My 24 inch golf shelf.
Confidential Guide 2014... Edition – T Doak: A seminal work which re-introduces golfers to a more straight forward approach to architecture, courses and reputations.
Classic Golf Links – D Steel: My first introduction to links golf. Steel takes the golfer on a dual circumnavigation of the UK and Ireland. The little known Southerness is the starting point. Strange beginning, but it worked for me.
The Scottish Golf Book – M Campbell: A sort of all-in-one book of Scottish golf (as suggested by the title) which discusses history, players, events and courses. The author strikes a fine balance between historic, classic and hidden gems.
The Legendary Golf Clubs of Scotland, England, Wales and Ireland – J de St Jorre: A select compendium of people and stories of the finer clubs in the UK and Ireland. The author offers snapshots which give a feel for the clubs and courses.
The Legendary Golf Clubs of the American East – J de St Jorre: A select compendium of people and stories of the finer clubs in the east of the United States. The author offers snapshots which give a feel for the clubs and courses.
A Round of Golf Courses – P Dickinson: Dickinson is the only golf writer of which I am aware that can stand shoulder to shoulder with the great Bernard Darwin. An 18 course tour through England, Scotland and Wales, Dickinson chooses 1 course in an area which is among the finest of its kind: links, heathland, parkland etc. Curiously, much of Scotland is omitted, but that is whim of personal preference.
All Courses Great and Small; Blasted Heaths and Blessed Greens; Emerald Fairways and Foam-Flecked Seas – J Finegan: A wonderful travel companion trio covering the British Isles.
World Atlas of Golf 2005 edition – principal writer C Price: One of the most important books on golf ever penned.
Down The Fairway & Golf Is My Game – Bobby Jones: Both volumes offer a keen insight into the times, Bobby Jones and his musings.
The Scrapbook of Old Tom Morris – compiled by D Joy: A fascinating look at golf and Old Tom Morris through the medium of newspapers, magazines and personal photos.
Following Through – H W Wind: A grand collection of essays from the New Yorker. The Lay of the Land – P Ward-Thomas: The natural successor to Darwin.
Golf Between Two Wars – B Darwin: A superb collection of longer essays.
The Darwin Sketchbook – edited by R Macdonald: An unparalleled review of the game’s masters covering most of the notables from Old Tom to Ben Hogan; an indispensible book.
A History of Golf in Great Britain – various writers: A survey of British golf from 1848 to 1950.
The Story of American Golf – HW Wind: A brilliant survey of 90 years of high profile golf in the US. St Andrews:
The Evolution of The Old Course – S Macpherson: A superb review of TOC and how technology played a role in this evolution.
Heather and Heaven – P Pilley: Perhaps the finest club history ever written. Detail of club and course changes is told in a most unusually interesting manner.
Alister MacKenzie’ Masterpiece: The Augusta National Golf Club – S Byrdy: A fascinating account of the growth of the club and course. The historical content of the individual holes is excellent.
Ciao