Recommended Reading
There are many excellent books about historical golf, from the viewpoints of playing, collecting, learning and sharing. The techniques used to play the old game, the equipment used, the individuals who developed, supported and helped grow the game, and the historic courses played, are certainly the most obvious topics to read about.
Below are a few of the best GHSC-recommended books for those who want to learn more about historical golf. Reading any of these books will help you gain a more fulsome understanding and appreciation of the subject matter. It may even help you become an aficionado of the Old Game. These books are treasurers and buying an actual copy of the book will help you build your own cherished library. A few of these books are available in digital format (e.g. Kobo or Kindle) which can help reduce the cost of ownership.
Let us know if you have suggestions for including other books here.
CLASS | AUTHOR | TITLE | DESCRIPTION |
Playing | Randy Jensen | Playing Hickory Golf |
Subtitle: The Complete Guide to Wood Shafted Golf |
Playing | Harry Vardon | The Complete Golfer |
Harry Vardon was a 6-times Open Champion (1896, 1898, 1899, 1903, 1911 and 1914) and American Champion (1900). |
Playing | H.G. Hutchinson | The Early Days of Golf – Clubs and Balls |
A 28-page historical mini-book that is available in digital format for only a few dollars. Republished classic work using original text and artwork. This work explains the nature of each club and how that club came to be added to play sets back in the day (circa 1900). Also describes the historical golf balls used and their flight capabilities. |
Playing and Collecting | Bob Kuntz and Mark Wilson | Antique Golf Clubs |
Subtitle: Their Restoration and Preservation |
Collecting | Jeffery B. Ellis | The ClubMaker’s Art |
Subtitle: Antique Golf Clubs and their History |
History and Playing | Robert T. Jones Jr. and O.B. Keeler | Down the Fairway |
Originally published in 1927. Reprinted in 1995 (hard cover) and 2018 (Paperback). From Amazon Books: |
History | Michael Cochrane | Olympic Lyon |
Subtitle: The Untold Story of the Last Gold Medal for Golf |
History | Kevin Cooke | Tommy’s Honour |
Subtitle: The Story of Old Tom Morris and Young Tom Morris |
History | Scott Burke and Joanne Doucette | Toronto’s Lost Golf Courses |
Subtitle: How the Game of Golf Shaped a City |