Book recommendations

herself_there

Hi all,

Anyone have any book recommendations for someone getting back into the game after a 10 year or so hiatus?
A few things have changed since I last played seriously, mainly the popularity of hybrid clubs and gap wedges, which I’m still getting my head around when to use them and what I should have in the bag.

I’m up to date on the rule changes so kind of just looking for some guidance on club choice and maybe some practice tips for whenever we’re ever allowed back out on the course or driving range...

redzerdrog

The practice manual by Adam young is excellent

L.O.F.T

herself_there wrote: »

Hi all,

Anyone have any book recommendations for someone getting back into the game after a 10 year or so hiatus?
A few things have changed since I last played seriously, mainly the popularity of hybrid clubs and gap wedges, which I’m still getting my head around when to use them and what I should have in the bag.

I’m up to date on the rule changes so kind of just looking for some guidance on club choice and maybe some practice tips for whenever we’re ever allowed back out on the course or driving range...

Always found Rick Sheilds to be a good source of info, be it clubs and or instruction. He's come into his own lately, in my opinion.
And whilst not a book its probably the easiest way to digest info these days.

Click here - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFHZHhZaH7Rc_FOMIzUziJA

FixdePitchmark

herself_there wrote: »

Hi all,

Anyone have any book recommendations for someone getting back into the game after a 10 year or so hiatus?
A few things have changed since I last played seriously, mainly the popularity of hybrid clubs and gap wedges, which I’m still getting my head around when to use them and what I should have in the bag.

I’m up to date on the rule changes so kind of just looking for some guidance on club choice and maybe some practice tips for whenever we’re ever allowed back out on the course or driving range...

I'd be inclined to go You Tube.

If you pick the right monthly magazine they are good too.

Will be the odd specials on tips - on regular contributor/ group of pros.

But the world has changed - and for a visual learner like myself - You Tube is incredible.

Just on example - go well back to start of their videos.

Mark Crossfield and Rick Shiels too - but they have moved away from tuition a bit - that was their early stuff.

gypsy79

Was Mark Crossfield the guy who Rick Shiels mentioned he has had a tiff with lately??

willabur

gypsy79 wrote: »

Was Mark Crossfield the guy who Rick Shiels mentioned he has had a tiff with lately??

I think it was some other dude who was attempting to set up a parody of all the youtube golfers. the nichiest of niches

Bill Ponderosa

gypsy79 wrote: »

Was Mark Crossfield the guy who Rick Shiels mentioned he has had a tiff with lately??

Crosfield is constantly having a go at him on social media.

tyivpc5qjx0f2b

I avoid YouTube videos outside of the ForeGolf guys because I like their take on equipment.

I'm more interested in reading a book, I've enjoyed Bob Rotellas books especially Golf is Not a Game of Perfect: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Golf-Not-Game-Perfect-Rotella/dp/0743492471/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=golf+is+not+a+game+of+perfect&qid=1612601992&sprefix=golf+is+no&sr=8-1

Also the seminal work of Ben Hogans Five Lessons which is an effective must read: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Ben-Hogans-Five-Lessons-Fundamentals/dp/0743295285/ref=pd_aw_all_pref_14?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=0743295285&pd_rd_r=765a2600-b3d6-45d0-8d46-b2b51c8c7c34&pd_rd_w=37kdD&pd_rd_wg=qcxeF&pf_rd_p=cbf6fb71-4e9f-4a28-ab06-b111fe317e25&pf_rd_r=DNY7D5KPHGPYRHTF4NRQ&psc=1&refRID=C3PCD820P76EBNTT61Z4

I'd recommend the latter in a hard copy but kindle of the former is fine.

FixdePitchmark

Xander Panicky Madwoman wrote: »

I avoid YouTube videos outside of the ForeGolf guys because I like their take on equipment.

I'm more interested in reading a book, I've enjoyed Bob Rotellas books especially Golf is Not a Game of Perfect: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Golf-Not-Game-Perfect-Rotella/dp/0743492471/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=golf+is+not+a+game+of+perfect&qid=1612601992&sprefix=golf+is+no&sr=8-1

Also the seminal work of Ben Hogans Five Lessons which is an effective must read: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Ben-Hogans-Five-Lessons-Fundamentals/dp/0743295285/ref=pd_aw_all_pref_14?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=0743295285&pd_rd_r=765a2600-b3d6-45d0-8d46-b2b51c8c7c34&pd_rd_w=37kdD&pd_rd_wg=qcxeF&pf_rd_p=cbf6fb71-4e9f-4a28-ab06-b111fe317e25&pf_rd_r=DNY7D5KPHGPYRHTF4NRQ&psc=1&refRID=C3PCD820P76EBNTT61Z4

I'd recommend the latter in a hard copy but kindle of the former is fine.

Serious question - is the Hogan book not a bit dated at this point. Game technology , equipment etc ? We are very romantic about the past in golf - but has the game not moved on considerably in teaching and technology ?

On Rottella - great stuff , but if your only getting back into golf - Rotella stuff is for the more phycological aspect of the game. Takes a while before you hit a wall like that.

tyivpc5qjx0f2b

FixdePitchmark wrote: »

Serious question - is the Hogan book not a bit dated at this point. Game technology , equipment etc ? We are very romantic about the past in golf - but has the game not moved on considerably in teaching and technology ?

On Rottella - great stuff , but if your only getting back into golf - Rotella stuff is for the more phycological aspect of the game. Takes a while before you hit a wall like that.

Have you read his book?

There's not much in there that makes tech relevant, its focused primarily on grip, stance & posture, backswing & downswing.

Perhaps swing plane has evolved but grip & posture is largely the same. Many of the YouTubers reference Hogans grip drills.

If the OP is asking for a book, then this is pretty good book to read.

Your point on Rotella is a matter of preference, setting up good initial mental habits will not make the rest of your game suffer. Beginner or advanced can benefit.

FixdePitchmark

Xander Panicky Madwoman wrote: »

Have you read his book?

There's not much in there that makes tech relevant, its focused primarily on grip, stance & posture, backswing & downswing.

Perhaps swing plane has evolved but grip & posture is largely the same. Many of the YouTubers reference Hogans grip drills.

If the OP is asking for a book, then this is pretty good book to read.

Your point on Rotella is a matter of preference, setting up good initial mental habits will not make the rest of your game suffer. Beginner or advanced can benefit.

No was a genuine question - and have heard the book referred to over the years.

The lad is coming back after 10 years - so he probably not aware that every lesson in the world is available on you tube. Majority people will retain more from a visual and audible experiences. But again work away with Hogan if that is what he wants. As you say he wants a book - but there are better options.

Again - I disagree with anyone going to Rotella until they have reached a wall or are targeting a very elite form of golf. He is only getting back - that in my opinion is a good bit down the road.

tyivpc5qjx0f2b

FixdePitchmark wrote: »

No was a genuine question - and have heard the book referred to over the years.

The lad is coming back after 10 years - so he probably not aware that every lesson in the world is available on you tube. Majority people will retain more from a visual and audible experiences. But again work away with Hogan if that is what he wants. As you say he wants a book - but there are better options.

Again - I disagree with anyone going to Rotella until they have reached a wall or are targeting a very elite form of golf. He is only getting back - that in my opinion is a good bit down the road.

That's your opinion, Rick Sheils is effective clickbait but if you think he delivers good content then that's fine.

Take one of his more recent videos titled "We NEED to talk":
https://youtu.be/mzDMC-5UVS4

Instead of simply titling a video as "Let's talk about mental well being" he presents it in an opaque manner which intrigues his followers enough to click on the video even if they have no interest in listening to him discuss mental health.
In turn he generates revenue from these clicks -approx $1 for every 1000 views", that seems opportunistic to me.

Additionally most of the more well known content providers such as Me and My Golf deliver a sliver of content but keep the bulk of their stuff behind a paywall.

This is how YouTubers monetize, its "free" and appears good quality but it's very limited.

You're not wrong about visual feedback which is why coaches use it but YouTubers are easily digestible one size fits all content that encourages retention and returning users.

You buy a book, the author has monetized so no incentive to keep that much back, the opposite is largely true for the most followed YouTubers.

redzerdrog

For online content Adam Youngs Strike plan is excellent. 7 modules broke down very well and doesn't get too technical.

Very easy to understand content and well worth the 50 quid.

Unfortunately we been in lockdown since I purchased it do have not been able to apply it to my practice

FixdePitchmark

@ Golf4774

I'd have to agree with you that Shiels and the likes have become more like you tubers as opposed to involved in tuition. But their earlier material was like getting a free golf lesson.

They are just providing entertainment and golf club sales info for the most part

If you wanted more reputable sources . You can go to a golf magazine you tube channel and get a lesson from a leading and sometimes global top level coach.

The advantage of you tube , you can find a personality , style and level that suits your game and swing.

Unfortunately we are probably moving towards paying for the best You Tube content. But probably a necessary evil in covid times.

But the real secret when getting back into golf is try a few pros . Stick with the best one and get lessons .

You could save yourself a good year of time and pain from doing that.

Enjoy anyway.

billy3sheets

redzerdrog wrote: »

The practice manual by Adam young is excellent

Just started this on your recommendation.

redzerdrog

billy3sheets wrote: »

Just started this on your recommendation.

Let me know what you think

Jimbee

redzerdrog wrote: »

Let me know what you think

Read it and some good content on drills and stuff. If you are OCD to begin with this book will be right up your alley. I found it too regimental.

The scoring method is good as it makes your practice pressurised gets you focused on intention rather than technique (which can be a minefield)

Pdoghue

Interesting topic..

I also have the Ben Hogan classic Five Lessons and you can take a lot from it even nowadays I believe.

Was watching the Masters recently on Sky and they had Butch on again. Friend of mine thinks he is past it and the 'game has moved on' since Butch's time apparently. This was in the context of Claude taking over as coach from Butch, and also of Rory going to Butch for advice. Anyway, I disagreed; it wasn't so long ago he was coaching Fowler and DJ, not to mention Phil and Tiger not so long ago. Be interested to hear other people here comment.

kod12

For club fitting and club reviews the lads on TXG are very knowledgeable and give great insights into new clubs, balls and tech etc. Good fitting reviews for both high and low handicappers.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDdF3VYuCTZ9HuEnkGdPkCQ

tyivpc5qjx0f2b

kod12 wrote: »

For club fitting and club reviews the lads on TXG are very knowledgeable and give great insights into new clubs, balls and tech etc. Good fitting reviews for both high and low handicappers.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDdF3VYuCTZ9HuEnkGdPkCQ

I think they're really knowledgeable, I just don't think it's relatable because the guy gets it out there at around 320 yards.

A lot less fluff though which is good. I really think the ForeGolf guys are very good.

https://youtu.be/L_KUcpbkYIg

kod12

Very true good to see them fit high hanidcappers aswell but your man Matty just hammers it on a string the whole time.

Foregolf very good aswell. Had been booked in there since October but Covid has kept cancelling appointments cant wait to get in

kod12

Raymond Flyod's book the elements of scoring is another good read

tyivpc5qjx0f2b

kod12 wrote: »

Very true good to see them fit high hanidcappers aswell but your man Matty just hammers it on a string the whole time.

Foregolf very good aswell. Had been booked in there since October but Covid has kept cancelling appointments cant wait to get in

They had Seed Golf Balls on it around a month ago, Irish connection always nice: https://youtu.be/3oxJVYuSsj4

Best of luck with the fitting, I suspect the Sim3 will be a cracking fit.

Deep Thought

Marcus Bell, he is on all social media. Called Zen Golf Mechanic

bylisandro

My suggestion I finished Lost Hills last week.

noler123

On a somewhat related topic, did anyone ever read "A course called Ireland"? Was looking to buy it but it's out of stock in a lot of places. Is it worth the effort of getting?

FixdePitchmark

noler123 wrote: »

On a somewhat related topic, did anyone ever read "A course called Ireland"? Was looking to buy it but it's out of stock in a lot of places. Is it worth the effort of getting?

It is very good . Well the advantage is he is a writer who takes on an endeavour as opposed to a guy who takes something on and writes about it.

He has fantastic observations on the Irish and our ways and was well read on history and language. And , very accurate as opposed to romantic or Americanised.

Only thing . It is pretty much the most daft idea ever and his journey of walking on bad Irish roads is just a bad idea. Dangerous and not particularly interesting. This is somewhat redeemed in the golf courses and people he meets. In pubs or B&Bs . Nice to see a 3rd party confirmation of how daft and funny Irish can be.

Imagine you'd pick one up 2nd hand ?

noler123

Thanks Fixde. You've made up my mind! I went looking again after posting that message and found it on the book depository for €12! Ideal.

Running Balance

noler123 wrote: »

Thanks Fixde. You've made up my mind! I went looking again after posting that message and found it on the book depository for €12! Ideal.

Is this the tom Coyne book?

No laying up have a season, 5 YouTube shows which he appears on and they play some of the same courses as the author.

Though I think the author walked from course to course.

I keep meaning to buy it on amazon

noler123

https://www.bookdepository.com/A-Course-Called-Ireland-Tom-Coyne/9781592405282?redirected=true&utm_medium=Google&utm_campaign=Base1&utm_source=IE&utm_content=A-Course-Called-Ireland&selectCurrency=EUR&w=AFFPAU9699KLY7A8VRP1&pdg=pla-293946777986:cmp-10333900495:adg-102993026076:crv-443150513206:pos-:dev-m&gclid=CjwKCAiA65iBBhB-EiwAW253Ww7Nm2Xx2RfmFSb3mEuSqfmYj0RkjeZnKtA76YFIMpJLISeL0zkxnRoCybUQAvD_BwE

The very one. Looking forward to reading it, hard to get good golf related books. Sorry for the long hyperlink, just thought it might be of interest to some ☺️

Edit: I see the full hyperlink doesn't show up on the post!

Deep Thought

Did you read Four Iron in the Soul by Lawrence Donegan?

Great read

Running Balance

Deep Thought wrote: »

Did you read Four Iron in the Soul by Lawrence Donegan?

Great read

Just starting his book quiet please where donegan is a steward at the Ryder cup..

Donegans book no news at throat lake is one of my favourite books.

Running Balance

A good walked spoilt by john Feinstein is very good.

Walter Alright

Deep Thought wrote: »

Marcus Bell, he is on all social media. Called Zen Golf Mechanic

I love his stuff, I build a balance board using some Medite board and a dowel underneath. Just standing on it swinging the club in the back yard.

Have you tried any drills, tips, etc?

I only started watching during lockdown so I’m dying to get out on the course and try some of his ideas.

Innish_Rebel

noler123 wrote: »

On a somewhat related topic, did anyone ever read "A course called Ireland"? Was looking to buy it but it's out of stock in a lot of places. Is it worth the effort of getting?

I've read that & a course called Scotland... Very enjoyable. & to answer the other questions - yes he is the guy on the NLU tourist sauce Ireland.


I've also really enjoyed a few other golf books not mentioned here - in no particular order:


Who's your caddy - Rick Riley = I really enjoy Rick Riley writing - entertaining


Dream on - hackers challenge to break Par in a year - John Richardson


The Match - Mark Frost - very good detail good on history of golf


The Bogey Man - George Plimpton = George would be one of my favourite sports writers - he has some cracking back catalog, helps to be into US sports though


The Game - Ken dryden = good on history again


No hiding in the Open - John Hoskinson = didn't know his back story so was a fascinating read


An American Caddie in St Andrews - Oliver Horovitz = laugh out loud at times

willabur

The match is a really good read, I am reading another one of his books called the greatest game ever played, really enjoying it also.

MarcusP12

Innish_Rebel wrote: »

I've read that & a course called Scotland... Very enjoyable. & to answer the other questions - yes he is the guy on the NLU tourist sauce Ireland.


I've also really enjoyed a few other golf books not mentioned here - in no particular order:


Who's your caddy - Rick Riley = I really enjoy Rick Riley writing - entertaining


Dream on - hackers challenge to break Par in a year - John Richardson


The Match - Mark Frost - very good detail good on history of golf


The Bogey Man - George Plimpton = George would be one of my favourite sports writers - he has some cracking back catalog, helps to be into US sports though


The Game - Ken dryden = good on history again


No hiding in the Open - John Hoskinson = didn't know his back story so was a fascinating read


An American Caddie in St Andrews - Oliver Horovitz = laugh out loud at times

Is a course called scotland any good or is it more of the same? I read a course called Ireland and enjoyed it but part of that enjoyment was reading his insights into courses i've played or places i've been....I also have the Scotland but havent gotten around to reading it yet .....

Couple more to add to the list if they havent already been mentioned...."Commander and Cheat by Rick Reilly" , "Mind Games by Thomas Bjorn and Michael Calvin" and the Bagman series by Colin Byrne are all decent reads....

Innish_Rebel

willabur wrote: »

The match is a really good read, I am reading another one of his books called the greatest game ever played, really enjoying it also.

Yeah I've been meaning to read that one...

Innish_Rebel

MarcusP12 wrote: »

Is a course called scotland any good or is it more of the same? I read a course called Ireland and enjoyed it but part of that enjoyment was reading his insights into courses i've played or places i've been....I also have the Scotland but havent gotten around to reading it yet .....

Couple more to add to the list if they havent already been mentioned...."Commander and Cheat by Rick Reilly" , "Mind Games by Thomas Bjorn and Michael Calvin" and the Bagman series by Colin Byrne are all decent reads....

Similar - he doesn't walk this one - but I just enjoy his general take on life.


I've read Commander in Cheat - great book but made me so mad at times, I love golf & am proud of the fact in every round of golf I've played there are numerous opportunities to cheat - improve lie, "find" a lost ball etc and I've not succumbed... I know we've all seen/heard cheaters stories - but that book details a level of disdain for the rules & ethos of golf that for me is beyond compare. With the supposed justification - "shur everyone is doing it!!!"

FixdePitchmark

Innish_Rebel wrote: »

Similar - he doesn't walk this one - but I just enjoy his general take on life.


I've read Commander in Cheat - great book but made me so mad at times, I love golf & am proud of the fact in every round of golf I've played there are numerous opportunities to cheat - improve lie, "find" a lost ball etc and I've not succumbed... I know we've all seen/heard cheaters stories - but that book details a level of disdain for the rules & ethos of golf that for me is beyond compare. With the supposed justification - "shur everyone is doing it!!!"

To be honest - if he was in a pub society in Ireland - he would be called a character.

Chance a good bit of this stuff - is him having a laugh to be honest.

Running Balance

Couple more to add to the list if they havent already been mentioned...."Commander and Cheat by Rick Reilly" , "Mind Games by Thomas Bjorn and Michael Calvin" and the Bagman series by Colin Byrne are all decent reads....[/quote]

Really struggled with Mind Games - I got it as an audio book and I understand the way its read can lead to a totally different interpretation but I just felt it was so pompous and stuffy. Thomas bjorn made it sound like he running an army of 50k at dunkirk!!

DaveQuinn2020

Every Shot Must Have a Purpose - Pia Nilsson and Lynn Marriott.

Almost finished it, and possibly the best golf instruction book I've ever read. If you want to get lower, this is an essential read. More about course management and the psychology of the game, but jam packed with useful tips. Brilliant.


https://www.amazon.co.uk/Every-Shot-Must-Have-Purpose/dp/1592401570/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1FY93RQ3XIWVS&dchild=1&keywords=every+shot+must+have+a+purpose&qid=1613646892&sprefix=every+shot+must%2Caps%2C164&sr=8-1

redzerdrog

DaveQuinn2020 wrote: »

Every Shot Must Have a Purpose - Pia Nilsson and Lynn Marriott.

Almost finished it, and possibly the best golf instruction book I've ever read. If you want to get lower, this is an essential read. More about course management and the psychology of the game, but jam packed with useful tips. Brilliant.


https://www.amazon.co.uk/Every-Shot-Must-Have-Purpose/dp/1592401570/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1FY93RQ3XIWVS&dchild=1&keywords=every+shot+must+have+a+purpose&qid=1613646892&sprefix=every+shot+must%2Caps%2C164&sr=8-1

Thanks was looking for something and you just sold this for me! Just ordered a copy!

Walter Alright

Running Balance wrote: »

Is this the tom Coyne book?

No laying up have a season, 5 YouTube shows which he appears on and they play some of the same courses as the author.

Though I think the author walked from course to course.

I keep meaning to buy it on amazon

It €3.99 to buy on an iPhone in the books app

The_Kew_Tour

DaveQuinn2020 wrote: »

Every Shot Must Have a Purpose - Pia Nilsson and Lynn Marriott.

Almost finished it, and possibly the best golf instruction book I've ever read. If you want to get lower, this is an essential read. More about course management and the psychology of the game, but jam packed with useful tips. Brilliant.


https://www.amazon.co.uk/Every-Shot-Must-Have-Purpose/dp/1592401570/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1FY93RQ3XIWVS&dchild=1&keywords=every+shot+must+have+a+purpose&qid=1613646892&sprefix=every+shot+must%2Caps%2C164&sr=8-1

Can Download in Kindle for less than five.

Bgiraffe

A few golf books I enjoyed

The Pro, by Butch Harmon
Seve The Official Autobiography
Into the Bear Pit, Mark James
John Daly, My Life In and Out of the Rough
Colin Byrne's Bagman books are all very good

Instruction wise, Unconscious Putting by Dave Stockton is excellent. Took a few notes from it when I first read it and regularly look through them. One of the tips from the book I like is the following; 'Imagine someone standing to your left, holding the butt of a club three inches away from your left hand when you’re addressing the putt. Make sure you hit the butt of that club flush with your left hand on the follow through. That way, your left hand goes through impact low and your wrists don’t break down or ‘flip’. Think of Ben Crenshaw putting.

As for general sports books, loved these;
Provided You Don't Kiss Me, 20 Years With Brian Clough
Trautmann's Journey, From Hitler Youth to FA Cup Legend
The Lost Soul of Eamonn Magee
The Agassi book, Open (Apparently the ghost for Agassi's book may be doing Tiger's book at some stage)

Seanachai

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/28139522-more-than-allegory

MarcusP12

I read a very good book about Arnold Palmer by Tom Callaghan that was recommended by Fionn Davenport and which i picked up for a steal on world of books...very interesting and gave a nice insight to a different age of professional golf.....lots of reference to Nicklaus and Player, i.e. the big three of the time...

Adiaga 2

Has anyone bought the Dan Grieve book? I follow him on IG and he seems to be brilliant. Most of his content is behind a very pricey pay-wall via his app. So just wondering if the book(not cheap either)is worth it?

https://amzn.eu/d/0oZxdbp

bakerbhoy

Have that one.

Good clear information and covers all aspects of the short game as he sees it.

Worth it particularly if your short game needs help.

Adiaga 2

Thanks, good to know. Is it well illustrated - good photography, etc.? Seems a lot of money for a 160 page book but if he gets his ideas across well I might give it a go. Just read some of the recent reviews on Amazon and nearly all very positive.