Best Golf Books 2023

If you're looking for some inspiration for a good read or a great present then here's a great starting point

best golf books

Best Golf Books

While we all love playing the game of golf, there are times when we can't always make it to the course. In those instances, you might find yourself watching the professionals go about their craft on the TV, watching instruction videos on YouTube or perhaps even reading a book about some of the legends of the game. And while it's nice to sit back and relax in front of the telly, there is nothing quite like getting lost in a book and ingesting some of the greatest stories that have ever come from golf. 

A good book is one of the best golf accessories that you can get, especially for the avid readers out there or those who find themselves traveling a lot. So for that reason, we've created this list of the best golf books to point you in the right direction. Some of the finest players to compete in the game and some truly fine authors have taken to writing and we have tried to include as many of their books as possible below. Several of them have an instructional flavor to them while others simply tell amazing stories.

It's not a definitive list, rather a selection of the ones we at Golf Monthly think will certainly entertain and educate. Whatever style of book you like to read, there should be something for you contained within. And if you want more buying advice, we recommend checking out a few of the other posts below to make sure you have the perfect gift for yourself or a golfing loved one - such as the best golf bags, best golf balls, or best golf tops.

Best Golf Books

Why you can trust Golf Monthly Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.

How we test

Here at Golf Monthly, we employ a rigorous testing procedure when reviewing any product on our website. All of our writers are experienced golfers who know and understand how to use golf equipment and can ably analyze the benefits and drawbacks of any product. Essentially, we look to test gear to help you make the most informed decision when purchasing a set of clubs or a pair of golf shoes. Specifically, when it comes to the best golf books, we look to see which books give the best instructional insight or behind-the-scenes access to the lives of golf heroes we idolize. From Tiger to Phil, there are plenty of books out there on the market that will give you an insight into how these guys became champions of the game. But on this list there are a few other reads we enjoyed getting lost in, from course guides to stories from long gone by. It is important to note that no manufacturer can buy a good review. 

What to consider when buying a golf book

While there might not be as much to consider compared to when buying a putter or a driver, interestingly, there is still a lot to think about when picking your next golf book. From whether you want a hard back or an audio copy to who the book is about, it's good to keep some of the below points in mind when purchasing your next golf book. 

1. Hard back, paper back or audio book

A lot of golf books available on sites like Amazon can be bought in a variety of formats. For that reason, it is best to double check which format you're getting after you've added the book to your basket and make sure also if you are buying an audiobook that you're getting one that is compatible with the devices you're using. 

2. Biography, fiction, or instruction

Golf books tend to come in three different formats, biographies about legends gone by, fictional stories that are written to entertain, or instructional books on how to hit the best shots. Depending on the type of book you're interested in reading, you'll find a range of these above and on websites like Amazon. But to avoid disappointment, it is always good to check which kind of golf book you're getting before buying. 

3. Instructional help 

On that note, many of the best golf books on the market come with a lot of instructional information from some of the best players and coaches going. From technique to strategy, you can get a lot out of these books, and depending on what area of your game you want to improve, it is wise to keep an eye out for the best books that can help you do that. 

4. Price

As with anything, your budget should play an important factor in the books that you want to purchase. For the most part, golf books are available relatively cheap, with players able to pick up a book for an average $11-$12. But if you're feeling really savvy, audio books often come in a lot cheaper than that, and can sometimes be free!

Golf books can be some of the most informative and helpful guides and pieces of information on the market and are definitely worth investing in. If you're looking to fully upgrade your whole game though, we have a variety of equipment guides on our website that can help you become a better golfer. Why not take a look at our guides to the best golf irons, the best drivers and the best wedges

FAQs

What is the best golf book of all time?

The impossible question! This is all down to taste but there have been some of the best books ever written when it comes to golf. A good starting point would be to look at John Feinstein and Mark Frost offerings who tell a story like nobody else and they have documented some of the most amazing stories in the game and some of the most colourful characters. Harvey Penick's Little Red Book is genuinely beautiful and shows off a very different game to the one that we see today.

Can you learn from a golf book?

People will argue that video is the best way to digest golf instruction but many of us learn better from the written word and all the game's greats have shared their nuggets through a collection of books. Ben Hogan's Five Lessons is the all-time classic and you still won't go very wrong by poring over this while there are so many fantastic mental-game books. Dr Bob Rotella leads the way in this market and has done for years and this is a great way to kickstart your thinking on a certain part of your game. 

Are golf instruction books helpful?

Yes they are! While video instruction guides are great as you can visually see what's going on with the club, golf books are also fantastic ways to learn about strategy, technique and how to play golf better. 

Mark Townsend
Contributing editor

Mark has worked in golf for over 20 years having started off his journalistic life at the Press Association and BBC Sport before moving to Sky Sports where he became their golf editor on skysports.com. He then worked at National Club Golfer and Lady Golfer where he was the deputy editor and he has interviewed many of the leading names in the game, both male and female, ghosted columns for the likes of Robert Rock, Charley Hull and Dame Laura Davies, as well as playing the vast majority of our Top 100 GB&I courses. He loves links golf with a particular love of Royal Dornoch and Kingsbarns. He is now a freelance, also working for the PGA and Robert Rock. Loves tour golf, both men and women and he remains the long-standing owner of an horrific short game. He plays at Moortown with a handicap of 6.