Golf Club Atlas

GolfClubAtlas.com => Golf Course Architecture Discussion Group => Topic started by: PCCraig on December 28, 2010, 01:27:19 PM

Title: Your Library is on Fire....
Post by: PCCraig on December 28, 2010, 01:27:19 PM
...which one golf book do you save?

We talk about books here alot on GCA, especially around this time of year as we get them as gifts around the holidays. I'm curious, what's the one golf book you can't live without, check constantly, and know it would be such a pain to get again you would grab it before any other in a fire? :)
Title: Re: Your Library is on Fire....
Post by: Bill_McBride on December 28, 2010, 01:43:52 PM
Bernard Darwin's Golf Courses of the British Isles.  The writing is both witty and accurate to this day.
Title: Re: Your Library is on Fire....
Post by: Melvyn Morrow on December 28, 2010, 01:44:21 PM
Easy one, Pat


It has to be "Tom Morris of St Andrews: The Colossus of Golf 1821-1908"

Melvyn
Title: Re: Your Library is on Fire....
Post by: Melvyn Morrow on December 28, 2010, 01:49:35 PM

Pat

 Being serious and considering your plight may I suggest your choice should be "How to Win Friends, Influence People" could also help your game too ;)

Melvyn
Title: Re: Your Library is on Fire....
Post by: Mike Hendren on December 28, 2010, 01:51:57 PM
The Confidential Guide - so I can sell it and re-build my library.

Bogey
Title: Re: Your Library is on Fire....
Post by: Mike Cirba on December 28, 2010, 01:54:38 PM
I'd likely perish in the flames with one hand grasping Desmond Tolhurst history of Merion, the other grasping for Edward Weeks Myopia book, with both legs wrapped around Cornish and Whitten's "Architects of Golf".  ;)

Just kidding... ;D
Title: Re: Your Library is on Fire....
Post by: PCCraig on December 28, 2010, 01:57:47 PM
Easy one, Pat


It has to be "Tom Morris of St Andrews: The Colossus of Golf 1821-1908"

Melvyn

Which version?
Title: Re: Your Library is on Fire....
Post by: PCCraig on December 28, 2010, 02:01:23 PM
Bernard Darwin's Golf Courses of the British Isles.  The writing is both witty and accurate to this day.

I just ordered a used copy from Amazon for $5. If it's as good as you say (I'm sure it's great) I'll go back and buy a copy that's in better shape. :)
Title: Re: Your Library is on Fire....
Post by: PCCraig on December 28, 2010, 02:04:12 PM
I'd likely perish in the flames with one hand grasping Desmond Tolhurst history of Merion, the other grasping for Edward Weeks Myopia book, with both legs wrapped around Cornish and Whitten's "Architects of Golf".  ;)

Just kidding... ;D

Mike:

Out of curiousity, why the "Architects of Golf?"
Title: Re: Your Library is on Fire....
Post by: Eric Smith on December 28, 2010, 02:18:05 PM
The World Atlas of Golf - the book that really stoked my interest in golf COURSES. I really do enjoy the style of the book.

(http://i464.photobucket.com/albums/rr7/rednorman/photo-141.jpg?t=1293563484)
Title: Re: Your Library is on Fire....
Post by: PThomas on December 28, 2010, 02:18:38 PM
only 1????  i have to really think about this Pat!
Title: Re: Your Library is on Fire....
Post by: David Stamm on December 28, 2010, 02:22:40 PM
Bernard Darwin's Golf Courses of the British Isles.  The writing is both witty and accurate to this day.


Bill, once again you and I are on the same page. It truly harkens back to a golden age, in more ways than one.
Title: Re: Your Library is on Fire....
Post by: Mac Plumart on December 28, 2010, 02:24:38 PM
Evangelist of Golf
Title: Re: Your Library is on Fire....
Post by: Mark Pritchett on December 28, 2010, 02:41:38 PM
Discovering Donald Ross by Brad Klein

I refer to this book often. 
Title: Re: Your Library is on Fire....
Post by: PCCraig on December 28, 2010, 02:46:32 PM
The World Atlas of Golf - the book that really stoked my interest in golf COURSES. I really do enjoy the style of the book.

(http://i464.photobucket.com/albums/rr7/rednorman/photo-141.jpg?t=1293563484)

What edition is that Eric? I agree the series is generally fantastic, both the most recent version (by Wexler, Ran, Doak, et. al.) as well as previous versions. I have never found an original 1976 (I think that's the first year it was done?) 1st edition though, despite my best efforts.
Title: Re: Your Library is on Fire....
Post by: PCCraig on December 28, 2010, 02:47:21 PM
only 1????  i have to really think about this Pat!

Only one! :)
Title: Re: Your Library is on Fire....
Post by: PCCraig on December 28, 2010, 02:48:14 PM
Discovering Donald Ross by Brad Klein

I refer to this book often. 

I don't have this book either, but I'm hoping for a likely reprint!!
Title: Re: Your Library is on Fire....
Post by: PCCraig on December 28, 2010, 02:48:53 PM
Evangelist of Golf

But why, Mac, Why????? :)
Title: Re: Your Library is on Fire....
Post by: Phil_the_Author on December 28, 2010, 02:49:16 PM
Tillinghast: Creator of Golf Courses, but not for the reason that some might think.

I have book #1 of the limited edition and use it as an autograph book. I have been getting it signed by members and pro at every Tilly course I visit with the goal that one day I will have them all. There is a section I use for architects and also for having some sign it simp0ly because of time and place. It is my Wife's copy and she encourages me to take it whenever I visit a new course to make sure it gets signed. "We" have more than 150 autographs in it now including a number of GCA'ers. Here's an example with a couple of names you might recognize and two very special ones that you probably won't:

(http://i364.photobucket.com/albums/oo90/PhiltheAuthor/CCI12282010_00002.jpg)
Title: Re: Your Library is on Fire....
Post by: Eric Smith on December 28, 2010, 02:56:07 PM

What edition is that Eric? I agree the series is generally fantastic, both the most recent version (by Wexler, Ran, Doak, et. al.) as well as previous versions. I have never found an original 1976 (I think that's the first year it was done?) 1st edition though, despite my best efforts.

The 1991 reprint.  I agree, the new one is great as well, though I can't spread it open almost dead table flat like this one. More pages in the latest version, of course.
Title: Re: Your Library is on Fire....
Post by: Mike Cirba on December 28, 2010, 02:56:50 PM

Mike:

Out of curiousity, why the "Architects of Golf?"


Pat,

It was simply a bit of an inside joke to Tom MacWood, whose opinion of each borders from fantasy to fiction.  :)

Sorry to be OT...

My serious answer would be that I'd grab my collection of scorecards from each course I've played that I've kept since I was 13 years old.

Next would probably be The Confidential Guide, but it would be a very tough choice.

Title: Re: Your Library is on Fire....
Post by: Eric Smith on December 28, 2010, 02:59:57 PM
Evangelist of Golf

But why, Mac, Why????? :)

Currently, Amazon says there are 777 reasons! ;)
Title: Re: Your Library is on Fire....
Post by: PCCraig on December 28, 2010, 03:03:01 PM
Evangelist of Golf

But why, Mac, Why????? :)

Currently, Amazon says there are 777 reasons! ;)

It's worth $777?? I have a copy and love it, but I had no idea it was in Confidential Guide territory in terms of price.

But, I agree it's a wonderful nomination regardless of cost. :)
Title: Re: Your Library is on Fire....
Post by: Mac Plumart on December 28, 2010, 03:08:14 PM
Oh...sorry about not including the "why" portion regarding my pick for Evangelist.

#1--value.  However, I don't think that price is "real".  Nevertheless, it is what it is.

#2--I love to look through it and remember playing NGLA.  The hole by hole stuff in the book is really good and, therefore, it always helps me remember each and every shot I took on the course.  Memories!!  Sweet memories!! 
Title: Re: Your Library is on Fire....
Post by: JR Potts on December 28, 2010, 04:26:15 PM

Next would probably be The Confidential Guide, but it would be a very tough choice.



Still haven't read it....I may just have to bite the bullet and buy one.
Title: Re: Your Library is on Fire....
Post by: Michael Dugger on December 28, 2010, 04:31:05 PM
Either Golf Course Architecture in America or The Links.
Title: Re: Your Library is on Fire....
Post by: Jeff Shelman on December 28, 2010, 04:40:40 PM
I would just grab my Nook. :)
Title: Re: Your Library is on Fire....
Post by: Melvyn Morrow on December 28, 2010, 04:45:52 PM

Mac

Evangelist of Golf, I see, me thinks you need to play a little bit more of the ground game as you are seeking too much from books like Confidential Guide by that youngster, still yet to get one of his courses approved for The Scottish Open. Yet we hear good things of this guy. He just needs to find that ‘land fit for purpose’ and undertake the whole design himself. ;)

Melvyn
Title: Re: Your Library is on Fire....
Post by: Patrick Kiser on December 28, 2010, 04:53:21 PM
Pfff...  No brainer for me:  GAIA
Title: Re: Your Library is on Fire....
Post by: PThomas on December 28, 2010, 04:59:08 PM
Pat - i think i'd take my 1975 edition of The Story of American Golf by Herb Wind - the first great golf book i ever owned...and maybe still the greatest one
Title: Re: Your Library is on Fire....
Post by: JC Jones on December 28, 2010, 05:11:28 PM
My autographed copy of The Anatomy of a Golf Course.  Tom made me promise him this summer that after he signed it I couldn't get rid of it.  I am a man of my word.
Title: Re: Your Library is on Fire....
Post by: Sean_A on December 28, 2010, 05:49:42 PM
I too thought it would have to be Confidential Guide because of its resale value.  I promised Doak I wouldn't sell it, but made no promises about leaving it to burn - tee hee.  If The Evangelist is worth that sort of dosh I would considee grabbing that to sell.  But if I am talking about pure enjoyment it has to be Patric Dickinson's Round of Courses.  It is comfortably the most under-rated and under-valued golf book I own.

Ciao
Title: Re: Your Library is on Fire....
Post by: Melvyn Morrow on December 28, 2010, 05:50:55 PM

Sod the books get the sexy women out who is wearing the stockings and suspenders

See this link http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w5_OJqUnKNA&feature=related

Hope it helps to kick start your evening games.

Melvyn
Title: Re: Your Library is on Fire....
Post by: Brett_Morrissy on December 28, 2010, 06:01:33 PM
I am with Bogey! Post #4

Honorable mention to anatomy of golf, many notes and G Thomas GCofA - my first GCA BOOK.
Title: Re: Your Library is on Fire....
Post by: Kevin Pallier on December 28, 2010, 11:15:58 PM
The Golf Courses of the British Isles - B Darwin

I never tire of that book
Title: Re: Your Library is on Fire....
Post by: PCCraig on December 29, 2010, 09:02:46 AM
Interesting fact about the Evangelist of Golf. It was just this past March that there were 100 copies left as seen in this thread:

http://golfclubatlas.com/forum/index.php/topic,43598.0.html

And now they are $700! I should of bought more copies :) ;)
Title: Re: Your Library is on Fire....
Post by: JC Jones on December 29, 2010, 10:04:45 AM
They are only $700 if someone is willing to buy them at that price. 
Title: Re: Your Library is on Fire....
Post by: Ronald Montesano on December 29, 2010, 06:45:22 PM
Grounds for Golf, by Geoff Shackleford.

Why?  No one has mentioned it yet.  It is also a book written by an invested fellow in his middle-mature years.  The reason I don't select the Doak phenom is that it comes relatively from his youth.  If the Guide were to come out during the years 40-50 of Doak, I would rank it first.
Title: Re: Your Library is on Fire....
Post by: Ian Andrew on December 29, 2010, 07:06:57 PM
1st edition - Golf Architecture in America - Thomas - former owner was Norman Woods.
Title: Re: Your Library is on Fire....
Post by: RSLivingston_III on December 29, 2010, 07:24:26 PM
To be honest, it would probably be my one-off special edition of my book. Hey, it's my first book so went a little crazy on the binding.
Title: Re: Your Library is on Fire....
Post by: James Boon on December 30, 2010, 06:27:53 AM
My library on fire!

Panic, consider suicide, worry if my insurance will cover it, then run in to get...

The World Atlas of Golf as its such a wonderfully complete book. Coffee table aesthetics combined with great essays. No wait, A Round of Golf Courses by Patric Dickinson as mentioned earlier by Sean Arble. Such a wonderful little book. No wait, too many to choose... so finally decide on Tom Doak's Anatomy... as it was a gift from a good friend and is signed by the author.

Cheers,

James
Title: Re: Your Library is on Fire....
Post by: Shane Wright on December 30, 2010, 09:17:36 AM
I would just grab my Nook. :)

Jeff, I just got the Nook.  What really good golf "nook" books are there?

Title: Re: Your Library is on Fire....
Post by: Bruce Leland on December 31, 2010, 09:22:36 AM
Speaking from experience....grab something from the lower shelves of the book case as the ones on the top shelf will be too smoke damaged to save.  The valuable books I have left are now on the low shelves of a 7' book case and enclosed in glass.
Title: Re: Your Library is on Fire....
Post by: Melvyn Morrow on December 31, 2010, 10:46:30 AM

In fact, let’s help the fire by throwing more Golf Course Architecture books on to the fire, might concentrate the mind of some, a sort out the trees from the woods, the island Greens from ponds from crap experiences on a course to good ones.

Melvyn
Title: Re: Your Library is on Fire....
Post by: Stan Dodd on January 01, 2011, 02:49:03 AM
Melvin,
Please describe your last crap experience while playing golf.