Playing golf can be a great way to get in shape and enjoy the outdoors at the same time. A round of golf can also be an ideal way to socialize with others who love to play the sport. Many golfers find that they want to improve their golf game as much as possible. One of the best ways to become a better golfer is with the help of the right books. Luckily, there are many great books on the shelves written by skilled golfers who are happy to share their tips for a better game with informed readers.
1. Golf My Way
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Written by one of the sport’s legends, Golf My Way is a vital book for those looking to learn how to golf effectively. Jack Nicklaus has won many championships over the years. In this book, he talks about his own personal secrets to a great game of golf as well as what techniques he has used to win. Those who simply love golf should read this warm tribute to the sport.
Available from Amazon in ebook, hardcover, and paperback.
2. Ben Hogan’s Five Legends
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Another classic book that is worth every penny. Hogan provides readers with an introduction to the fundamentals of the sport. He also provides readers with a means to hone their personal technique by following his advice. In his view, there are five basic lessons that every golfer must learn to master the basics of golf. Those who want to play well will find his illustrations on all aspects of golfing technique very precise.
Available from Amazon in ebook, hardcover, and paperback.
3. The Golfing Machine
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The Golfing Machine is ideal for the golf enthusiast who wants to explore exactly how to turn his art into a precisely calibrated aim. This book presents golf as a series of mathematical puzzles that can be solved with the use of the right solution. A perfect book for those who take a cerebral approach to their golfing. This book was self-published by the author years ago and, unfortunately, is no longer being printed. You can still find it, but expect to pay more for it than most books.
Available from Amazon in hardcover and paperback.
4. How I Play Golf
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Tiger Woods is one of the sport’s most admired professionals. In this beautiful book, Woods provides valuable insights into his own way of playing golf. Readers can learn from him how he improved his swing as well as other related information that can be of use such as how to improve their diet and what other kinds of exercises may be of use to become a better golfer.
Available in ebook, audio book, hardcover, and paperback.
5. Golf is Not a Game of Perfect
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Sports psychologist Bob Rotella takes a close look at one of the most important aspects of any golf game: mental preparation. In the book, Rotella helps break down strategies that have been useful for those who want to play in tournaments. This book is ideal for the golfer who loves to play both recreationally and perhaps enter a tournament now and then. He’s worked closely with many professional golfers to help them improve their ability to cope with pressure and do better against the competition.
Available from Amazon in ebook, audio book, hardcover, and paperback.
6. Extraordinary Putting: Transforming the Whole Game
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Written by Fred Shoemaker and Jo Hardy, Extraordinary Putting takes a close look at the art of putting. Putting is one of the fundamentals of any good golf game. The authors suggest that many golfers tend to overthink this aspect of the game and, in doing so, do poorly at putting. Shoemaker and Hardy think this problem can be easily overcome with a few tips and basic exercises. Many golfers will find their approach easy to understand and highly helpful when focusing on this aspect of the game.
Available in ebook, hardcover, and paperback.
7. Putting Out of Your Mind
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Another winner by Dr. Bob Rotella. As in his previous book, Dr. Rotella shares with readers important techniques that can help them get rid of their mental blocks and be a better golfer. As the doctor reminds readers, much of putting is largely mental concentration. The best putters are those who are fully in touch with their own mental preparation even before they step foot on the golf course. He reminds readers of important basics such as being aware of where their eyes are going during the put.
Available from Amazon in ebook, audio book, hardcover, and paperback.
8. Harvey Penick’s Little Red Book
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Penick is one of the sport’s great teachers. He began his career and passionate interest in golf when he was only a small child. As he grew, he became one of the sport’s most respected instructors, working closely with many legendary golfers. In his charming book, Penick talks about his own technique and how to learned to master the fundamentals of the game early on. He also shares his own spin on the ways that any golfer can become better at the sport.
Available from Amazon in ebook, audio book, hardcover, and paperback.
9. David Pelz’s Putting Bible
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Professional David Pelz shares his own secrets to the perfect put. Pelz is a scientist by training and puts that training to good use in his book. Here, he explains to readers the science behind the basics of putting. The book is chock full of diagrams and detailed illustrations. This one is ideal for the golfer who loves science. What makes it really great is that the book is also written in an engaging style that allows even those without his background to fully understand his points. He shows us why his technique not only should work on the putting green but also why it will work when followed as shown.
Available from Amazon in hardcover.
10. The Talent Code: Greatness Isn’t Born. It’s Grown. Here’s How
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Author Daniel Coyle aims to help us all understand how we can tap into our own inner talents and learn to use them better. The author looks at the many ways that talent can be developed and nurtured even in the most unlikely places. His lessons apply to anyone who is doing something that requires talent. Golfers can take away lessons from him in the art of becoming a better overall worker as well as a better overall golfer. His writing on the science of brain improvement can be applied to all aspects of the golf game from swinging to putting and every movement in between.
Available from Amazon in ebook, audio book, hardcover, and paperback.
The titles listed above don’t beat practice when it comes to improving your game, but they provide plenty of useful tips on how to get better, especially if you’re a beginner. Moreover, they include insights from experts in the field, so there’s a good chance you’ll learn something new about the game you’re so passionate about. These books should find a place in any golfer’s library, whether they’re serious about perfecting their technique or simply enjoying the sport as a hobby.
At the same time, there’s nothing more relaxing than enjoying a good read after a productive afternoon on the golf course. While some prefer fiction, get ahead of the curve by spending your downtime looking for ways to bring your golfing skills to a whole other level. Next time you hit the links you’ll be able to put your newfound knowledge to good use. And, who knows, maybe you’ll even convince your buddies to join you in a golf-related book club.
All in all, these are the best instructional books on golfing that we’ve found so far. Did we miss one of your favorites? If so, let us know in the comments!
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