Something old, something new in golf books and history

Just because a book is old doesn’t mean it should gather dust on the back shelf. You might be surprised just how much fun you can get reading a book published in the early 1900s. You might also be amazed at how little the techniques in playing the game of golf have changed.

Some publishers like Mike Beckerich through his company Classics of Golf are specializing in reprinting great old books as well as launching new titles. Currently they offer more than 70 classics by revered writers like Bobby Jones, Bernard Darwin, Dan Jenkins and Joyce Wethered.

If one or more of these names don’t ring a bell, it might be time for you to delve into the world of old golf books. You’ll be richly rewarded.

I got hooked when I was visiting England. My friend, Toby, an avid golfer and Aldeburgh Golf Club’s club champion, handed me a copy of Henry Longhurst’s Only on Sundays. I found myself reading into late in the night to finish it before I had to return to the states.

As you get ready to wrap up your Christmas presents, here are a few of my favorites, both old, newish (books that need to be revisited) and a new book with a new audience.

Old
“Only on Sundays"‘ Author Henry Longhurst was a weekly columnist for London’s “Sunday Times” during the mid 19002. His humorous and insightful musings on everything from “What Club do I Throw” to “Guilty Conscience” and depth of knowledge of golf’s greatest players and legends like Peter Thomson, Bobby Locke and Babe Zaharias, make this a must read for all interested in the game. It’s not in print, but I got a used copy through Amazon.

“The Duffer’s Handbook of Golf” written by sportswriter Grantland Rice illustrated with cartoons by Clare Briggs, was first published 1926. One of the most popular books of its day, its timeless lessons in short takes and poems reveal a great understanding of golf techniques and temperaments such as “How to Make a Hole in 9.” www.classicsofgolf.com

“The Mystery of Golf” by Arnold Haultain (1908) is a small little volume you can tuck easily in your computer bag. It will provide hours of interesting reading exploring the difficulties and intricacies of the game. www.classicsofgolf.com

Newish
“Golf Unplugged” by Jim Apfelbaum uncovers in a brilliant yet thoughtful series of essays all sorts of characters of the game poking subtle fun at many things golfers take for granted, turning things upside down when necessary and showing how “we make golf so much harder than it need be.” I keep this on my bedside table to pick up at will. It makes me smile.

“Discovering Donald Ross” by Bradley S. Klein (2001) is the definitive book on Donald Ross, his life, his work. A coffee table size book filled with historic photos and original plans drawn by Ross as well as beautiful color photos of his courses and Klein’s richly detailed text, is one all interested in the early history of golf course architecture should have in their library.

New
“Lil’ Jordan’s 9 Holes of Fear” (2009) is one of those rare books targeting kids who want to play golf. Well illustrated with full-page color pictures, it points out some of the hurdles and fears kids have to face when learning to play like conquering the Water Monster and the Sand Monster. It comes with a CD.. www.liljordan.com
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