Top 5 Golf Reads for 2013

January 9, 2013

Did you receive one too many gift cards in your stocking this holiday season? Not exactly sure what to buy with them? Why not celebrate the beginning of the 2013 PGA Tour season by purchasing one (or more) of the following golf books.

“The Eternal Summer: Palmer, Nicklaus, and Hogan in 1960, Golf’s Golden Year,” by Curt Sampson*
It was the summer of 1960. Golf’s popularity was steadily rising thanks to the star power of Arnold Palmer, who had recently won his second Masters. Large corporations were taking notice and paying for television advertisements during tournament broadcasts, ultimately leading to larger purses. And, one legend’s career – Ben Hogan – was drawing to a close, while another’s – Jack Nicklaus – had just begun. Take a step back in time with the best-selling author, as he details the ways in which professional golf was forever transformed 53 years ago.

 

“The Golfer’s Mind: Play to Play Great,” by Dr. Bob Rotella*
For nearly 30 years, psychologist Dr. Bob Rotella has coached some of golf’s most successful professionals on an aspect of the game that is often overlooked – the mind. By covering topics like anger, patience, and trust, “Doc,” as he is known in the professional ranks, now offers you the advice he has previously given to the likes of Tom Kite and Padraig Harrington. In addition, “Doc” focuses on the psychology of driving, iron play, and putting, while also offering tips on practice, routine, commitment, and visualization. Quite simply, “The Golfer’s Mind” is a must-have read for all golfers in pursuit of a more positive mental approach to the game.

 

“Harvey Penick’s Little Red Book: Lessons and Teachings from a Lifetime in Golf,” by Harvey Penick*
Few instructors have left as indelible an imprint on golf as Harvey Penick, the longstanding instructor of major champions Ben Crenshaw, Tom Kite, and Mickey Wright, among others. First published in 1992, the recently released 20th anniversary issue of “Little Red Book” features a foreword from 1997 PGA Champion Davis Love III, whose father, Davis Jr., was mentored by Penick. With tips on chipping, putting, bunker play, and hand position, as well as stories and photographs spanning the legendary instructor’s nearly 80-year-long career, is there any wonder why “Little Red Book” is regarded as one of the most popular golf books of all time?

 

“Ben Hogan’s Five Lessons: The Modern Fundamentals of Golf,” by Ben Hogan
Perhaps the most well-known golf book ever published, “Five Lessons” was first released in 1957, four years after Ben Hogan became the second golfer in history to win the career grand slam. Featuring cross-sectional and anatomical illustrations from Sports Illustrated artist Anthony Ravielli, “Five Lessons” provides readers a guide they can use to develop a correct, repeatable swing. With tips on the grip, backswing, and follow through, along with stories from Hogan’s past, Five Lessons offers readers a rare opportunity – to receive swing advice from golf’s greatest ball striker.

 

“Fifty Places to Play Golf Before You Die: Golf Experts Share the World’s Greatest Destinations,” by Chris Santella
Have you ever created a “bucket list” of the golf courses you’d like to visit and play during your lifetime? If so, you may want to double-check your list. With recommendations from household names like Nick Faldo, Pete Dye, and Robert Trent Jones Jr., golf enthusiast Santella thoroughly describes the history, layout, challenges, and accommodations of 50 golf courses he believes golfers of all ages and skill levels should play at least once. Join Santella as he explores the world’s top golfing destinations, from California to China.

And if you’re a fast reader, consider these other great golf reads:

• “Zen Golf: Mastering the Mental Game,” by Dr. Joseph Parent*
• “American Triumvirate: Sam Snead, Byron Nelson, Ben Hogan, and the Modern Age of Golf,” by James Dodson
• “Dave Pelz’s Golf Without Fear: How to Play the 10 Most Feared Shots in Golf with Confidence,” by Dave Pelz
• “The Match: The Day the Game of Golf Changed Forever,” by Mark Frost*
• “One Magical Sunday (But Winning Isn’t Everything),” by Phil Mickelson*
• “Alice Cooper, Golf Monster: A Rock ‘n’ Roller’s 12 Steps to Becoming a Golf Addict,” by Alice Cooper*

*Also available as an audio book