Hogan but I love how this book dives into Hogan’s personal life and career. 

If you can appreciate a good sports comeback story, this is it. 

Who It’s For: If you want to know more about the legends of the game and be inspired by one of golf’s most remarkable players, you will like Ben Hogan: An American Life. 

Monarch of the Green

Written by: Stephen Proctor 

Monarch of the Green by Stephen Proctor is a biography of Tom Morris. You may have read about and studied Old Tom Morris, a pioneer of the game. However, the story of his son, Young Tom Morris, has been a bit vague until now.  Proctor calls Young Tom Morris golf’s first superstar. The book gives detailed information on his competitive record. 

Who It’s For: Any golf history buff will love Monarch of the Green. 

The Last Stand of Payne Stewart

Written By: Kevin Robbins

Payne Stewart’s story ends tragically. His colorful life was cut too short and any fan of Stewart will tell you that he had more championships to win. The Last Stand of Payne Stewart by Kevin Robbins gives an in-depth look at the last year of Payne’s life. The book delves into his personal life, career and death. In addition, you will understand the impact Stewart had on the game and how his legacy still lives on. 

Who It’s For: If you mourned the loss of Payne Stewart, you must read this. 

Arnie and Jack

Written By: Ian O’Connor

Arnie and Jack by Ian O’Connor takes a deep dive into the rivalry and friendship of Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus. At times, it appeared they were friends off the course but they were bitter rivals on it. The book provides insight into the contrasting personalities and their incredible individual influences on the game of golf. 

Who It’s For: If you enjoy golf history and are a fan of Palmer or Nicklaus or both, this is a good read.

Golf is Not a Game of Perfect

Written By: Bob Rotella

Every golfer can use a little mental game checkup from time to time. Bob Rotella’s Golf is Not a Game of Perfect focuses on the psychological aspects of golf. You walk away from reading this with practical advice and tips to become a better player.  Rotella looks at pressure, positive thinking, setbacks and the overall mental approach to the game. 

Who It’s For: Any player who knows the space between the ears is holding them back. 

Zen Golf

Written By: Joseph Parent

In Zen Golf, you will get plenty of insights and practical exercises to work on your golf game. The book focuses on mindfulness practices and how to enjoy the game of golf by reducing anxiety. If you think you need a little bit of change in your golf game and routine this year, the techniques in this book could get you there. Better yet, if you have a friend who is still tossing 7-irons in the pond, gift them this book. 

Who It’s For: Any golfer seeking a holistic or Zen-like approach to game improvement. 

A Course Called Ireland

Written By: Tom Coyne

A Course Called Ireland is a great book for the traveling golfer. Tom Coyne takes you on a journey of playing golf across Ireland. The book explores the history, humor and culture of golf on the Emerald Isle. While it includes descriptions of many golf courses in Ireland, it’s also funny, heartfelt and a fascinating read. 

Who It’s For:  Perfect for anyone who likes to travel. These tales will also resonate with anyone who has Irish roots. 

Dave Pelz’s Short Game Bible

Written By: Dave Pelz

One of the most famous instructional books ever, Dave Pelz’s Short Game Bible is a must-read if you want to shoot lower scores. The book offers detailed instruction and explains the science behind what works and what doesn’t. The Short Game Bible gives drills and practice routines to bring to the practice tee. I’ve owned this book for years and go back to it often when I need a short game refresh. 

Who It’s For: Any golfer looking to improve skills and confidence with their wedges and putter.

Putting Out of Your Mind

Written By: Bob Rotella

Rotella grabs another spot on our list. Putting Out of Your Mind helped me tremendously when I played tournament golf. Putting Out of Your Mind is a great combination of practical advice and psychological solutions. One of the great things about Putting Out of Your Mind is that the strategies work regardless of your handicap. 

Who It’s For: If you think your putting game has no chance of success, try this book first. You’ll learn that there is more to putting than mechanics, stance and grip. 

Every Shot Must Have a Purpose

Written By: Pia Nilsson and Lynn Marriott

Last, but certainly not least, is Every Shot Must Have a Purpose. Pia Nilsson and Lynn Marriott wrote this book to offer strategies for mental, physical and emotional development as a golfer. 

If you want to understand the impact of goal setting, practice routines and overall game improvement, this book covers it. There are also practical lessons that you can use for shot planning and understanding the type of player you are. 

Who It’s For: Golfers who want to get a deeper understanding (beyond the golf swing) of what it takes to save some strokes on the golf course.

A few others to consider

• Harvey Penick’s Little Red Book by Harvey Penick
• The Majors: In Pursuit of Golf’s Holy Grail by John Feinstein 
• Roaring Back: The Fall and Rise of Tiger Woods by Curt Sampson 
• A Good Walk Spoiled: Days and Nights on the PGA Tour by John Feinstein 
• Every Shot Counts by Mark Broadie 
• Greatest Game Ever Played by Mark Frost 
• A Feel For The Game: To Brookline and Back by Ben Crenshaw 
• Golf in the Kingdom by Michael Murphy 
• Practical Golf by John Jacobs 
• Caddy for Life: The Bruce Edwards Story by John Feinstein 

Let us know in the comments what your favorite golf book is!