Hey, fellow golfers! Are you struggling to level up your game despite putting in endless hours of practice? We get it, it’s frustrating! But guess what? The solution might be right at your fingertips… in a book! That’s right, we’ve compiled a list of the coolest golf books out there that are tailored specifically for high-handicap golfers.
These books dish out all sorts of practical tips and tricks that can help improve your swing, strategy, and mental game. Whether you’re a newbie or a seasoned pro, these books can give you the guidance and knowledge you need to crush it on the course.
Ready to up your game? Keep on reading to check out our top picks!
“Golf My Way” by Jack Nicklaus
At HGH, we personally prefer something that has a bit of an older feel. After all, the best way to learn something — golf included — is from experience. That’s why we love “Golf My Way” by world-renowned golfing legend, Jack Nicklaus.
Nicklaus opens up about his personal experiences as a golfer and provides advice on building confidence and consistency on the course. He also gives useful insights into some of the sport’s basics including grip, stance, backswing, and weight transfer.
Not that it’s possible to 100% recreate Jack’s style and technique, but the book will tell you how he used to swing, why he did it that way, and how you can make his techniques work for you. Plus, it has a video version for those who prefer learning through visuals.
“Harvey Penick’s Little Red Book” by Harvey Penick
“Harvey Penick’s Little Red Book” is a classic golf book that never goes out of style. This short read was first released in 1992, and has since become one of the most popular books for high-handicap golfers looking to take their game to the next level.
What makes this book so great? As a beginner, you don’t like to step into a realm that is unfamiliar or somehow too complex. “Harvey Penick’s Little Red Book” offers easy-to-understand tips for anyone regardless of their skill level. Its simplicity and practicality make it the perfect book if you want to get your feet wet on basic fundamentals such as stance, grip, and swing.
“The Big Miss” by Hank Haney
Don’t be misguided by the title, “The Big Miss” is a must-read even if you wouldn’t want to miss! Written by Hank Haney, this book takes you through a journey of what happened in Tiger Woods’s career throughout his years as one of the most accomplished golfers of all time.
“The Big Miss” offers a unique insight into how Haney coached the legend, and contains a plethora of valuable lessons that you can apply to your own game. From hard work and discipline to mental preparation, Haney gives readers an in-depth look at Tiger’s process and what it takes to become great.
“The Keys to an Effortless Golf Swing” by Michael McTeigue
Effortless? Is there such a thing when it comes to golf? Well, according to “The Keys To An Effortless Golf Swing,” there definitely is! Written by Michael McTeigue, this book is a must-have for any high-handicap golfer who wants to improve their swing.
This book is straightforward and simple, yet it provides all the essential knowledge needed to master the game. McTeigue emphasizes key areas such as body position, gripping technique, turn sequences, and more — all of which have a significant impact on your golf swing.
“The Practice Manual” by Adam Young
Like a machine isn’t it? That’s how some golfers would describe their ideal swing. Well, “The Practice Manual” by Adam Young is the perfect book for you if that’s what you’re aiming for. If you spend a lot of time at the driving range, this book is a must-read as it explains how you can use practice to improve your skills and make your swing effortless.
The book has the most comprehensive and insightful guide to practice plans, drills, and other activities that will help you bring your swing to the next level. You’ll also find tips on how to make the most of your time so that you can enjoy a better game in no time!
Perfect for golf coaches and golfers alike, “The Practice Manual” is the perfect guide to help you develop the skills needed to master the game.
“Ben Hogan’s Five Lessons” by Ben Hogan
If you are a passionate golfer, then there’s no doubt that you know who Ben Hogan is. This legendary sportsman believed that even those with average coordination can break eighty if they learn and apply the right techniques. In “Ben Hogan’s Five Lessons,” Hogan explains in detail the five most important fundamentals of golf and how one can use them to improve their overall game.
Regardless if you are a beginner or someone who has been in the sport for years, this book is a must-have reference that will surely help you take your game to the next level. With clear illustrations and diagrams, it is almost like Hogan himself is giving you a personal golf lesson. So if you want to become a better golfer, be sure to pick up this book and add it to your collection.
“The Bogey Man: A Month on the PGA Tour” by George Plimpton
If you’re looking for an insider’s look at the game of golf, then “The Bogey Man: A Month on the PGA Tour” is a must-read. Written by George Plimpton, a writer and a journalist that believes in getting into the thick of things, this book takes us on a journey through a month-long trip to the PGA Tour. Plimpton explores the circuit to get an inside scoop on life as a professional golfer and gives us his candid assessment of the sport.
This is not just another “how-to” golf guide — instead, it is a compelling story about the world of golf and an in-depth look at what it takes to make it as a pro. So get your clubs ready and dive into “The Bogey Man” for an exhilarating ride!
“Golf’s Not a Game of Perfect” by Dr. Bob Rotella
Written by renowned sports psychologist Dr. Bob Rotella, “Golf’s Not a Game of Perfect” is a must-read for golfers of all skill levels. High-handicapper or not, this book will give you a dose of inspiration and knowledge to help you become your best.
Dr. Rotella emphasizes the importance of mental attitude by offering readers advice on how to stay focused and remain confident on the golf course. In today’s state of the sport, it’s not only about how you pull off the perfect swing — it’s also about having a strong mental game.
From setting realistic goals, visualizing success, and believing in yourself to learning how to deal with uncomfortable situations, “Golf’s Not a Game of Perfect” is an invaluable resource for any golfer who wants to reach their full potential.
Notable Mentions: For Beginners
Now we’re through the advanced books, let’s not forget about those who are just starting out. Here are a few notable mentions:
“The Unstoppable Golfer” by Dr. Bob Rotella
Another book written by Dr. Rotella, “The Unstoppable Golfer” offers a fantastic introduction to the game for beginners. It lays out the fundamentals of golf in an easy-to-understand way and provides practical tips that can be applied to the course. Chips, pitches, bunkers shots, and putting — you name it, this book has it all.
“Putting My Way” by Jack Nicklaus
A book from the legendary Jack Nicklaus himself, “Putting My Way” provides a simple yet powerful roadmap to help you become a better putter. This book improves your understanding of the green, teaches you how to read it properly, and gives you drills that can improve your consistency with every swing. For a $10 book, you won’t find a more comprehensive guide to putting than this.
“Power Golf” by Ben Hogan
Another Ben Hogan classic, “Power Golf” details the importance of power and accuracy in golf. In this timeless work, readers will learn about why it’s important to have a balanced golfer’s stance, how to perfectly achieve it, the inner-workings of a great backswing and downswing, how to increase distance with wood shots, the techniques for mastering iron shots with greater accuracy, techniques for minimizing putts, strategies for playing in sand bunkers, uphill or downhill shots and rain or windy conditions. The book covers a complete range of golfing topics and concludes with Ben Hogan’s very own “Eight Hints on How to Lower Your Score.”
Unlock Your Golf Potential with the Best Books on the Market
Don’t let yourself be boxed in by your current skill level. You don’t need to spend hundreds and thousands of dollars to improve your game — the best and most effective resources are right in front of you. Get out there, choose one of these great books on golf, and unlock your potential!
