New Post: #5 - Feature Friday

Hi Friends

Golf books. I have a love for golf books. If I’m not playing golf, then I’m probably reading about it,

So today, I’d thought I’d show you my Top 5 Golf book ranking,

I own quite a few golf books and have read quite a few more,

So here goes my ranking and why you may like them as well

(I have also included a link to buy each book on Amazon, which is an affiliate link and I may earn a few pence for any copies purchased, thought I should let you know that)

Now to the list,

Number 1.

“My Baby got the Yips” by an author named Richard Russell

Richard talks about his time as a member at Sunningdale and his quest for golfing expertise.

He started there as a junior and there are loads of tales and anecdotes of all sorts of characters from the club including the infamous games of backgammon upstairs in the card room. And why you can’t order a cheese and onion toastie (The famous long time member and former captain of the R&A, Gerald Micklem doesn’t like onion, so Sunningdale wont serve it)

I found this book very amusing but also educational as he talks through his search for the Secret to Golf.

With chapters like “Putting is an unfathomable bugger”, “Daddy where do shanks come from” , “Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No, Its a 60 degree lob wedge” and a chapter on Moe Norman (remember him from the interview with Jacko)

There is humour and education in equal measure and in the last chapter he actually shares “The secret to golf”

What is the Secret? I hear you ask. Well you’ll have to read his book to find out…….

Buy this book, you wont be disappointed!

Number 2.

“It’s only a game - Words of wisdom from a Lifetime in Golf”

Jackie Burke Jnr

Why do I love this book? Jackie dispels his knowledge on how to get good at golf, really good. Jackie won 2 majors in 1956 and went on to become teacher to the likes of Phil Mickleson and Steve Elkington.

Jackie loved competition saying “The day you stop competing is the day you start the long walk to graveyard” and he lived to be 101 years old so there must be something in that.

There are pearls of wisdom like “The place to find your swing is on the golf course, not the range” , “Always have a target. If you aim at nothing, you’ll hit it every time” and “The outcome of a shot, regardless of the distance, is largely determined by the pace of your backswing”

His philosophy is all about competition, he viewed competition as the deepest type of immersion into the game and hated the “participation” culture invading sport and golf these days.

Jackie is a throwback to his time in history but we can all learn one hell of a lot from him.

Number 3.

I could have chosen any of Dr Bobs books. They are so full of wisdom, entertaining and have some great anecdotes from tour players and major winners but my favourite is

“Putting out of your Mind”

Dr Bob Rotella

Bob is the OG of golf psychology, having spent time and taught the likes of Tom Kite, Davis Love, Padraig Harrington, Darren Clarke, Jim Furyk and Rory Mcllory.

He teaches mental techniques for the all round game but I particularly like this one just about putting.

This is an except from Brad Faxon’s introduction,

“For now, trust me. Bob Rotella is a master in his field. He has helped me improve as a player and as a putter. He can help you. Since you’ve got this book in your hands, I’m willing to venture two predictions, One is that you will never need another putting book. And the second is that you will enjoy reading this as much as you will enjoy putting in your next round of golf”

Can’t say better then that!

Dr Bob will talk you through how good putters think, Gaining control by giving up control, The myth of the perfect stroke and much more.

Number 4.

“The Inner Game of Golf”

Timothy Gallwey

If Dr Bob is the OG then Timothy Gallwell is the Grandfather of Golf psychology. This book claims to discover your true potential by increasing your concentration, will power and confidence and I can vouch that it does work. Just follow the simple processes described within.

This book is all about what Tim calls “Self 1” and “Self 2” - which these days would be called the “Conscious” and “Sub Conscious” mind. How can we get into a state where the “Self 1” is not getting in the way of “Self 2” to allow us to play our best golf naturally and freely.

I’m sure we have all had days where we have played great and come off the course and thought, that was easy, I wasn’t even trying or thinking - Well that is Self 2 taking over.

There some great drills to help. Like the simple “back/Hit” drill, You say in your head or out loud its up to you, Back at the very top of the backswing and Hit as you make impact (P7 if you were paying attention to the last newsletter) I’ve found this can help keep your conscious mind busy and allow the free flowing sub conscious to take over.

Why not give it a go and see what happens…..

Number 5.

“All Course Great and Small -A Golfer’s Pilgrimage to England and Wales”

James W. Finegan

This is a lovely book about discovering the greatest courses in England and Wales.

As a long time member of the Addington I particularly enjoyed his description of visit there in 1998, Moira Fabes and all.

If you love Golf Architecture or just great golf courses you will love this book.

Thanks for reading,

Sayonara till the next time,