Recommended Books for a beginner?

Jimmy Bottlehead

Hi all.

I'd like to grab some books to learn a little more about how to play. Just a guide through the basics. I'll also be taking lessons from a club pro from time to time, but I'd like to also read up.

What books are highly recommended?

Whyner

You just need one - http://www.amazon.com/Five-Lessons-Modern-Fundamentals-Golf/dp/0671612972

PARlance

Also handy to pick up one of these (or even better, they're all up on the site for free)
Well worth getting familiar with the rules from the get go.
Not the most exciting thing to be doing for a beginner

http://http://shop.randa.org/index.cfm?action=productdetail&productID=209&cfid=20766721&cftoken=84303201&deptid=2&catid=&free=

Myksyk

Also useful ...
"coping with stress"
"overcoming addiction"
"how to lie to your wife and not get found out"
"10 golf gadgets you don't need but must have"
"congu's unified handicap system for dummies"

newport2

I'd recommend Phil Michelson's short game DVD if you're starting off. Stuff in it you ain't going to get from a book.

spacecoyote

"Golf is not a game of perfect" by Bob Rotella.

Nice easy read,won't teach you technique but will help with your attitude on the course & will probably help u to enjoy your golf that bit more

Almaviva

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Fundamentals-Quitting-Golf-David-Divot/dp/0595321011/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1339535251&sr=8-1

mikeunt

Jimmy Bottlehead wrote: »

Hi all.

I'd like to grab some books to learn a little more about how to play. Just a guide through the basics. I'll also be taking lessons from a club pro from time to time, but I'd like to also read up.

What books are highly recommended?

excellent stuff in this book

Extraordinary Golf: The Art of the Possible by Fred Shoemaker

Not a well known book and self-published, but I read this recently and thought it was outstanding for learning or high handicap golfers:
http://www.amazon.com/Short-Hitting-Golfers-Break-Time/dp/1453698922

There's not a lot about the swing, but I think that's right - your lessons should do that, it's hard to learn a good swing from a book.

On the other hand there is a lot of extremely useful advice on playing within your limits, course management, not taking on stupid shots, and the importance of putting / short game.

The biggest mistake learners can make is thinking the game is about power. Too many books teach full textbook swings that suit the pros but will have a beginner all over the place. Power is only added when everything else is in place IMHO and most beginners would do well to keep their swing as short and simple as possible. Most books teach the opposite.

ShriekingSheet

Probably one for after you've played for a while, but "Unconscious Putting" by Dave Stockton is very short and to the point, but very good and accessible.

TheDoc

My Da had a very old David Ledbetter book around the house. When I first got into the game I used to read it all the time, considering I was ten I didn't have a clue what it was saying, but I used to just look at the pictures and it definitely sank in

As I got older I read it properly and picked up so much, will try dig out the name, youd probably pick it up for pennies. It covered every detail and every part of the game, highly recommended for a beginner.

Jimmy Bottlehead

Thanks for all the suggestions lads, my Amazon wish list is growing something fierce

Gmpd

I picked up a book on sale in chapters on Parnell st for €5 well worth a look.. It's called golf techniques the essential guide to improve your game.. Its not a long book only 160 pages but packed with everything you needed to know.. The basics, your set up, your swing, putting course management , all shots high low draws fades etc.. faults+ fixes and a run down of the most common rules and etiquette used..

snowy666

Whyner wrote: »

You just need one - http://www.amazon.com/Five-Lessons-Modern-Fundamentals-Golf/dp/0671612972

Whyner's half right, you do only need one, but it's not that one. Things have moved on and whilst Hogan's book is definitely something you should have - and I agree there are class bits of info therein - attempting to re-create the things in there will have you somewhat stressed.

Try The Plane Truth For Golfers by Jim Hardy as it will help you understand your own type of swing and improve on the specifics related to it.

A lot of people mix and match aspects relating to both swing types without knowing the fundamentals of each.

Gmpd

Sorry for the tread hijack OP but just didn't wanna start a whole new tread about a book for beginners.. Anyway my question is has anybody read nick faldo's a swing for life or David leadbetter's faults and fixes.. Just there in my local library and was wondering if they'd be worth getting out..