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Yardage Book
Recommended Reading for December 2001/January 2002
1. The Art of Golf Design
by Geoff Shackelford & Michael Miller
"The situation in golf," writes the advocate with dispassionate eloquence, "is one of two very distinct groups: that which is exposed to artistry in design, and that which isn't." It's one of many provocative points worth considering, along with beautiful reproductions of original watercolors.
2. Discovering Donald Ross
by Bradley S. Klein
An examination of the game's master planner, a thoroughly modern man, who brought a Shaker-like sensibility and order to his work; reflective, finds the author, of "a devout humility and honesty of presentation in everything he did."
3. Gleanings from the Wayside
by A.W. Tillinghast
A Rosetta stone of architectural insight, the third in a lovingly assembled trilogy, honors his work and generous spirit. Little escaped Tilly - from the farce of par to the aesthetics of good design.
4. Fourteen Clubs and the Auld Claret Jug
by Norman Dabell
An equal number of modern-day caddies tell how "we" won The Open. Some rode their golfers like jockeys, others hung on for dear life. (With Seve, it was always a bit of both.)
5. The Money-Whipped Steer-Job
Three-Jack Give-Up Artist
By Dan Jenkins
Fanciful look at life following the sun through the Ray Bans of your typical PGA Tour salaryman, filled with the acerbic, telling, politically incorrect and wise guy observations that have enlivened Golf Digest for years.
6. Billy Boy
by Bud Shrake
In the match of his life, a caddie stands up, ever so politely, to Hogan. Around him swirl all the elements of good fun: the rich babe, the spoiled villain, her eccentric and filthy rich uncle, the missing love of a father - and John Bredemus, a legendary figure in Texas golf who ran with Jim Thorpe and traveled Texas designing courses with little more than a bag of checkers.
7. A Season in Dornoch
by Lorne Rubenstein
A productive extended visit to the Highlands that genially considers the game and its relation to Scottish life, past and present, as well as the author's own.
8. A Golfer's Education
by Darren Kilfara
Study abroad takes on several meanings for a visiting Harvard scholar and Golf Digest staffer with the good sense to take his junior year at the University of St. Andrews. The siren calls of romance and The Old Course commingle. Best of all he learns to love and honor the ground game.
9. Sir Walter & Mr. Jones
by Stephen Lowe
Scholarly treatment of Bob (as he preferred) Jones and the great Haig: polar opposites, friends, competitors, natty dressers and chain smokers. Until Tiger gets his ride up Broadway (even after), these two remain as symbols of the game's highest standards.
10. The Golfer's Guide to the Meaning of Life
by Gary Player
Contemplative and nostalgic roadmap from the game's ancient mariner, a fount of old fashioned advice. His memory and opinions remain as crisp and declarative as his step. Patience, resiliency, clarity, curiosity and talent, he lists in order of their appearance, are the essential traits for a golfer.
NOTE: Yardage Book © appears monthly, exclusively on THR. All books listed have been reviewed elsewhere on THR in greater depth. They are informally ranked at the editor's discretion and are not based on sales, date of publication, hype, the stars, financial inducement (Ho! Ho!) or anything other than his own personal preference. Only books that have been reviewed on THR are included.
Swing Thoughts - Volume I
Swing Thoughts - Volume II
Swing Thoughts - Volume III
Swing Thoughts - Volume IV
Swing Thoughts - Volume V
Swing Thoughts - Volume VI
Swing Thoughts - Volume VII
Swing Thoughts - Volume VIII
Swing Thoughts - Volume IX
Swing Thoughts - Volume X
Swing Thoughts - Volume XI
Swing Thoughts - Volume XII
Swing Thoughts - Volume XIII
Swing Thoughts - Volume XIV
Swing Thoughts - Volume XV
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