Best Golf Biographies Books of 2025

Got Your Number: The Greatest Sports Legends and the Numbers They Own is a book that settles once and for all which sports legends own which numbers. Mike Greenberg uses his lifetime of sports knowledge to spin yarns of the legends among the legends and tell readers why some have claimed their spot in the top 100 of all time. Greeny's book is sure to provoke debate and entertain readers with its short essays. This book is a must-read for all sports enthusiasts looking to discover the most visceral parts of any sports legend’s identity.

The book "Feherty: The Remarkably Funny and Tragic Journey of Golf's David Feherty" is a definitive biography of David Feherty, a beloved figure in the golf world. Written by John Feinstein, the book chronicles Feherty's life and career, including his struggles with alcoholism and the death of his son to addiction. Despite the tragic events in his life, Feherty has rebounded as a golf commentator, television interview host, and even as a touring standup comic. Feinstein shares hilarious true tales about Feherty's interactions with golf stars and captures the human being behind the athlete with an expert's touch. This book is a unique and inspiring account of Feherty's journey.

Surviving to Drive is an exhilarating account of the 2022 season inside Formula 1 from the team principal of Haas, Guenther Steiner. Steiner takes readers behind the scenes, giving an unobstructed view of what really takes place in the high stakes motor racing world. From hiring and firing drivers to balancing books, designing, launching, and testing a car, and of course the race calendar itself, Steiner provides an uncompromising and searingly honest look at the realities of running a Formula 1 team. This book is a fascinating and entertaining read for any motorsport enthusiast.

Open: An Autobiography is a #1 national bestseller that tells the story of Andre Agassi's remarkable life. From being groomed to be a tennis champion by his demanding father to achieving wealth, fame, and the game's highest honors, Agassi reveals his struggles with unhappiness and confusion off the court. In this candid autobiography, he writes about his marriage to Brooke Shields, his growing interest in philanthropy, and the highs and lows of his celebrated career. This well-written sports memoir is inspiring, honest, and devoid of triumphalist homily, making it one of the best sports autobiographies of all time.

The Match: The Day the Game of Golf Changed Forever is a captivating book that recounts the legendary private match between two of the greatest golfers of the era, Byron Nelson and Ben Hogan, and two top amateurs, Harvie Ward and Ken Venturi. The author, Mark Frost, skillfully brings the story to life with powerful descriptions and recollections of all the participants. The book is a must-read for golf enthusiasts and anyone who appreciates a thrilling sports story. Overall, The Match is a well-written and engaging book that captures the magic of an extraordinary event in golf history.

Phil: The Rip-Roaring (and Unauthorized!) Biography of Golf's Most Colorful Superstar is a fascinating read for any golf enthusiast. Written by Alan Shipnuck, a long-time Sports Illustrated writer, this unauthorized biography provides a raw, uncensored look into the life of legendary golf champion Phil Mickelson. The book captures Mickelson's thrilling victories, crushing defeats, and countless controversies, revealing a multifaceted character who has built an empire on being the consummate professional while being a high-stakes gambler. The author also provides numerous revelations, making this book a thorough and engaging biography of one of the most compelling figures in sports.

How I Play Golf is a golf biographies book authored by Tiger Woods. In this book, he reveals the secrets to his success in golf, which are a combination of physical, metaphysical, and psychological practices. He offers tips and advice aimed at all levels of play, starting with the short game before moving onto swing mechanics and hitting off the tee. This lavishly photographed and illustrated book is not only a first-rate instructional guide but also communicates a passion and respect for the game that beginners, hackers, and low handicappers should find inspiring. Highly recommended.

So Help Me Golf: Why We Love the Game by Rick Reilly is a delightful and insightful book that explores the many facets of golf. Reilly shares fascinating stories about the game and its players, including the PGA Tour player who robbed banks by night and the caddy who kept his loop even after an 11-year prison stint. He also takes readers on a journey to some of the most unforgettable holes around the world, from the one in Indonesia where monkeys are the biggest hazard to the one in South Africa that requires a shot over a pit of alligators. Reilly’s humor and love for the game are infectious, making this book a must-read for any golf fan.

A Course Called America: Fifty States, Five Thousand Fairways, and the Search for the Great American Golf Course is a New York Times bestseller that follows author Tom Coyne as he travels across the United States in search of the ultimate American golf experience. Coyne plays every course that has hosted a US Open, as well as over two hundred other hidden gems and heavyweights. Through his journey, he connects with American golfers from all backgrounds and adopts the wisdom that the best courses are the ones you play with the best people. This book is a must-read for any golf enthusiast or anyone looking to explore the beauty of America's golf courses.

The commemorative edition of "A Life Well Played: My Stories" by Arnold Palmer is a treasure trove of entertaining anecdotes and timeless wisdom that readers, golfers and non-golfers alike, will celebrate and cherish. The book offers advice and guidance, sharing personal stories of Palmer's career on the course, success in business, and the great relationships that gave meaning to his life. Palmer was not only a champion golfer but also a gentleman and a role model for conduct in career, life, and relationships. This memoir is perfect for men and women of all ages who seek inspiration from a true American icon.