5 of the best golf reads for World Book Day

From golfing hacks and legendary autobiographies, to a behind-the-scenes look at one of the all-time greats, we’ve scoured the bookshelves to bring you the best stories for World Book Day on March 4.

The Second Life of Tiger Woods - by Michael Bamberger (2020)
Tiger Woods is in the news again after his car crash in February of this year. And one of the questions on everyone’s lips will be whether he’ll compete in a pro tournament again? This biography was written prior to his latest incident. Author Michael Bamberger paints a before and after picture documenting the sportsman’s career highs and lows, but not necessarily in that order

It relives the scandalous moments of the past decade of Woods’ life and his epic fall from grace, including well-publicised sexual liaisons, rumours about performance enhancing drugs and his Memorial Day arrest for driving under the influence in 2017.

The second half depicts his successful return to the golfing world and that heroic win at the 2019 Masters. Bamberger has trawled the fairways and beyond to gain access to an array of sources including childhood friends, to unravel the true and at times, inspiring story.

Commander in Cheat: How Golf Explains Trump – by Rick Reilly (2019)
With 17 courses across the world, it’s fair to say Donald Trump is mad about golf. But have you ever wondered what it’d be like playing a round with him?

In Rick Reilly’s hilarious and clever book, you’ll discover how Trump hoodwinks his opponents to win the game – so you’ll need to keep your eye not only on the ball, but also the caddy. Reilly bases his story on his experiences with the former president plus interviews with developers, golfing pros and caddies and those involved with him on the fairway. Do his golf tactics really replicate his presidency? It’s up to you to decide.

One Putt: The ultimate guide to perfect putting by Ken Brown (2015)
It’s said that practice makes perfect, and this easy-to-read guide by TV presenter and golf player Ken Brown will help you fine tune your putting skills.

You’ll find advice on picking the right putter for you, reading the green and practice drills. It’s illustrated with beautifully shot images featuring some well-known pros. During a 16-year golfing career, Brown played in five Ryder Cups, won the European Tour four times and the PGA tour at the 1987 Southern Open, so his golfing hacks will be well worth the read.
  


  
Seve: The Autobiography - by Severiano Ballesteros (2007)
Severiano Ballesteros’ natural talent made him one of the greatest players to have walked the fairway. He turned pro just shy of his 17th birthday and during his career achieved a staggering 93 tournament wins, including five majors.

In this beautifully-penned autobiography, you’ll discover stories about his idyllic childhood growing up in a small Spanish fishing village, the tragedy that left his family heartbroken, and how he came to pick up his first club. When Seve died of brain cancer in 2011 aged 54, the world lost a true golfing icon.

Miracle on the 17th Green - by James Patterson (1996)
Meet Travis McKinley; a 50-year-old who is stuck in a rut. His marriage has lost its spark, he hates his job and feels detached from his children. One Christmas Day out on the playing green, all things change. A good enough amateur player, he finds himself putting shots like a pro.

With his new advanced skills, Travis ends up qualifying for the PGA Senior Open at Pebble Beach and reaches the final round with two of the greatest players of all time, his heroes Jack Nicklaus and Raymond Floyd. With his wife and children watching on, a life-changing event takes place that transforms Travis and his family forever.