Golf is not just about the course. The experience continues with words. Whether in magazines (rare today), in books, on the web via blogs like this one or on X (formerly Twitter), enthusiasts of beautiful phrasing extend our golf journey with words. Obviously, there are a plethora of Anglo-Saxon authors, and coming across their writings is quite simple. Some are translated and others not (surely an almost non-existent market opportunity). In any case, the following authors transported me to the time of a written work.
I look out of the corner of my eye at their work resting on my dedicated shelf, before finding its way back into my hands…one day or another.
Percy Boomer
Originally from Jersey, this professional golfer won 3 tournaments; the Belgian Open (1923), the Swiss Open (1924), and the Dutch Open (1927). It was not his career as a professional golfer that took him to Saint-Cloud (France) to teach, but it was his approach to golf. In his book, “On Learning Golf” (1942), (mistranslated into French as “Le Golf“), he explores, through several playing and especially teaching experiences, concepts of muscle memory and positive thinking to fix the swing. In his approach to teaching, he is aware of the subject (the student) and his abilities. He doesn’t force him to have an academic swing, but a swing that works.
Percy Boomer’s approach to teaching is largely reminiscent of the ActionTypes approach explained in the book by Dominique Fournet and Marc Coureau, “Everyone Has Their Own Swing”.
To read “On Learning Golf” by Percy Boomer, published 80 years ago, demonstrates that the swing is unique to everyone, and that looking for the solution in a YouTube video, or a sequencing of a pro player’s swing, will not work.
To gift, to and to read/reread without moderation.
John Updike
He is a key figure in 20th-century American literature, famous for his ability to capture the subtleties of everyday life through his writing. Although he is primarily recognized for his novels and short stories that explore the complexities of American society, Updike (1932-2009) also had a quiet but deep passion for golf, a sport that is highlighted in many of his works. Moreover, these ‘references’ are included in a collection called “Golf Dreams”.
Golf as a catharsis
Born in Pennsylvania, Updike discovered golf at a young age, a passion that quickly became a common thread in his life and writing. His novel “The Coup” (1970) is arguably the most notable work exploring the world of golf. The book tells the story of Harry “Rabbit” Angstrom, a recurring character in Updike’s novels, as he struggles with the challenges of marriage, fatherhood and the meaning of life, while finding an outlet in Golf. Updike uses golf as a metaphor for the ups and downs of life, the pursuit of perfection, and the escape from responsibility. A speech that must resonate with many practitioners.
In other of his works, Updike subtly incorporates references to golf to illuminate the thoughts and actions of his characters. He was known for his rich, detailed prose, and he often used the description of golf games to reveal the psychological aspects of his characters. Golf courses become places of reflection and inner confrontation for Updike’s protagonists.
Fiction but also essays dedicated to golf
The author’s passion for golf is not limited to fiction. Updike also wrote essays on golf, exploring the technical aspects and philosophical aspects of the sport. His essays reflect his love for the precision and delicacy of the game, as well as his deep understanding of the tension between competition and camaraderie that golf embodies.
In short, John Updike left a rich and diverse literary legacy, and his interest in golf added a unique dimension to his work. His writings on golf not only depict a simple sport, but offer profound insights into human nature, relationships and the challenges of modern life. Whether through the eyes of his characters or in his own reflections, Updike has captured the essence of golf as a metaphor for the constant quest for meaning and perfection. And to begin to discover the author here, I suggest you delve into “Golf Dreams”.
Alan Shipnuck
Alan Shipnuck, distinguished sports journalist, is recognized for his unwavering passion for golf and his ability to uncover the most compelling stories in the sporting world. His latest work, entitled “Phil: The Rip-Roaring (and Unauthorized!) Biography of Golf’s Most Colorful Superstar“, perfectly embodies his bold style and insightful, but above all the absence of doublespeak which is frankly lacking in this sport.
Masterfully navigating through the ups and downs of the career of Phil Mickelson, one of golf’s greatest icons, Shipnuck paints a dynamic and unauthorized portrait of this golfer of undeniable charisma. The book reveals the little-known facets of Mickelson, highlighting his vibrant personality and his unique approach to the game. For those who prefer the underside of the cards, the author discusses the risky investments and the failings of the PGA Tour recounted by Phil Mickelson and his entourage.
As a regular contributor to the most prestigious sports media outlets including Fire Pit Collective, Shipnuck has a rare talent for transcending facts and bringing stories to life. His latest work is no exception, offering readers a captivating dive into the world of Phil Mickelson, his highs and lows with a touch of gambling.
“Phil: The Rip-Roaring (and Unauthorized!) Biography of Golf’s Most Colorful Superstar” stays true to Alan Shipnuck’s reputation as as an exceptional storyteller, captivating golf fans and sports biography buffs with this bold exploration of the life and career of Phil Mickelson. Read quickly in one go.
Tom Cox, the unsuspected.
Tom Cox is a British author known for his humorous and biting writing. Born on November 17, 1975 in Nottingham, England, Cox rose to fame through his blog and books which address themes varied such as rural life, domestic animals, popular culture but especially golf.
His best-known golf-related book, “Bring Me The Head of Sergio Garcia“, published in 2007, is a humorous exploration of the world of golf and the culture that surrounds it. The work takes its title from a quote from a famous film (“Bring me the head of Alfredo Garcia” Sam Peckinpah – 1974), but it is centered on the adventures and reflections of the author himself. He’s not particularly a golf fan, but finds himself immersed in the world due to his relationship with his father, who is an avid golfer.
Tom Cox’s style is often described as witty, ironic and sincere. His light and self-deprecating writing has earned him a loyal audience. In addition to “Bring Me the Head of Sergio Garcia,” he has written other popular books like “The Lost Tribes of Pop” (2009) and “Under the Paw: Confessions of a Cat Man” (2010), which explores her relationship with cats and the challenges of daily life..
In summary, if you want to immerse yourself in the world of golf like you’ve never done before, get the book below.
Tom Coyne
Tom Coyne, a passionate writer and literary adventurer, has conquered the world of literature with captivating phrasing and his love of golf. Born with a golf ball in his cradle, his fascination with the sport guided him throughout his life. As a graduate in creative writing, he combined his passion for words with his obsession with golf, bringing to life captivating stories and inspiring adventures. Teaching literature, his activities relating to golf forced him to leave his post at the university, to regale us with poignant and captivating stories that readers of “Golfer’s Journal” enjoy.
His travels and insatiable desire for perfection led him to write bestsellers such as “A Gentleman’s Game” and “A Course Called Ireland.” More recently, he released “A Course Called America”, which was an unparalleled success, especially in the United States. He is one of the rare authors who describes golf courses in a book, describes what he sees rather than inserting photographs of gigantic landscapes into a glossy book.
However, it was his role as editor of “Golfer’s Journal” that solidified his place in the golf world. And more particularly, his quasi-autobiographical article “The Lucky Ones” published in Golfer’s Journal number 14 (Winter 2020). In this article, he shares with the reader the adventures of former alcoholics who got out of it thanks to golf. Through these portraits, we better understand the struggle and the disastrous consequences of this addiction. Golf saved them in a way, as it did for Tom Coyne.
Ann Kelly: the brillant pen
Ann Kelly left an indelible mark on the sport through her insightful writings and deep passion for the game. With a career spanning more than two decades, Ann’s unique ability to combine her deep understanding of the intricacies of golf with his elegant prose has earned him a loyal following among passionate players.
Born into a family of golfers, Ann developed a connection to the sport from a young age. As she honed her skills on the greens, it became clear that her talents went beyond her swing. With a degree in journalism, Ann has successfully transformed her love of golf into a thriving career as an author. His works not only capture the technical aspects of the game, but also explore its psychological and emotional dimensions, providing readers with a complete experience, acting as a mirror made of words.
Ann’s breakthrough came with her critically acclaimed book, “Naked on the first tee. This literary masterpiece took readers on a journey transcending the limits of the fairway. Through candid anecdotes and introspective narratives, Ann unraveled the layers of a golfer’s psyche, exploring the vulnerability and authenticity that define the sport. “Naked on the First Tee” is a testament to Ann’s talent as an author and a woman in golf, highlighting the raw human elements that intertwine with the game.
Stephanie Wei, the blogger broadcaster
Stephanie Wei is a golf journalist and content creator. With a passion for this sport, she was noted for her in-depth coverage of golf events, players and related news. Her career in the golf industry has seen her writes and reports on tournaments, player performances and key developments in the golf world.
Her website, Weiunderpar, is (was?) a platform where she shares articles, interviews and in-depth analysis about professional golf. The site reflects its commitment to informing and entertaining golf enthusiasts while highlighting the exciting aspects of golf. With a touch of humor and good humor Weiunderpar was a must for anyone who wanted to see something different.
With his new position as VP at SportsBox AI, it seems that Weiunderpar is a little left out. side. At the time of publication of this article, the blog is no longer available. A disappointment because even if the blog was no longer updated, it would have been interesting to be able to consult it.
Even more authors
Golf is one of those things where the passion is so out of control that it has to end up on paper. The examples above are perfect illustrations. I am aware that this list is not exhaustive and that some are missing here. Don’t hesitate to comment on them, this may give us ideas for readings for the off-season.
Next step: make a list of the best golf authors in French!
Cover image by memyselfaneye
