Opinion & Analysis
Top-10 Golf Reads…errr…Listens!
As a Los Angeles guy, born and raised, one thing that I am experienced at is commuting. It is a fact of life in this city. I know the freeways here better than I know my kids. I spend more time on the road each month than I do golfing (that’s a sad fact; I drive 3 hours a day just to and from work alone!). What this all adds up to is that I am an avid “reader.” To be more specific: I listen to audiobooks. Everyday. Each way.
For all of you “couch readers” out there, I’m sure the books on this list are just as entertaining on the page as they are on the iPod. As far as audiobooks themselves: my opinion is that a good audiobook is much the same as a good paper book and the reader can get equally absorbed with either medium. If the book is great, I will sometimes find myself sitting in the driveway with the book playing as I can’t seem to “put the book down.” There is little joy greater than finding one of these rare “driveway books” for me. But, if the read is no good, I tune out. Just like a couch reader does on the Nook or Kindle.
As for the books I “read,” I read much more than just golf books. I read everything from fiction to non-fiction to biographies and everything in between. Every now and then, I will slip a good golf book into the playlist. One other thing I do is rate ALL of the books I read as I use this for recommendations for friends and others who are also slaves to their commute (hit me up and I will provide you a list of my top 10 books of all-time if you are interested). My rating list has come in handy on many an occasion as it will right here and now. So, without further adieu, I present my Top 10 list of great golf reads: fiction and non-fiction — and “other.” This list does NOT include books written specifically for swing instruction. There are too many of those already out there and they are nearly as subjective as politics! I leave all of the “Stack and Tilts” to you all. I am listing these in order from my all-time favorite golf book to my 10th choice. Please post up comments for any reads (or listens) that you recommend. If nothing else, I am always looking for my next book!
Writer’s note: I only listen to, and therefore, recommend unabridged audiobooks. I am not interested in saving time and would prefer to hear the author’s complete version, not an edited one.
- The Match: The Day the Game of Golf Changed Forever – What do you get when you mix Ben Hogan, Byron Nelson, Ken Venturi and Big Crosby? One helluva read is what you get! This story is real account of the match pitting two of history’s greatest golfers against two up-and-coming amateurs in a gentlemen’s game of golf all taking place in the 1950’s on the hallowed grounds of the Cypress Point Golf Club. This is an incredible story that takes place during the true golden age of golf with some of golf’s most esteemed figures as the central players. It also does an excellent job at providing an in-depth look at each of the golfer’s themselves to give the reader a bit of history before breaking into a hole-by-hole account of the match itself.
- The Greatest Game Ever Played: A True Story (print only) – This is the quintessential turn-of-the-century golf history story and is only available in print. There is no audiobook of this one that I know of which is disappointing as I would love to hear this story. But, I had to go old school and read it instead! This is the story of Frances Ouimet and how he came to tangle with Harry Vardon in the 1913 U.S. Open. This is an extremely entertaining true historical account of the dawn of golf in the US written by the same author as “the Match” — and one of the greatest underdog stories ever written.
- Who’s Your Caddy? – Rick Reilly turns in one of the most entertaining and informative books all about looping ever written (then again, is this the only book about caddies in print?). The stories about John Daly, Casey Martin and many others give the reader a rare insight in to all aspects of the world of golf. If nothing else, the book’s chapter where Mr. Reilly got to carry for legendary Las Vegas Golf gambler Dewey Tomko is worth the price alone. You won’t believe the stakes and the rules with which they play. Talk about pressure over a 5 foot putt…!
- Hogan – This is easily the most entertaining and informative books about one of the greatest legends in all of golf ever written. I learned about which spot Hogan used when on the range (the furthest right spot so that he didn’t have to see anyone else’s swing), what drove him to such greatness, what happened in the horrible car crash that nearly ended both his life and career and which shot he made that ate at him for the rest of his life. This book is a “must read” for any true golf enthusiast.
- Zen Golf – Yes, this book blurs the line between golf instruction and non-fiction. This book in particular is why I added a caveat about “other.” Dr. Joseph Parent never tries to tell you how to swing the club or any other specific instruction as far as the golf swing. But, what he does teach the reader is how to relax during a round, what goes through the mind of most golfers and the way to just go out and play as best as you can. I learned more tricks and tools from this book and have applied many of these into my everyday game. I have found his perspective to be mesmerizing and does much to help my overall mental state when on the course.
- The Mysterious Montague: A True Tale of Hollywood, Golf, and Armed Robbery – The Mysterious Montague is a true-life account of one of the most secretive yet unbelievably skilled golfers that ever graced the annals of golf history. The setting is the 1930’s beginning on the east coast and quickly moving to the legendary Lakeside Country Club in Toluca Lake, Calif. (my backyard). I don’t know if all of the accounts in this book are fact, but you won’t believe the stuff this guy could do with a club in his hand! Throw in the fact that he was on the lamb and you have the makings of a page-turner.
- The Legend of Bagger Vance – Classic golf fiction at its best. This book takes place in the heyday of classic golf with Bobby Jones and Walter Hagen meeting with, and matching wits with fictional protagonist Rannulph Junah. But, the real story is about the mysterious caddy, Bagger Vance and the information he holds. The book is better than the movie if for no other reason than NOT having to see actors attempt to make professional-looking golf swings.
- Missing Links – I have to admit, I am sucker for the musings of Rick Reilly. When he wrote for Sports Illustrated, I was sure to flip to the back page and read his stories. “Missing Links” (as well as the next book on my list, “Shanks for the Memories”) are humorous fictional accounts of a cast of characters all playing golf at the fictional goat track, Ponkaquogue Municipal Golf Links. Is it “War and Peace” of golf? Far from it. But, Rick Reilly does a good job of creating a group of hackers doing outlandish things while keeping me engaged for a light and entertaining read.
- Shanks for the Memories – The sequel to “Missing Links” brings back the same lovable characters from his first offering. This one is not quite as entertaining as the first one. But, once you have poured eight hours into the first one, you may as well throw nine more away on this one!
- Harvey Penick’s Little Red Book – I love a good bathroom book — even on the road. Sometimes I just need to pop in, hear a few yarns about Davis Love III or life on Texas golf courses. Yes, this book definitely breaks my rules about golf instruction as the late Mr. Penick sprinkles in plenty of anecdotes about drills to help your game. But, since so much of the book is actually made up of stories involving all sorts of historical golf characters, facts and figures, I felt this book deserves a spot on the list — and on your iPod!
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The PGA TOUR heads to New Orleans to play the 2023 Zurich Classic of New Orleans. In a welcome change from the usual stroke play, the Zurich Classic is a team event. On Thursday and Saturday, the teams play best ball, and on Friday and Sunday the teams play alternate shot.
TPC Louisiana is a par 72 that measures 7,425 yards. The course features some short par 4s and plenty of water and bunkers, which makes for a lot of exciting risk/reward scenarios for competitors. Pete Dye designed the course in 2004 specifically for the Zurich Classic, although the event didn’t make its debut until 2007 because of Hurricane Katrina.
Coming off of the Masters and a signature event in consecutive weeks, the field this week is a step down, and understandably so. Many of the world’s top players will be using this time to rest after a busy stretch.
However, there are some interesting teams this season with some stars making surprise appearances in the team event. Some notable teams include Patrick Cantlay and Xander Schauffele, Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry, Collin Morikawa and Kurt Kitayama, Will Zalatoris and Sahith Theegala as well as a few Canadian teams, Nick Taylor and Adam Hadwin and Taylor Pendrith and Corey Conners.
Past Winners at TPC Louisiana
- 2023: Riley/Hardy (-30)
- 2022: Cantlay/Schauffele (-29)
- 2021: Leishman/Smith (-20)
- 2019: Palmer/Rahm (-26)
- 2018: Horschel/Piercy (-22)
- 2017: Blixt/Smith (-27)
2024 Zurich Classic of New Orleans Picks
Tom Hoge/Maverick McNealy +2500 (DraftKings)
Tom Hoge is coming off of a solid T18 finish at the RBC Heritage and finished T13 at last year’s Zurich Classic alongside Harris English.
This season, Hoge is having one of his best years on Tour in terms of Strokes Gained: Approach. In his last 24 rounds, the only player to top him on the category is Scottie Scheffler. Hoge has been solid on Pete Dye designs, ranking 28th in the field over his past 36 rounds.
McNealy is also having a solid season. He’s finished T6 at the Waste Management Phoenix Open and T9 at the PLAYERS Championship. He recently started working with world renowned swing coach, Butch Harmon, and its seemingly paid dividends in 2024.
Keith Mitchell/Joel Dahmen +4000 (DraftKings)
Keith Mitchell is having a fantastic season, finishing in the top-20 of five of his past seven starts on Tour. Most recently, Mitchell finished T14 at the Valero Texas Open and gained a whopping 6.0 strokes off the tee. He finished 6th at last year’s Zurich Classic.
Joel Dahmen is having a resurgent year and has been dialed in with his irons. He also has a T11 finish at the PLAYERS Championship at TPC Sawgrass which is another Pete Dye track. With Mitchell’s length and Dahmen’s ability to put it close with his short irons, the Mitchell/Dahmen combination will be dangerous this week.
Taylor Moore/Matt NeSmith +6500 (DraftKings)
Taylor Moore has quickly developed into one of the more consistent players on Tour. He’s finished in the top-20 in three of his past four starts, including a very impressive showing at The Masters, finishing T20. He’s also finished T4 at this event in consecutive seasons alongside Matt NeSmith.
NeSmith isn’t having a great 2024, but has seemed to elevate his game in this format. He finished T26 at Pete Dye’s TPC Sawgrass, which gives the 30-year-old something to build off of. NeSmith is also a great putter on Bermudagrass, which could help elevate Moore’s ball striking prowess.
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After having four of the top twelve players on the leaderboard at The Masters, LIV Golf is set for their fifth event of the season: LIV Adelaide.
For both LIV fans and golf fans in Australia, LIV Adelaide is one of the most anticipated events of the year. With 35,000 people expected to attend each day of the tournament, the Grange Golf Club will be crawling with fans who are passionate about the sport of golf. The 12th hole, better known as “the watering hole”, is sure to have the rowdiest of the fans cheering after a long day of drinking some Leishman Lager.
The Grange Golf Club is a par-72 that measures 6,946 yards. The course features minimal resistance, as golfers went extremely low last season. In 2023, Talor Gooch shot consecutive rounds of 62 on Thursday and Friday, giving himself a gigantic cushion heading into championship Sunday. Things got tight for a while, but in the end, the Oklahoma State product was able to hold off The Crushers’ Anirban Lahiri for a three-shot victory.
The Four Aces won the team competition with the Range Goats finishing second.
*All Images Courtesy of LIV Golf*
Past Winners at LIV Adelaide
- 2023: Talor Gooch (-19)
Stat Leaders Through LIV Miami
Green in Regulation
- Richard Bland
- Jon Rahm
- Paul Casey
Fairways Hit
- Abraham Ancer
- Graeme McDowell
- Henrik Stenson
Driving Distance
- Bryson DeChambeau
- Joaquin Niemann
- Dean Burmester
Putting
- Cameron Smith
- Louis Oosthuizen
- Matt Jones
2024 LIV Adelaide Picks
Cameron Smith +1400 (DraftKings)
When I pulled up the odds for LIV Adelaide, I was more than a little surprised to see multiple golfers listed ahead of Cameron Smith on the betting board. A few starts ago, Cam finished runner-up at LIV Hong Kong, which is a golf course that absolutely suits his eye. Augusta National in another course that Smith could roll out of bed and finish in the top-ten at, and he did so two weeks ago at The Masters, finishing T6.
At Augusta, he gained strokes on the field on approach, off the tee (slightly), and of course, around the green and putting. Smith able to get in the mix at a major championship despite coming into the week feeling under the weather tells me that his game is once again rounding into form.
The Grange Golf Club is another course that undoubtedly suits the Australian. Smith is obviously incredibly comfortable playing in front of the Aussie faithful and has won three Australian PGA Championship’s. The course is very short and will allow Smith to play conservative off the tee, mitigating his most glaring weakness. With birdies available all over the golf course, there’s a chance the event turns into a putting contest, and there’s no one on the planet I’d rather have in one of those than Cam Smith.
Louis Oosthuizen +2200 (DraftKings)
Louis Oosthuizen has simply been one of the best players on LIV in the 2024 seas0n. The South African has finished in the top-10 on the LIV leaderboard in three of his five starts, with his best coming in Jeddah, where he finished T2. Perhaps more impressively, Oosthuizen finished T7 at LIV Miami, which took place at Doral’s “Blue Monster”, an absolutely massive golf course. Given that Louis is on the shorter side in terms of distance off the tee, his ability to play well in Miami shows how dialed he is with the irons this season.
In addition to the LIV finishes, Oosthuizen won back-to-back starts on the DP World Tour in December at the Alfred Dunhill Championship and the Mauritus Open. He also finished runner-up at the end of February in the International Series Oman. The 41-year-old has been one of the most consistent performers of 2024, regardless of tour.
For the season, Louis ranks 4th on LIV in birdies made, T9 in fairways hit and first in putting. He ranks 32nd in driving distance, but that won’t be an issue at this short course. Last season, he finished T11 at the event, but was in decent position going into the final round but fell back after shooting 70 while the rest of the field went low. This season, Oosthuizen comes into the event in peak form, and the course should be a perfect fit for his smooth swing and hot putter this week.
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Of all the clubs in our bags, wedges are almost always the simplest in construction and, therefore, the easiest to analyze what might make one work differently from another if you know what to look for.
Wedges are a lot less mysterious than drivers, of course, as the major brands are working with a lot of “pixie dust” inside these modern marvels. That’s carrying over more to irons now, with so many new models featuring internal multi-material technologies, and almost all of them having a “badge” or insert in the back to allow more complex graphics while hiding the actual distribution of mass.
But when it comes to wedges, most on the market today are still single pieces of molded steel, either cast or forged into that shape. So, if you look closely at where the mass is distributed, it’s pretty clear how that wedge is going to perform.
To start, because of their wider soles, the majority of the mass of almost any wedge is along the bottom third of the clubhead. So, the best wedge shots are always those hit between the 2nd and 5th grooves so that more mass is directly behind that impact. Elite tour professionals practice incessantly to learn to do that consistently, wearing out a spot about the size of a penny right there. If impact moves higher than that, the face is dramatically thinner, so smash factor is compromised significantly, which reduces the overall distance the ball will fly.
Every one of us, tour players included, knows that maddening shot that we feel a bit high on the face and it doesn’t go anywhere, it’s not your fault.
If your wedges show a wear pattern the size of a silver dollar, and centered above the 3rd or 4th groove, you are not getting anywhere near the same performance from shot to shot. Robot testing proves impact even two to three grooves higher in the face can cause distance loss of up to 35 to 55 feet with modern ‘tour design’ wedges.
In addition, as impact moves above the center of mass, the golf club principle of gear effect causes the ball to fly higher with less spin. Think of modern drivers for a minute. The “holy grail” of driving is high launch and low spin, and the driver engineers are pulling out all stops to get the mass as low in the clubhead as possible to optimize this combination.
Where is all the mass in your wedges? Low. So, disregarding the higher lofts, wedges “want” to launch the ball high with low spin – exactly the opposite of what good wedge play requires penetrating ball flight with high spin.
While almost all major brand wedges have begun putting a tiny bit more thickness in the top portion of the clubhead, conventional and modern ‘tour design’ wedges perform pretty much like they always have. Elite players learn to hit those crisp, spinny penetrating wedge shots by spending lots of practice time learning to consistently make contact low in the face.
So, what about grooves and face texture?
Grooves on any club can only do so much, and no one has any material advantage here. The USGA tightly defines what we manufacturers can do with grooves and face texture, and modern manufacturing techniques allow all of us to push those limits ever closer. And we all do. End of story.
Then there’s the topic of bounce and grinds, the most complex and confusing part of the wedge formula. Many top brands offer a complex array of sole configurations, all of them admittedly specialized to a particular kind of lie or turf conditions, and/or a particular divot pattern.
But if you don’t play the same turf all the time, and make the same size divot on every swing, how would you ever figure this out?
The only way is to take any wedge you are considering and play it a few rounds, hitting all the shots you face and observing the results. There’s simply no other way.
So, hopefully this will inspire a lively conversation in our comments section, and I’ll chime in to answer any questions you might have.
And next week, I’ll dive into the rest of the wedge formula. Yes, shafts, grips and specifications are essential, too.
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Chris Hibler
Feb 19, 2013 at 11:49 pm
Two books being added to my Top 10 list (it’s now a Top 12!):
Just finishing up Hank Haney’s “The Big Miss.” Very good listen with Haney narrating. Will post up a synapses when complete. So far: excellent. And more fair to Tiger than expected.
Also, I listened to “the Miracle on the 17th Green” as recommended here. I have to say that it was breezy and easy. I listened to it in one three-hour drive. Nothing earth-shattering, but it was a nice fable and enjoyable from start to finish.
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