Best Golf Books 2024

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
(Image credit: Golf Monthly)

While nothing compares to playing the game of golf, sometimes we can't make it to the course and need our golf fix in other ways. You might find yourself watching the professionals go about their craft on the TV, watching videos on Golf Monthly's YouTube channel or perhaps even reading a book about some of the legends of the game. While it's nice to sit back and relax in front of the telly, there is nothing quite like getting lost in a book, especially when on holiday, and ingesting some of the greatest stories that have ever come from golf. 

We feel that a good book is one of the best golf accessories that you can get, especially for avid golfers who find themselves traveling a lot. So with that in mind, we've created this list of the best golf books to help you choose. 

It's not a definitive list, rather a selection of the ones we at Golf Monthly think will certainly entertain and educate. Whether it's instructional books to help your game or just some of the finest players to ever compete in the game telling their fascinating life stories, we've got you covered. Some of the best golf books are written by talented sports writers describing the most iconic and interesting moments in golf history, so we've included as wide a range of books as possible below.

We have also just included some of our absolute favorites as well, so whatever style of book you like to read there should be something for you on this list. 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 most admire. 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 eras 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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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

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. His book on putting is compulsive reading for anybody looking to shave some shots off their score without having to spend hours practicing.

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. If you want a warts and all look at the life of Tiger, then the offering by Jeff Benedict and Armen Keteyian will really appeal to you. For something more reflective of the state of the modern game then Alan Shipnuck's 'Phil' is an absolute must read. There are no shortage of great golf books to choose from, so get stuck in and enjoy!  

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. When Ben Hogan, Jack Nicklaus or Tiger Woods are telling you how a golf swing works, how can that not be helpful?

Sam Tremlett
E-commerce Editor

Sam is Golf Monthly's E-commerce Editor which mean's he oversees everything E-com related on the site.

This takes the form of creating and updating Buying Guides, reviews, and finding bargain prices for deals content. 

Working with golf gear and equipment over the last six years, Sam has quickly built outstanding knowledge and expertise on golf products ranging from drivers, to balls, to shoes. 

He combines this knowledge with a passion for helping golfers get the best gear for them, and as such Sam manages a team of writers that look to deliver the most accurate and informative reviews and buying advice. This is so the reader can find exactly what they are looking for, at a good price.

Additionally Sam oversees Golf Monthly voucher/coupon content which seeks to find you the best offers and promotions from well-known brands like Callaway, TaylorMade and many more.

Unfortunately, Sam is not a member of any club at the moment but regularly gets out on the golf course to keep up the facade of having a single-figure handicap.