Any golfer you ask will tell you that golf is not only a physical activity, but a mental one. Did you know that thinking about golf is just as important as playing golf. Most new players think the best way to practice is to hit a golf ball. But crafting your approach on how to hit the ball is just as significant as the act itself. If you do not have a well-developed swing, hitting hundreds of golf balls is only going to solidify your poor habits.
So how do you develop good golf habits? It’s simple: start reading books about golf. Novices are probably scoffing right now, wondering how a book can help you be a better golfer. But one of the best ways to learn the proper form and mindset of a successful golfer is from books. Golf books can help you understand not only how to play more efficiently, but why it works to play that way. Here are a few books that are bound to take a few strokes off your handicap.
Reading the right books
Ben Hogan’s Five Lessons: the Modern Fundamentals of Golf is one of the all-time best books about golf. As the title implies, the book will teach you five fundamental skills that lead to a consistent golf swing. Published in 1957, this is a timeless classic among golf books.
Another classic is Harvey Penick’s Little Red Book. Written by Harvey Penick himself, this is the top selling golf instruction book of all time. You can’t go wrong with the insights from this gem.
If you are struggling with putting specifically, take a look at Dave Pelz’s Putting Bible: the Complete Guide to Mastering the Green. Dave Pelz is well known in the golf world for having rigorously studied putting using his background as a research scientist. Though this one may be a bit denser and scientific than the others, it offers an important perspective on why you’re doing what you’re doing.
Reading the greens
Becoming a better golfer is about more than just spending hours on the course. Reading and studying about the methodology behind golf is crucial to improving your performance on the green. If you don’t have time for a full book, you can read articles about golf that summarize the tips and tricks you need to know.
Once you’ve done your homework and you’ve got a better idea of how to approach your swing, you’re ready to hit the golf course. If you need a place to practice, Calabasas Country Club offers beautiful greens and a variety of other amenities. And if you still feel unsure about your swing after reading the books, Calabasas Country Club has a state of the art performance center and expert instructors who are ready to set up one-on-one lessons with its members.