Golf is a game of fundamentals and of the mind and the best golf books address both. These five are the timeless must-reads, from the instruction classic still recommended decades on to the definitive book on the mental game, plus a charming slice of golf history. They also make some of the best gifts for the golfer in your life, especially heading into the holidays.
Quick picks:
- Best instruction: Ben Hogan's Five Lessons by Ben Hogan. View on Amazon
- Best mental game: Golf Is Not a Game of Perfect by Bob Rotella. View on Amazon
- Best biography: Tiger Woods by Jeff Benedict. View on Amazon
Play better
Ben Hogan's Five Lessons by Ben Hogan
Ben Hogan is one of golf's greatest players. The timeless instruction classic on the fundamentals of the swing. Still the most recommended golf book decades on. Giftable.
Best for: The golf instruction classic.
→ View on AmazonGolf Is Not a Game of Perfect by Bob Rotella
Bob Rotella is a leading sport psychologist (PhD). The definitive book on the mental game of golf, from the psychologist to the pros. Transforms how you play.
Best for: Golf's mental game.
→ View on AmazonHistory and legends
The Match by Mark Frost
Mark Frost is a bestselling narrative author. The true story of a legendary 1956 match between amateurs and pros. A charming, vivid slice of golf history.
Best for: A golf history gem.
→ View on AmazonTiger Woods by Jeff Benedict, Armen Keteyian
Jeff Benedict is two acclaimed investigative journalists. The definitive, unflinching biography of the most scrutinized athlete of his era. Comprehensive and revealing.
Best for: The Tiger biography.
→ View on AmazonWooden by John Wooden, Steve Jamison
John Wooden is the greatest college basketball coach ever. John Wooden's distilled wisdom on coaching, leadership and life. Short, profound and endlessly giftable.
Best for: Timeless coaching wisdom.
→ View on AmazonHow we chose these
We looked for the sports books that last: player memoirs with something real to say, credentialed sports scientists and psychologists and the acclaimed journalists and historians who turn a game into a story. A few iconic novels earn a place too and we label them as fiction. We describe and compare these books to help you choose your next read.
