It's interesting that a stellar writer can devise a list of must reads which holds virtually no value for me. Not including Dickinson's A Round of Courses is an inexcusable omission for a man who claims to enjoy humour.
I recently took the time to slip through my golf books. The original idea was to further downsize my collection; a theme I revisit from time to time. I soon came to the conclusion that I shouldn’t bother making the hard choices. I did, however, decide to create a “not for fire sale” list should the calamity of moving house befall me once more...which it surely must do. I am fortunate for many of the seemingly endlessly increasing categories of golf books hold no interest for me. I was therefore better able to fully focus first on the courses, golfers and history.
I wanted my selection to demonstrate the diversity golf courses represent, but being of the traditionalist camp, I am not best suited to produce such a well-rounded inventory. Against that limitation, I have, hopefully, provided a catalogue of well written works. I have an unproven theory which proposes that readers will return to the well written works more so than poorly written material...it works for me.
This then, for better or worse, is that list.
As my main interest is in playing courses, therefore COURSES is the most comprehensive section of the 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.
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.
Containing only three entries, PERSONALITY is a fairly sparse section. This is partly due to a peculiar dearth of good biographies and partly due to my proclivity for focusing on courses rather than people.
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.
The Life & Times of Donald Ross – Chris Buie: An educational and entertaining look at the life and legend of Donald Ross which happily covers some new ground.
There is one writer who stands above all others when it comes to the ESSAY. Bernard Darwin is this undisputed king of the green...though there are two others who can turn a phrase....
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.
To me, the HISTORY of the game is as important as the golf itself.
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 its evolution.
My final selections involve the specific histories of GOLF CLUBS. This too is a part of golf literature which is in need of improvement. There are, however, some excellent examples.
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.
At an average of just over an inch per book this list of 22 works covers 24 inches of my bookshelf. It is remarkable how the diversity of interests in the varying aspects of golf can be quite extravagant. What one golfer values may never occur to another as remotely engaging. I tried in vain to add one or two of The Evangelist of Golf, The Golf Course or True Links. Alas, there simply isn’t enough space between the bookends. It is certain to be the case that no two golfers will compile similar lists. Indeed, I share only 10 books with Mr M Thomas’ Five Foot Shelf piece which was inspired by Dr Eliot’s famous Five Foot Shelf. Be that as it may, it is my sincere hope that I may one day replace a book or two on my shelf.
Ciao