Golf Books

A few years ago I was living in Cincinnati and wanted to take a golfing trip to Scotland. The local bookstores had nothing whatsoever in the way of practical guidebooks dedicated to golf in the UK. A database search came up with this title, and it sounded about right so I ordered it. A week or so later the bookstore said that their distributor didn't have any copies, or some such thing, but they suggested that I call the publisher myself. I was surprised to find that the publisher had a local Cincinnati telephone number. I called the number and was more surprised to be greeted with "Dr. Kroeger's office." The bottom line is that the author is a dentist in Cincinnati who wrote this wonderful book as a hobby. I purchased a copy, went to Scotland where I had a wonderful time, and signed up for a good teeth cleaning when I returned.

We just returned from a second trip to Scotland and this time we played some of the more obscure (but wonderful!) courses - this book was our guide - and we loved the descriptions, suggestions, and the way the guide is written. We had four other books with us, but this was the one we used the most!

I plan to go to Scotland for golf and I thought this book really helped to give me a feel for the courses and the traditions of the Scottish people. I thought about playing only the big-name courses until I read about some of the hidden gems. Now I think I'll try to play some of them. Enjoyed the history part of the book too.

Tillinghast has no collection of writings he set aside for people to read. Rather, he was a constant contributor to magazines such as Golf Illustraited, and aside from this seemed to be content to allow his work to speak for itself.

This collection of essays which appeared in various publications cover mostly Tillinghast's aesthetic views of course design, rather than course strategy exclusively. He discusses setting, bringing character to individual holes based on peculiar, often natural features found near or on them, an the incorporation of historical spots into the mystique of a site (the most famous example associated with Tillinghast being the naming of Baltusrol).

While the focus is mostly on what makes a course both beautiful and functional, several articles are dedicated to construction of interesting golfing holes. Probably of greatest interest is his thinking on three shot holes, which can so often become dull in their design due to their length.

Aside from the articles themselves, numerous photos, drawings, and course maps are provided, which by themselves illuminate much of this classic course designer's thinking.

Tillinghast courses seem to make a near yearly appearance in major golf tournaments, ranging from the US Amature to the Open. Coming to know more about the architect can only bring greater appreciation for his courses and the game itself.

If you love golf and appreciate what a makes a great golf course, then this is the book that will add to your enjoyment of every hole you play. It will also aid you in your criticism of your greens committee when they want to lengthen a hole or add a bunker or two, or just change for changes sake. Despite the fact that the articles were written in the early part of this century, they are totally relevant to today's golfing problems - overplay, balls that go too far, courses that need to be acceptable to both the tiger and the rabbit, etc, etc. If you've played on the world's best, love golf, have an eye for a great golf hole and course - and you love books, then read and appreciate the majesty of a great design mind. Here is a master at work. Without Tillie, the likes of Trent Jones (all of them), Bob Cupp, Nicklaus (all of them), etc, etc would be without inspiration. Jay Morrish is the nearest in modern times to him for sheer poetry of layout. But that's not forgetting Ross, Mackenzie, Colt, et al whose courses are also wonderful. Read and enjoy - it really does make the course beautiful.

A collection of Tillinghast's writings, how he approached the land, trying to retain the 'naturalness' of the terrain. His thoughts about the overall layout, etc. Certainly explains why his courses have stood the test of time. As a printer, I would commend the publishers and their printer for making a black and white book look so good !

This book settles once and for all that there is much variation in the golf swing. The format makes reading and studying this book a lot of fun.

This is a must have text. This book contains essential photos of great players of this game. Used regularly while assesing your swing will provide you with great insight to your own game. David prsents many useful lessons which he demonstrates clearly. Enjoy.

This book presents the swings of several "great ones", as analyzed by David Leadbetter. Knowing that each individual has a unique swing, Leadbetter points out one or two key points about a particular champion's swing that he believes should be emulated. The format is very readible, with a short synopsis of a player's career and style, followed by two frame-by-frame series (from behind, as well as from the front of the golfer), and then concluded by the key features, as well as drills on how to incorporate this in your game. Since different approaches work for different people, I'm sure everyone will be able to benefit from at least some of the key points that Leadbetter addresses from each champion's swing.

I received this book as a (somewhat sarcastic) gift after winning a few bar bets on golf rulings. Aside from its obvious value as a reference work it makes great reading in short segments (you can figure out an appropriate location). It is guaranteed to pay for itself in bets at the 19th hole, but will also, unfortunately, add a few strokes to your score. A great gift idea for any avid golfer.

"Decisions on the Rules of Golf" is a combination of the USGA's official "Rules of Golf" along with the most recent questions and challenges to the rules in a convenient Q & A format. While the decisions get deeply involved at times, for a true lover of the sport it makes for an excellent 'casual read', regardless of one's playing ability. The text's small profile will fit into almost any golf bag for quick reference on the course, and the print is large enough so as not to alienate anybody seeking the correct answer to their golf question. This is the official and most current word to be found on golf. Outstanding!

New for the coming two years. Much improved index and better font from the previous 2000 edition.

Compiled by Jeff Wallach, Driven To Extremes: Uncommon Tales From Golf's Unmanicured Terrain is an impressive and memorable collection of personal anecdotes about golfing in unusual and unique courses. From teeing off atop a 2,000-foot granite wall in British Columbia, to battling for tee-time at St. Andrews, to encountering Chuck Hogan (perhaps golfing's most mercurial instructor), to experiencing the "spiritual path" of golf at the Esalen Institute, Driven To Extremes is an extraordinary journey of mind and spirit, as well as feet, golf clubs and small white balls. An enjoyable memoir, Driven To Extremes is especially recommended reading for dedicated golf enthusiasts.

Let's start with the notion that there are an awful lot of golf books out there these days--many of them a lot alike. Thankfully, Jeff Wallach's new book stands out from the pack. It is a totally fun, quick, yet absorbing read about out-of-the-ordinary places, people and events in the game we all love. The tone is perfect--smirky, but never condescending. It's clear that Wallach is enamored with his topic, yet he manages to avoid being overly reverential, something that plagues so many modern golf books. Yes, there's a place for philosophy and introspection in golf, but hey, ultimately, it's still just a game--to be played! Wallach skillfully taps into exactly how we ourselves might react if given the same opportunity to design an actual golf hole on a real course, or in trying to sneak onto a super-private club. He makes us smile with some of his measured descriptions of kooky characters and funky golf holes. We pause to reflect on--and enjoy--his good-natured tweaking of some of golf's most hallowed shrines--a refreshing take on ground that's well trod. Wallach's writing style is light, but authoritative. I really enjoyed the journey.

Wallach's latest is wonderful collection of profiles, insights and observations. He uses golf as a prism for gleaning the hidden parameters of life -- from why we need wilderness to why we travel to why we play "inner" games. This book is will be relished by anyone who seeks to understand how and why golf has such a strong hold on so many. A great read!

If you're serious about golf, you owe it to yourself to buy this video and book. Whether you're building a swing from scratch or you're a low handicapper looking to shave a few strokes, before spending a nickel on any kind of golf instruction, I highly recommend that you invest in this program first. Here's why:
Before ever knowing of George Hibbard, I had been struggling with my own swing and game for years (like most golfers do.) About a year and a half ago, I came across him while looking on the web for help with my game. After a couple of exchanges on the telephone with him I attended his golf academy. Prior to then (over the previous twenty years) I had taken more lessons and purchased more videos and books than I care to admit to! One in particular, an expensive program from a popular infomercial, was, in retrospect, not only seriously limited in its scope by comparison to the voluminous detail and comprehensive explanations in George's material (covering only a fraction of things that George addresses in great detail), but I'm now able to see that even its approach was flawed. Virtually all instruction is the opposite from George's: he taught me to understand what I was doing in a way no one else had ever done. And with this understanding I realized how to build my skill on solid ground without any nagging sense that I still needed to know other things to enable me to get it all together. That, a subliminal sense that "I'm not there yet," is so common in golf, and I think it boils down to the fact that most instruction, even from the most visible and well known teachers and materials in the world, fails to communicate exactly what golfers need to know and understand. I'm happy to say that I don't have that problem any more - a lack of understanding of what I'm doing (and why!) It's because George teaches cause and effect, personalized with "how to use the body YOU bring to the golf course," vs. "do this" - the kind of instruction I used to experience - what could be called "generic basics." Obviously I would never have discovered George - I would never have had to "look for" more instruction - if all those other books, videos, and lessons had given me what I needed. (Most golfers know how subtle and elusive golf concepts and details are.)
Long story short, George offers by far the most expert and complete golf instructional material that I have ever come across. And relative to what you pay for conventional lessons and other programs and what you actually get for your money, the purchase price is a super bargain. Just this very week, a month after getting this book and its accompanying 4-hour video instruction, I watched the entire program again, this time in one sitting, taking notes on what I needed most. Then I went back to the range, hit two buckets, and came away even more comfortable about the swing than ever before. And especially the part George clarifies in a way that no one else has ever done - the release! Clearly the release is the most important part, the moment of truth and what he calls "the DNA of the golf swing." No other golf instruction addresses this core element of golf with such completeness and clarity. And it is with total confidence that I can handle this part of my swing (which is by far the most important for me.)
And there's even more, a benefit no one ever considers because it is unheard of in golf - his accessibility (both by email and phone!) It was my first experience with him in that respect that led me to invest confidence in him, where it became clear how much he cares about his students. It was on that basis, as well as seeing how his instruction differs from everyone else, that I decided to sign up for his golf school in the first place. I now own his entire body of work, which I refer to often while looking to continuously improve as most golfers do. And I correspond with George on a regular basis.
When you receive this material, I strongly suggest that you watch the video first. And be sure to take notes. Then take your notes to the driving range and practice the swing and the drills. You will be amazed at what happens next. Use the book as a reference guide to both fine tune your swing and to obtain a more granular understanding of how and why George's explanations and method for developing your skill are "best in class." No one understands the swing as well as George does. And believe me I know!

All of my golfing life, which began late, in my forties, I have always released the clubhead too early thus losing speed and power in my swing. I have tried about every training aid and enough books to fill a library. Instructors are very good at telling you what you need to do or not do, just not at telling you how to do or not do. Enter George Hibbard and his latest work, "Even Great Golf Is Not That Hard". This is a well written book with explicit detail about the release and how the entire golf swing is about arriving at the release at the right time and position in your swing. No body contortions to go through here, thankfully. Just some simple dills that will instill where and when the release should occur. IMO, this is how golf instruction should be communicated. I won't make any bold claims about gaining 50 yards since studying this material but I can honestly say that I have a much better understanding of what I need to do and how to do it. I can see my swing speed increasing already and have no doubt that over time it will contiue to increase with much less effort and much more accuracy. George is easily accessible and friendly should you have questions and want to contact him. He sincerely has a strong desire to help golfers at all levels. If you're having problems with the golf swing and can't figure out what they are or why you're having them, even though you may have been receiving instruction, do yourself a favor and get this material. It comes with the book and two video CD's. George takes all of the rocket science out of the golf swing and shows you just how easy it is to learn to play better golf. It's so much more fun this way. Thank you, George Hibbard.

Before I found Geroge Hibbard's material, I have read many golf books and followed other swing methods. I bought a copy of his previous book and DVD "Golf Is Not That Hard!". Since then, I have based my swing on his instructions and my swing improved significantly in a short time. His golf instruction is unlike any other I have known. I find his approach to teaching the swing very effective.

I got a copy of this updated work and found that it is even better than the previous one in terms of clarity and the methods taught. I got new insights from this material to help me improve my swing further.

The most important part of the golf swing is the release, and Hibbard starts off by explaining it in detail. He offers a simple yet effective method for ensuring that the release occurs at the correct time, avoiding the dreaded "early release". I have never seen any other instructor start by explaining the release first. After reading it I wonder why more instructors don't do it this way. I have often heard about how important the release is, yet it is the least explained, if at all, by other instructors.

Expanding from the release, he proceeded to explain how the grip, stance and swing should support the all-important release. The explanation is clear and logical, leaving me no doubt as to why each part of the swing should be the way it is.

An important aspect of Hibbard's instruction is that he teaches how to tap into our innate ability for motor movement--the ability that allows us to perform complex motion such as dancing or playing basketball without conscious thought. He helps the reader understand how to tap into this ability through the use of appropriate mental imagery. I have found this approach to be quite effective. Since I started using it, my friends noticed that my swing has become smoother. Previously, I was told that my swing looks "robotic".

I have also written to Hibbard on various occasions seeking clarifications about his instructions, and I was pleasantly surprised to find that he is always generous and helpful in his replies. This has helped me to get the most out of his material. Now, how many authors of golf instruction books would let you write to them with your questions?

Because I find this material much more effective than other golf instructions I've used, I have been recommending it to anyone who are looking for good swing instruction. A must-have.

A good book for all golfers. Tom's relationship with Harvey Penick is obvious and he learned a lot from Harvey and it shows in his golf game. It's a great book.

Kite (as Crenshaw in his new book) were so closely attached to Harvey Penick. His calm, relaxed approach to golf and life certainly produced two of golf's finest in Kite and Crenshaw.

Here Kite adoringly relates his life and the influence that Penick had, "take dead aim." As Kite relates, it meant to him to be calm yet aware, to focus on what one is doing at the time, blocking out all the rest.

This guy is so consistent! One learns much here from this book about practice, persistence and taking dead aim.

This book really touches that special feeling that comes with really loving the game. There is so much that goes along with the words in this book, if you can read between the lines, you can learn an immense amount about life.

Truly an outstanding story wonderfully told. A love story about Dad's and son's that anyone with a heart will enjoy.

I listened to the tapes on a long trip. Upon returning home, the last tape was not complete so I sat in the car for 30 minuites to hear the end

As James and his Dad take a final trip to Scotland, he and his wonderful Dad get to know each other and the love for each other, which had always been there becomes very personal. Golf is the game each loves and becomes the expression of their love for each other. They communicate and connect for long or short drives, it doesn't matter. The game of golf is there spoken and unspoken language. Opti, Jame's dad, has a few months to live, and his pain is numbed by playing and being near his son. They truely connect and James reads his dads words and remembers every detail of his life. The man is certainly teeing of with Bobby Jones, Julius Boros and Old Tom Morris. Waiting and watching are Love, Strange, Watson and a host of others who have shown the same respect for the game. Every golfer who was taught the game as a child by a parent (my Mother was my Opti) will relate and cry thru the last chapter, just as I did.

Even though I'd read the book, I recently bought the audio for a new long commute. James Dobson's reading of his own words is a poignant description of the journey he and his father make towards the end of their relationship. As with many aspects of life, golf and this journey reflect upon each other. The goals on the course mirror those in life; balance, harmony, relaxation while trying to achieve important goals. James Dobson narrates this journey, on and off the golf course, with compassion and humor. It has helped me in my thoughts about both golf and my father..

Count Yogi was ahead of his time in teaching Golf. Tim Nichols is carrying on his Golf teaching system. More is written about the Golf swing and its components than probably any other subject. Count Yogi cuts through all the nonsense and gets you sending the ball straight to your target with the least mental and physical effort. This book is priceless!

Count Yogi (Henry (von) Frankenberg, born around 1910, wrote this book nearly 70 years later and outlines all one needs to know not only about the full swing but the short shots (strokes) and putting.

It is so sublime that once you have even a small part of it mastered, you have a trouble free game, a healthy attitude, and can PLAY, not suffer, golf.

For me, a well-regarded ball pounder and student of the movement part of the game, this was a liberation. No more heavy practices, no more callouses, no more wondering: "Are we there yet?"

My length is great, I can use pro quality clubs, and stiffer shafts. I put well and my short game is better than anything I ever imagined possible. Thank you Count Yogi, and especially Tim Nicholls who, as the Count's son, kept this alive and available.

I think that the Count was to golf what Pistol Pete was to basketball: they not only transcended the game, but their teaching videos are the only thing you need, including a lot of work in case you want to be really proficient.

Proficiency is nice, but having a good time without all the damn frustration is what I got out of this. I am well into my middle years and I don't dread the game any longer. Imagine that!

Jim

Beautifully written and photographed. You will be
overwhelmed by the simplicity of his swing. Having
seen him perform, he makes a mockery of most golf
theories.

This is an excellent book that gets down to the nitty gritty of golf. Buddy is able to add humor along with good common sense knowledge (some of which is not always seen on the golf course).

This would be an excellent gift for any golfer on your shopping list.

Every golfer should own and carry this book with them. It's light, humorous and informative reading that will help beginners as well as seasoned golfers. It's a delight to read. You don't want to miss it!

My husband Chris and I are avid golfers and we found Buddy's book to very informative as well as entertaining. A must read for anyone who loves the game.