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by Dick Donovan
I am often asked for advice on beginning and building a golf library. Here are my thoughts on the topic...
There is an astounding volume of literature on the subject of golf. Over the past 400 years, more than 15,000 books and pamphlets have been published in English in 40 countries. As the popularity of the sport increases, so does the interest in amassing the volumes of information available.
My decision to build a golf library years ago was to combine my passion for books with my enthusiasm for the beloved game. But some collectors are simply curious as to how the game started or are intrigued by course design or the personal and professional lives of golf legends. Statisticians and golf writers look for reference material and volumes of tournament results. And, inevitably, there are those who are inspired by financial rewards - some see a golf library as an investment.
A great place to start is your local library. Check out a few books on golf history, instruction, biographies and golf course architecture. Begin collecting around your area of interest and then start the delightful treasure hunt to fill up the bookshelves. Rare and hard-to-find books are often sold at auctions held primarily in San Francisco (Pacific Book Auctions - www.pbagalleries.com) and Scotland (Lyon and Turnbull). Dealers are also a great resource for serious collectors. If a dealer does not have a particular title, he will probably know who does and happily refer you.
It’s more difficult these days to pick up that rare find at flea markets or Salvation Army outlets, however the Internet has become a virtual thrift store, with many online stores and auction sites such as ebay. Newcomers to the field may want to become involved with the Golf Collectors’ Society (www.golfcollectors.com), a great place to learn more about the successes and failures from other collectors. For the serious-minded collector, a golf library can be a very expensive hobby. At recent auctions that I attended on behalf of my clients in San Francisco, California, for example, a third edition of "The Goff" by Thomas Mathison (published in 1793) sold for $80,500, and a program from the 50th British Open Championship in 1926 at Royal Lytham at St. Anne's sold for $8,625.
Listed below are a few books that many beginning collectors start with. Many of these are now available in reprint and therefore more widely available and less expensive than the original editions.
Golf in America
By James P. Lee
An important book, as it was one of the first golf books produced in the U.S. that was written by an American. It traces golf's beginnings and gives the reader an insight into this new social phenomenon. Originally published in 1895, it is also available in a reprint.
Golf Architecture in America
By George C. Thomas Jr.
Written in 1927, this is the first definitive book written on golf architecture, and is a classic in the field of course design. Thomas, who designed the Riviera and Los Angeles Country Clubs, pulls together the concepts and philosophies of other contemporary architects and supports it all with great photographs and illustrations. With over 100 historic black and white photos. Also available in a reprint.
Golf Courses of the British Isles
By Bernard Darwin, 1910.
This is a very entertaining read on the pleasures of playing golf on some of the greatest courses in the U.K. Harry Roundtree's outstanding illustrations make this a keeper. Today's architects can get a good feel for traditional design from Darwin's eloquent essays.
Ben Hogan’s Five Lessons
The Modern Fundamentals of Golf
By Ben Hogan
This book covers the fundamentals, grip, stance, posture, and the two parts of the swing and a short summary & review.
The Walter Hagen Story
By Walter Hagen and Margaret Seaton Hech, 1956
A chronicle of the illustrious career of the man who said "I never wanted to be a millionaire - I just wanted to live like one." The Haig was a magnificent showman who changed the social standing of the golf pro forever. Available in reprint and paperback.
The Story of American Golf
By Herbert Warren Wind, 1948
The definitive work - and very well written - on the development of golf in the United States.
Above all, don't forget to have fun as you build your library. Let me leave you with a quote from my friend and mentor, Joe Murdoch:
"This world of book collecting is a joy and a delight. Should this love of books, as is my prejudice, be combined with a love of the game of golf, I cannot imagine a more enjoyable world." -Joseph S. F. Murdoch, "The Murdoch Golf Library", 1991
If you have any questions for Dick Donovan, feel free to email him at rdonovan@stny.rr.com.
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