Best Golf Books of 2025

Wilson Cook Avatar
Wilson Cook
Last Updated: Apr 24, 2023

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Golf books offer readers an in-depth look at the sport of golf, from the basics of swing mechanics to the history of the game. These books are written by experts in the field who share their knowledge and insights with readers. Some popular titles include "The Anatomy of a Golf Course" by Tom Doak, "A Good Walk Spoiled" by John Feinstein, and "The Greatest Game Ever Played" by Mark Frost. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced golfer, there is a book out there for you that can help you improve your game and deepen your appreciation for this beloved sport.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Ben Hogan's Five Lessons: The Modern Fundamentals of Golf Cover #TOP 1
Ben Hogan's Five Lessons: The Modern Fundamentals of Golf
ftb score rating icon 9.8
The Ball in the Air: A Golfing Adventure Cover #TOP 2
The Ball in the Air: A Golfing Adventure
ftb score rating icon 9.7
The Four Foundations of Golf: How to Build a Game That Lasts a Lifetime Cover #TOP 3
The Four Foundations of Golf: How to Build a Game That Lasts a Lifetime
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Golf Books

Ben Hogan's Five Lessons: The Modern Fundamentals of Golf

Ben Hogan
Herbert Warren Wind
Anthony Ravielli
Touchstone
Sep 20, 1985
Ben Hogan's Five Lessons: The Modern Fundamentals of Golf Cover
Ben Hogan's Five Lessons: The Modern Fundamentals of Golf

Ben Hogan's Five Lessons: The Modern Fundamentals of Golf is a timeless classic that outlines the building blocks of winning golf from one of the greatest golfers in the history of the sport. This book is a must-have reference for anyone who knows that fundamentals are where champions begin. With clear illustrations and step-by-step instructions, Hogan demonstrates grip, stance, posture, and the two basic components of the swing. Although the book was written in 1957, it remains relevant and practical today. Overall, this book is a sacred book of technique that should serve as the foundation of every golf library.

The Ball in the Air: A Golfing Adventure

Bamberger, Michael
Mar 28, 2023
The Ball in the Air: A Golfing Adventure Cover
The Ball in the Air: A Golfing Adventure

The Ball in the Air by Michael Bamberger is a heartfelt tribute to the amateur game of golf. Bamberger, renowned for his writing on professional golf, turns his attention to the rest of us and why the game casts such a spell. The book celebrates the love and passion for the game that we all share, from the fortunate to the not-so-fortunate. The stories of the golfers featured in the book are inspiring and moving, capturing the essence of the game's enduring appeal. Bamberger's intimate reporting style and attention to detail make this book a must-read for any golf enthusiast.

The Four Foundations of Golf: How to Build a Game That Lasts a Lifetime

Sherman, Jon
Jun 17, 2022
The Four Foundations of Golf: How to Build a Game That Lasts a Lifetime Cover
The Four Foundations of Golf: How to Build a Game That Lasts a Lifetime

The Four Foundations of Golf by Jon Sherman is a comprehensive guide to building a strong golf game that lasts a lifetime. The book focuses on the four key foundations of golf: expectation management, strategy, practice, and mental game. Sherman, a scratch golfer and coach, shares his unique perspective on the game, providing tangible and actionable advice for golfers of all levels. The book includes step-by-step instructions on how to improve your swing, increase your distance, and customize your practice sessions using statistics. Overall, this is a must-read for any golfer looking to lower their scores and improve their relationship with the game.

Harvey Penick's Little Red Book: Lessons And Teachings From A Lifetime In Golf

Harvey Penick
Bud Shrake
Davis Love III
Simon & Schuster
May 8, 2012
Harvey Penick's Little Red Book: Lessons And Teachings From A Lifetime In Golf Cover
Harvey Penick's Little Red Book: Lessons And Teachings From A Lifetime In Golf

The twentieth anniversary edition of Harvey Penick's Little Red Book: Lessons And Teachings From A Lifetime In Golf, is the bestselling golf instruction book of all time. This classic book is named for the red notebook Harvey Penick always kept, which contains his simple, direct, and practical wisdom on how to improve one's golf game. The book features a treasure trove of rare images from the Penick family archives, and a new introduction by prominent golfer Davis Love III. This book is a must-read for all players and fans of the game, from beginners to seasoned pros.

#TOP 5

Feherty: The Remarkably Funny and Tragic Journey of Golf's David Feherty

Feinstein, John
May 9, 2023
Feherty: The Remarkably Funny and Tragic Journey of Golf's David Feherty Cover
Feherty: The Remarkably Funny and Tragic Journey of Golf's David Feherty

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.

Golf Is Not a Game of Perfect

Bob Rotella
Bob Cullen
Darren Clarke
Downtown Press
Jun 1, 2004
Golf Is Not a Game of Perfect Cover
Golf Is Not a Game of Perfect

"Golf Is Not a Game of Perfect" by Dr. Bob Rotella is a must-read for any golfer looking to improve their game. As one of the world's leading golf performance consultants, Dr. Rotella provides valuable insights on the mental aspects of the game. The book emphasizes the importance of confidence, focus, and positive thinking in achieving success on the golf course. It's an easy read that's packed with practical advice and inspiring stories from some of the game's greatest players. Overall, "Golf Is Not a Game of Perfect" is an essential addition to any golfer's library, offering a unique perspective on the mental side of the game.

#TOP 7

The Practice Manual: The Ultimate Guide for Golfers

Young, Mr Adam
Jan 25, 2015
The Practice Manual: The Ultimate Guide for Golfers Cover
The Practice Manual: The Ultimate Guide for Golfers

The Practice Manual: The Ultimate Guide for Golfers is a comprehensive guide to improving your golf game. It offers insights from the latest research in motor learning and provides a step-by-step guide to creating the ultimate practice plan. Whether you're a keen golfer who likes to practice or an aspiring tour pro, this book is a necessity. It's also a game-changer for golf coaches, transforming the way they teach golf. Overall, this book is well-researched, written, and offers practical advice that can help golfers of all levels improve their game.

#TOP 8

Every Shot Counts: Using the Revolutionary Strokes Gained Approach to Improve Your Golf Performance and Strategy

Broadie, Mark
Avery
Mar 6, 2014
Every Shot Counts: Using the Revolutionary Strokes Gained Approach to Improve Your Golf Performance and Strategy Cover
Every Shot Counts: Using the Revolutionary Strokes Gained Approach to Improve Your Golf Performance and Strategy

This book, "Every Shot Counts: Using the Revolutionary Strokes Gained Approach to Improve Your Golf Performance and Strategy," by Mark Broadie, offers a unique approach to golf strategy by using statistics and analytics. Broadie, a professor at Columbia Business School, helped the PGA Tour develop its cutting-edge strokes gained putting stat, and in this book, he crunches mountains of data to show both professional and amateur golfers how to make better decisions on the course. This book is a must-read for any golfer who wants to improve their game and make every shot count.

#TOP 9

Remarkable Golf Courses

Spragg, Iain T.
Pavilion Books
May 1, 2018
Remarkable Golf Courses Cover
Remarkable Golf Courses

Remarkable Golf Courses is a stunning collection of the world's most unique and extraordinary golf courses. From the highest course in Bolivia to the lowest in Death Valley, USA, this book covers the extremes of the sport. It features courses with neolithic standing stones, Roman roads, and ruined medieval castles alongside the old temples of Delhi. The book also includes some beloved classic courses like St. Andrews and Carnoustie, and spectacular courses hewn out of the Nevada and Arizona desert. Spragg's storytelling, combined with extraordinary photography, makes this book a must-read for golf enthusiasts and photography lovers alike.

#TOP 10

Dave Pelz's Short Game Bible: Master the Finesse Swing and Lower Your Score (Dave Pelz Scoring Game)

Pelz, Dave
Broadway Books
May 11, 1999
Dave Pelz's Short Game Bible: Master the Finesse Swing and Lower Your Score (Dave Pelz Scoring Game) Cover
Dave Pelz's Short Game Bible: Master the Finesse Swing and Lower Your Score (Dave Pelz Scoring Game)

Dave Pelz's Short Game Bible is a must-read for every golfer who wants to improve their game. Dave Pelz, a former NASA physicist, brings a scientific approach to his research and instruction, making him the top short-game expert in the world. The book is packed with knowledge, charts, and photos that are easy to understand and follow. Pelz teaches golfers how to score and win, not just how to swing. His philosophy is revolutionary and groundbreaking, and it shows golfers how to find their weaknesses and improve them to lower their scores efficiently. Overall, this book is an excellent resource for golfers of all levels.

Buying Guide Image

Finding the Best Golf Books to Enrich Your Life

Golf books are an essential resource for anyone interested in the game of golf, from beginner golfers looking to learn the basics, to experienced golfers looking to improve their skills and techniques. Golf books come in a wide range of styles and formats, and choosing the right one can be a challenge. In this buying guide, we will go over some key factors to consider when choosing a golf book, in order to help you find the perfect one for your needs.

Author and Publisher

One of the most important factors to consider when choosing a golf book is the author and publisher of the book. Golf books are written by a wide range of authors, from professional golfers and golf instructors, to golf journalists and other experts in the field. Consider the experience and credentials of the author, and choose a book that is written by someone who is knowledgeable and experienced in the game of golf. Additionally, consider the publisher of the book, and choose a book that is published by a reputable and established publisher.

Content and Scope

Another factor to consider when choosing a golf book is the content and scope of the book. Golf books are available on a wide range of topics, from the basics of golf, to more advanced techniques and strategies. Consider the specific areas of golf that you are interested in, and choose a book that covers those topics in depth. For example, if you are a beginner golfer looking to learn the fundamentals of the game, choose a book that provides a comprehensive overview of the basics of golf. On the other hand, if you are an experienced golfer looking to improve your swing, choose a book that focuses specifically on swing techniques and strategies.

Format and Layout

When choosing a golf book, it's also important to consider the format and layout of the book. Golf books are available in a variety of formats, including traditional narrative books, instructional guides, and reference books with a more encyclopedia-like layout. Consider your personal learning style and preferences, and choose a format and layout that you think will be the most effective for you. Additionally, consider the level of detail and complexity in the book, and choose a book that is appropriate for your skill level and experience.

Reviews and Recommendations

Another factor to consider when choosing a golf book is the reviews and recommendations of other readers. Look for books that have been well-reviewed by other golfers, and consider the recommendations of golf instructors or other experts in the field. Reading reviews and recommendations can give you a better idea of the quality and usefulness of a particular book, and can help you to make a more informed decision.

Conclusion

In conclusion, when choosing a golf book, there are several key factors to consider. First and foremost, consider the author and publisher of the book, and choose a book that is written by someone who is knowledgeable and experienced in the game of golf, and is published by a reputable and established publisher. Additionally, consider the content and scope of the book, as well as the format and layout, and choose a book that covers the topics that you are interested in, and is organized in a way that is easy for you to use. Finally, consider the reviews and recommendations of other readers, and use these to help you make an informed decision. By considering these factors, you can find the perfect golf book for your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the book that professional golfers carry?

The yardage book are ubiquitous on the PGA Tour. Players and caddies carry them in their pockets and consult them before each shot. They show yardages to various targets on each hole, different points of elevation, and a close-up of the green that shows detailed contours and yardages.

2. What are the little books golfers carry?

Yardage books are a handbook used by golfers when playing a round. These books contain information about distances, hazards, and green complexes for every hole on the golf course. Typically, yardage book offer a little bit more information than the average scorecard.

Green-reading books are perfectly legal under the R&A and USGA rules. They exist for thousands of courses, other than Augusta National, and every course that's hosted a PGA Tour event in the last, say, five years. This rule will not remove those old books from circulation.

4. Can you learn golf from a book?

The Best Golf Books To Improve Your Game and Learn From The ProsFearless Golf [Book]The Inner Game of Golf [Book]Your 15th Club: The Inner Secret to Great Golf [Book]On Learning GolfZen Golf: Mastering the Mental GamePractical GolfPhil: The Rip-Roaring (and Unauthorized!) Biography of Golf's Most Colorful SuperstarHow I Play Golf [Book]The Golf Handbook: The Complete Guide to the Greatest Game. Vivien Saunders [Book]Golf is Not a Game of PerfectThe Search for the Perfect Golf ClubFrom 60 Yards In: How to Master Golf's Short GameThe Grand Slam: Bobby Jones, America, and the Story of Golf [Book]Extraordinary Golf: the Art of the Possible [Book]The Complete Golfer [Book]So Help Me Golf: Why We Love the Game [Book]Mastering Golf's Mental Game: Your Ultimate Guide to Better On-Course Performance and Lower ScoresGolf Courses: Fairways of the WorldPreferred Lies: A Journey to the Heart of Scottish Golf [Book]. Ben Hogan's Five Lessons: The Modern Fundamentals of Golf.Arnold Palmer – A Life Well Played: My Stories.Harvey Penick's Little Red Book: Lessons and Teachings from a Lifetime in Golf.Golf's Not A Game of Perfect.The Bogey Man: A Month on the PGA Tour.

Editor's Notes

During our golf book research, we found 1,200+ golf book products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 50,359 customer reviews through our big data system to write the golf books list. We found that most customers choose golf books with an average price of $22.15.

Written by
Wilson Cook Avatar

Wilson Cook is a talented writer who has an MFA in creative writing from Williams College and has published more than 50 books acquired by hundreds of thousands of people from various countries by now. He is an inveterate reading lover as he has read a vast amount of books since childhood.