7/2/2021
I would like to share with you a few of the titles that I feel are a must read for those looking to improve their games.
- Ben Hogan’s 5 Lessons – The Modern Fundamentals of Golf
Known as the “Bible” for golf instruction, this is the most important read for both beginners and seasoned veterans of the game. In this best-selling book, Hogan brings clarity to the key elements of the game and is a must have for those who understand that “fundamentals are where champions begin”. A lot of time could be saved on the lesson tee if everyone were to just read Chapter 1: The Grip.
- Be A Player, by Lynn Marriott and Pia Nilson
If we have spent any time chatting on the lesson tee, then you are aware of the human element of the game. Lynn and Pia have become synonymous with the side of the game that we tend to either ignore or misunderstand – the mental and metaphysical side. Knowing one’s physical and emotional state throughout a round of golf and having a comprehension of your true potential through possibility would be at the core of their message.
In this best-selling book, the founders of Vision54 share past successes with some of the top players in the world, including Mike Weir, Suzanne Peterson, and Annika Sorenstam, and how they were coached to success.
For anyone who is looking to improve their game, this book is a must read.
- The Golfing Machine, by Homer Kelley
Each week I am asked some question about Bryson Dechambeau. What do you think of his swing? What do you think of his pre-shot routine on the tee? Etc.
My reply is that he is who he is for a reason. Bryson is a
highly intelligent person
and player and for that reason, he was given a copy of Homer Kelley’s book, “The Golfing Machine: A Geometric Approach to the Game of Golf” at a young age. While most will open the book, skim through, and run for the hills screaming due to the overwhelming content of lever systems and power actuators, Bryson gobbled it up whole. He accredits this book to the change in his life where he found something – Chapter 10, Section 7, Variation A – “Zero Shift”.
While Homer Kelley’s book is not for everyone, it certainly deserves honourable mention in this list. Many great players have learned through “the machine” and have gone on to greatness. Do you think it is for you?
While I could go on and on about some of the great reads out there for golf, I will just conclude with a list of additional recommendations. All are equally as important as the 3 listed above but I couldn’t possibly do a Cole’s Notes book report for all. Here is the list:
- Golf is Not a Game of Perfect, Bob Rotella
- On Learning Golf, Percy Boomer
- Extraordinary Golf, Fred Shoemaker
- Golf in the Kingdom, Michael Murphy
- Golf My Way, Jack Nichlaus
- Every Shot Counts, Mark Broadie
- The Little Red Book, Harvey Penick
- Swing the Clubhead, Ernest Jones
By no means is this list complete and by no means are they in any order of importance. They all have invaluable wisdom and insights that can help you become a better (and happier) player.
Thank you for your time,
Ryan Rinneard
Director of Instruction
PGA of Canada Class A
[email protected]