The Essential Woman's Golf Library
Golf is one of the few sports that is rich in literary tradition. From classic how-tos to works of fiction, thousands of books expound on the mysteries and complexities of the game. Out of all these books, however, there are an essential few that belong in every woman's golf library. From handy tips on how to get your ball out of a bunker to inspirational stories from the early 1900s, these books are written completely with women golfers in mind. Use the list below as a guide for building your own golf library-great for curling up with on a rainy day or when other responsibilities keep you off the links-and discover the invaluable lessons and wisdom of the best in the business.
The Illustrated History of Women's Golf - Truly the best historical account on women's golf, complete with stories and pictures by golf writer Rhonda Glenn.
Golfing Memories and Methods - Written in 1933, English golfer Joyce Wethered describes her early championships; her golfing days in Scotland, where she learned the game; and her views on what makes a great golf swing. With many beautiful black-and-white photographs, this is a rare book, but well worth the search.
Par Golf for Women - LPGA founder Louise Suggs provides a no-nonsense approach to golf. This is the woman's version of Ben Hogan's classic 5 Lessons.
A Woman's Guide to Better Golf - Longtime LPGA star and current sports commentator Judy Rankin gives a complete golf lesson, from putting to the full swing, plus helpful instructions on specialty shots and mental strategies.
Golf and Golf Simplified - Two rare books by English golfer Cecil Leitch provide a charming description of women's golf in the early 1900s. The golfing techniques haven't changed much . . . except that now we don't have to play in long skirts.
Inside Golf for Women - Using her famous sense of humor, Patty Berg gives advice on how to play golf and have fun while you're at it. To complete your Berg collection, find her classic books Golf and Golf Illustrated as well.
Amy Alcott's Guide to Women's Golf - An easy-to-follow guide, complete with health and fitness chapters and insightful personal stories from Alcott.
Golf for Women - LPGA Hall of Famer Kathy Whitworth shares her theories, skills, and experiences in this famous instructional book.
The Education of a Woman Golfer - Nancy Lopez's autobiography, filled with funny, inspirational stories from her early golfing days. Also, be sure to collect her wonderful instructional book The Complete Golfer.
For All Who Love the Game: Lessons and Teachings for Women - A practical women's golf book by the late renowned pro Harvey Penick. During his lessons, Penick never said what his students were doing wrong. Instead, he emphasized what they did right. Among his pupils were Betsy Rawls, Mickey Wright, Sandra Palmer, and Kathy Whitworth.
The Golf Handbook for Women - British Open champion and prolific golf writer and instructor Vivian Saunders covers every aspect of the game, including conquering fears and staying positive, finding strategies for strokeplay and matchplay, and deciding what to do-and not do-during your golf round.
Ladies in the Rough - American golfing star of the 1920s Glenna Collett reviews her golfing career, from the day she hit her first drive and played in her first tournament (she shot 132!) to her wins at the U.S. Women's Amateur. Collett was only twenty five when she wrote this book.
Play Golf the Wright Way - Study the swing that Ben Hogan deemed the finest he ever saw. Mickey Wright demonstrates her golfing techniques with step-by-step photographs and easy-to-follow instructions-it's like taking a lesson from the best.
The Guts to Win - Learn what life is really like on the LPGA Tour from Jane Blalock's terrific autobiography. Blalock describes her adventures and gives advice on how to play golf, including how to deal with the pressures and tensions during a tournament.
Women's Way to Better Golf - Peggy Kirk Bell emphasizes the best techniques for women golfers, with clever chapter titles such as "A Feminine Hand Saves Strokes" and "Lady Drivers Can Be Good."
This Life I've Led - Written just a few years before her death, this touching autobiography by great athlete Babe Didrikson Zaharias recounts her life, from childhood poverty in Beaumont, Texas, to her medal wins at the 1932 Olympics and golfing fame during the early days of the LPGA Tour. |
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