5 Golf Books to Read While You’re Social Distancing

The other day we dug into a few things you can watch while we wait for live golf to return, but what about all you bookworms out there? Well, this one is for you.

So while we’re all doing our part in knocking out COVID-19 with a little “social distancing” why not take a little time to catch up on some reading with these suggestions:

#1 Ben Hogan’s Five Lessons

Equipment may change, and courses may get longer, but one thing that will stand the test of time is this 1957 masterpiece on the fundamentals of golf.

Ben Hogan’s Five Lessons may be more than 50 years old, but it still tops the Amazon Best Sellers list for a reason. Hogan had one of the most pure golf swings the world has ever seen…nothing short of a work of art.

No matter if you’re brand-new to the game or your local club champ, running through the fundamentals with Ben is always a smart decision. 

#2 Golf Is Not a Game of Perfect 

Sticking with the instruction genre for a moment, another book that should be on every golfer’s bookshelf is Dr. Bob Rotella’s “Golf is Not a Game of Perfect.”

Bobby Jones once said, “golf is played mainly on a five-and-a-half-inch course, the space between your ears.” If that’s the case, than wouldn’t it be smart to brush up your own mental game a bit? 

If you agree with Bobby, then “Doc’s” book is a great place to start.

#3 Zen Golf

Speaking of your mental game, while your at it, go ahead and grab Zen Golf by Dr. Joseph Parent as well.

This one makes my “all-time” list, and for good measure I even picked up the audiobook so I can listen to it on the way to the golf course (that’s a little pro-tip for you right there).

You simply can’t talk about mental game instruction and not include Dr. Parent in the conversation. We were lucky enough to have him on The Golf Podcast back in episode 149 and it’s a conversation that I’ll never forget.

Seriously, do not pass this one up!

#4 Tiger Woods by Jeff Benedict

Putting instruction aside for a moment, if you’re looking to lose yourself in a biography of golf’s most legendary player, than this one is for you.

And I know that there have been countless books written about Tiger, but Jeff Benedict’s ability to dig into the revealing details of Woods’ life make this one stand out above the rest.

#5 The Match: The Day the Game of Golf Changed Forever

Looking for one more great story? How about the tale of “the greatest private match ever played.”

The book flashes back to a day in 1956 when Eddie Lowery made a bet against fellow millionaire George Coleman, challenging Coleman to find a duo who could beat two of his employees (amateur golfers) in a best-ball match. Lowery was convinced his boys were unbeatable, but the next day Coleman showed up at the tee box with none other than Ben Hogan and Byron Nelson.

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The amateurs were no slouches and came out the gate on fire, making birdies on nine of the first 10 holes. But Hogan and Nelson weren’t about to just roll over and die. 

“The Match” would come down to the final putt, and I won’t spoil it for you. So make sure to pick this one up if you want the whole story.