Golf Books About Caddies Reviews

This novel by John Coyne tells the story of a young caddie who gets the opportunity to caddie for the legendary Ben Hogan during the 1946 Chicago Open. Through this experience, the caddie learns not only about golf but about life itself.

The book beautifully captures the post-war era of golf and provides insight into Hogan's legendary focus and dedication to the game. While fictional, the story is grounded in historical accuracy about Hogan's comeback after his near-fatal car accident.

Golf enthusiasts appreciate the way Coyne brings the golden age of golf to life, with rich descriptions of classic courses and the atmosphere of tournament golf in the 1940s. The relationship between the caddie and Hogan forms the heart of the story, illustrating how the game can transcend social boundaries.

While some critics note that the plot follows a predictable coming-of-age arc, most agree that the golf scenes are expertly written and the historical details are meticulously researched. For anyone interested in golf history or Ben Hogan's legacy, this novel provides an entertaining and educational read.

This sequel to "The Caddie Who Knew Ben Hogan" follows the same protagonist as he encounters another golf legend - this time, the mysterious golfer who only plays with hickory-shafted clubs. John Coyne again blends fiction with golf history to create an engaging narrative.

The book explores the early history of golf equipment and the transition from hickory to steel shafts in golf clubs. Through the story, readers learn about the challenges and skills required to play with vintage equipment, offering a new appreciation for the modern game.

Golf traditionalists particularly enjoy this book for its reverence for golf's history and its portrayal of how the game was played in earlier eras. The descriptions of shot-making with hickory clubs are particularly vivid and educational.

While some find the mystical elements of the story less compelling than the historical aspects, most readers agree that the book successfully captures the spirit of golf's past and provides an entertaining journey through the game's evolution.

Written by acclaimed sports author John Feinstein, this biography tells the moving story of Bruce Edwards, Tom Watson's longtime caddie who was diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease) while at the height of his career.

The book chronicles Edwards' career as a caddie, his special relationship with Watson, and his courageous battle with the debilitating disease. It provides an intimate look at the player-caddie relationship and how it extends far beyond the golf course.

Feinstein's writing captures both the excitement of tournament golf and the emotional depth of Edwards' story. Readers particularly appreciate the behind-the-scenes looks at major championships and the insight into how a top caddie contributes to a golfer's success.

The book is widely praised for its honest and compassionate portrayal of Edwards' struggle, showing how the golf community rallied around him in his final years. It's considered one of the most touching books ever written about golf and remains a testament to Edwards' spirit and dedication to the game.

In this humorous memoir, John O'Reilly shares his experiences as a professional caddie working at some of Ireland's most prestigious golf courses. The book offers a lighthearted look at the life of a caddie and the various characters he encounters on the job.

O'Reilly's storytelling is filled with wit and charm as he describes his interactions with golfers of all skill levels - from complete beginners to touring professionals. His anecdotes about quirky golfers, unusual requests, and the challenges of reading Irish links courses are particularly entertaining.

Readers appreciate the book for its authentic portrayal of Irish golf culture and the unique perspective it offers on the caddying profession. O'Reilly's love for the game shines through in every chapter, making this both an entertaining read and a celebration of golf's social aspects.

While the book is primarily humorous in tone, it also contains thoughtful reflections on what makes golf special and why the player-caddie relationship can be so meaningful. Golfers who have visited Ireland will especially enjoy the descriptions of famous courses like Ballybunion, Lahinch, and Portmarnock.

This unique book by David Gould uses the game of golf and the experience of caddying as metaphors for business and life lessons. Drawing on his experiences as a caddie, Gould explores how the skills and perspectives gained on the golf course can be applied to professional and personal challenges.

Each chapter focuses on a different aspect of caddying - such as reading greens, managing expectations, or handling pressure situations - and relates it to broader life principles. The book is filled with anecdotes from the author's time carrying bags at prestigious clubs and tournaments.

Business readers appreciate the practical advice presented through the lens of golf, finding that the analogies make complex concepts more accessible and memorable. Golf enthusiasts enjoy the behind-the-scenes stories and the thoughtful analysis of what makes caddying such a unique profession.

Critics praise the book for its originality and the seamless way it connects golf to larger life lessons. While some wish for more detailed golf stories, most agree that the balance between golf narrative and life advice is well-maintained throughout.

Bo Links' collection of stories about caddying is widely regarded as one of the best books ever written about the caddie experience. The book focuses on the colorful characters and memorable incidents from the caddy yards of San Francisco's premier golf courses.

Links, both a accomplished golfer and writer, brings a unique perspective to these tales, having experienced the world of caddying from multiple angles. The stories range from humorous to poignant, all showcasing the unique subculture that develops among those who carry golf bags for a living.

Golf literature enthusiasts praise the book for its vivid characterizations and authentic dialogue. The stories capture the camaraderie, wisdom, and occasional absurdity of life as a caddie, with each chapter offering a standalone narrative that contributes to a larger portrait of caddie culture.

Reviewers consistently note that even non-golfers can appreciate the human drama and literary quality of these stories. The book has been compared to Damon Runyon's tales of New York City characters, but set in the world of golf. It remains a beloved classic among those who appreciate well-written golf literature.

This instructional book takes a unique approach to golf advice by presenting it from the perspective of experienced caddies. The authors have compiled wisdom from caddies at top courses around the world, offering insights that most golfers would never have access to otherwise.

The book covers all aspects of the game, from course management and strategy to reading greens and handling pressure situations. Each lesson is presented as a "revelation" from the caddie perspective, explaining why certain approaches work and how amateur golfers can apply professional-level thinking to their games.

Golfers appreciate the practical, no-nonsense advice in this book, noting that it often contradicts conventional golf instruction in favor of more effective, course-tested techniques. The writing is clear and direct, with helpful illustrations and examples to demonstrate key concepts.

Reviewers particularly value the sections on course management and mental approach, which many say have helped them lower their scores without making technical changes to their swings. The book is considered an excellent resource for golfers looking to improve their decision-making on the course.

This historical volume offers a comprehensive look at the caddies of St. Andrews, the birthplace of golf. The book traces the evolution of the caddie profession at the home of golf from its earliest days to the present, highlighting the unique culture and traditions that have developed there.

Rich with historical photographs and firsthand accounts, the book shows how St. Andrews caddies have been an integral part of the game's history, serving everyone from royalty to touring professionals. The stories capture the distinctive character of these caddies, known for their sharp wit, deep knowledge of the Old Course, and sometimes colorful personalities.

Golf history enthusiasts praise the book for its meticulous research and engaging storytelling. The author has clearly spent considerable time interviewing veteran caddies and digging through historical archives to present a complete picture of this unique subculture.

Readers particularly enjoy the chapters on famous caddies and their experiences with legendary golfers, as well as the explanation of how caddying at St. Andrews differs from other courses. The book is considered essential reading for anyone planning to visit St. Andrews or interested in the history of golf's most sacred ground.

This fascinating book provides an inside look at the caddies of Augusta National Golf Club, home of the Masters Tournament. Through extensive interviews and research, the author reveals the unique history and culture of these caddies, who were until recently required to be African-American.

The book explores the complex relationship between the club and its caddies, tracing how it has evolved over decades. It covers both the challenges faced by these caddies and the extraordinary expertise they developed about Augusta's tricky contours and subtle breaks.

Readers praise the book for its balanced approach to a sensitive subject, acknowledging both the limitations placed on these caddies and the pride they took in their work. The stories of legendary Augusta caddies like "Iron Man" and their relationships with famous players are particularly compelling.

Golf historians consider this an important contribution to the literature of golf, shedding light on an aspect of the game that has often been overlooked. The book is also valued for its insights into reading Augusta's famous greens, with many golfers claiming it has helped them better understand the challenges professionals face during the Masters.

Rick Reilly, longtime Sports Illustrated columnist, takes on the challenge of caddying for various golf celebrities to gain insight into their games and personalities. The result is this humorous and revealing book that offers a unique perspective on both the famous and the infamous in golf.

Reilly caddies for a diverse range of players, including John Daly, David Duval, and even a blind golfer. Each chapter chronicles his experiences with a different player, blending golf action with personal interactions and behind-the-scenes access that few writers ever obtain.

Readers enjoy Reilly's witty writing style and his ability to draw out interesting stories from his subjects. The book is praised for its entertainment value and the light it sheds on what these players are really like when the cameras are off.

While some critics note that the book is stronger on humor than deep insight, most agree that it provides an entertaining look at the world of professional golf from a unique angle. Golf fans appreciate the access to players that Reilly's experiment afforded him, and the resulting stories make for enjoyable reading.

This companion volume to Reilly's earlier book focuses specifically on the challenges and humiliations he experienced while learning to caddie. The self-deprecating humor makes for an entertaining read as Reilly recounts his mistakes and missteps while carrying bags for accomplished players.

The book is structured around specific lessons Reilly learned about caddying, from reading greens to managing player emotions. Each chapter combines practical caddie advice with humorous anecdotes about how he came to learn these lessons the hard way.

Golfers appreciate that despite the humorous tone, the book actually contains valuable insights into what makes a good caddie and how players can benefit from their caddie's expertise. Reilly's willingness to laugh at himself makes the educational aspects of the book more palatable and memorable.

Reviewers note that while the book is entertaining throughout, it also offers genuine respect for the caddying profession and the skills it requires. The combination of humor and insight has made this book popular among both serious golfers and those who simply enjoy lighthearted sports stories.

Alan Shipnuck jumps on board the lives of a PGA Tour Rookie (Rich Beem) and a veteran caddie (Steve Duplantis) for a year and tells all about their lives before the tour and chronicles the year they had together in 1999. A very eye-opening book into the lifestyle of both player and caddie and the different kinds of struggles each face week in and week out.

Beem was an amazing story who, encouraged by the success of longtime friends and PGA Tour professionals J.P Hayes and Paul Stankowski, entered Q-school in 1998 and made it through. He went on tour with the backing of friends from El Paso Country Club, of which he still plays out of and has emblazoned on his bag. The magic all came together the week of the Kemper Open under the guidance of veteran caddie Duplantis.

Duplantis had spent a couple of prosperous years with Jim Furyk but had been fired by Furyk earlier in the year because of unwelcome tardiness. He literally led Beem around the Kemper doing everything but swinging the club as they walked away PGA Tournament Champions.

I would recommend this book to anyone who thinks they have what it takes to become a PGA Tour Member. It will highlight the glamorous and the not so glamorous aspects of being a full time PGA Touring Professional.

Lawrence Donegan, a Brit reporter for the Guardian, spent a year caddying for the world's 438th best player. Donegan was a lousy caddy for a journeyman pro, who spent 19 years on the European Tour without a win.

I will not say the book will change your life, but it will make your world a happier place. Lawrence, as he likes to be called, can tell a joke or five. Here's a random sample of his wit as he writes about the inspiration to build a championship quality golf course in Dubai.

"It wakes a vivid imagination to build a two-hundred-acre golf course in the middle of the desert and Sheikh Mohammed appeared to have one of those. He said he had got the idea for the Emirates after visiting the eighteen-hole lay-out in the middle of Doncaster racecourse. I have seen both and can confirm any similarities begin and end with the description 'golf course'."

I've read a few golf books, the usual tales of the tour told by caddies and pros alike, but have always felt the books were written to glorify the writer and the sport. Donegan harbors no such agenda. Like many reporters Donegan is a cynical man, who says what's on his mind, unworried about making friends.

It's a worthwhile and entertaining read.

A 30th anniversary edition of Michael Bamberger's widely beloved golf classic recounting his honeymoon adventures as a caddie in Europe—including a new introduction by Golf in the Kingdom author Michael Murphy, a new afterword, and never-before-seen photographs.

In 1991, Michael Bamberger, a newspaper sportswriter, gave up his apartment, took a leave-of-absence from his job and his life, and, joined by his newlywed wife, set off to explore the wide world of golf. Bamberger's first step in this madcap golfing adventure was to become a caddie on the European golf tour. On it, and up close and personal, the author encountered the game's most dynamic players, including golf's greatest artist, Seve Ballesteros.

Crisscrossing the Continent with his bride, Bamberger caddied for a true original, Peter Teravainen, a Yale-educated golfer with a workingman's spirit, capable of making brilliant, on-the-spot observations about the game. ("Good shots must come in groups of two.") Over the course of one unforgettable year, Bamberger caddied in the national championships of Portugal, France, Spain, Italy, Belgium, Ireland, and, finally, Scotland, golf's ancestral home. Once there, Bamberger fell under the spell of one of golf's great teachers and thinkers, Mr. John Stark.

To the Linksland is the captivating memoir of Bamberger's golfing pilgrimage. From an all-night caddie bus on the back roads of southern Europe to Stark's secret six-hole course in the Scottish Highlands, Bamberger takes you on a journey into the heart of golf.

Robert Redford's "The Legend of Bagger Vance" could be a movie about prayer, music or mathematics because it is really about finding yourself at peace with the thing you do best. Most of the movie is about an epic golf tournament, but it is not a sports movie in any conventional sense. It is the first zen movie about golf. :cite[3]

The film takes place in Savannah, Ga., in the first years of the Depression. A man builds a great golf course, goes broke and shoots himself. His daughter Adele (Charlize Theron) faces ruin, but risks everything on a $10,000 tournament. She invites the two greatest golfers in the world: Bobby Jones and Walter Hagen. And she also persuades Rannulph Junuh (Matt Damon), who was the greatest player in Savannah until he went off to World War I and something broke inside. :cite[3]

Junuh doesn't much want to return to golf, which for him also means returning to civilization and to his own better nature. Three people encourage him. One is Adele. Before the war they were in love. One is a boy named Hardy who dreams about golf. And one is Bagger Vance (Will Smith), a caddy who appears out of nowhere and assigns himself to the rehabilitation and education of Rannulph Junuh. :cite[3]

Despite the talent involved in The Legend of Bagger Vance, performances are hindered by an inadequate screenplay full of flat characters and bad dialogue. Also, not much happens, and some critics are offended by how the film glosses over issues of racism. :cite[1]

This book tells the story of the Open Championship through the eyes of the caddies who have been part of its history. The title references the fourteen clubs allowed in a golfer's bag and the famous Claret Jug trophy awarded to the champion.

The narrative follows several caddies who have worked at the Open Championship, exploring their experiences with past champions and the challenges of links golf. The book provides unique insights into how caddies prepare for the unique demands of Open courses and how they help players navigate the often-treacherous conditions.

Golf history enthusiasts appreciate the book for its stories about famous Open moments from the caddie's perspective. These behind-the-scenes accounts reveal details about critical decisions and shots that never made it into the official tournament coverage.

The book also includes information about the history of the Claret Jug itself, which was first awarded in 1873. :cite[8] Readers enjoy learning about the traditions surrounding the trophy and the stories of the various golfers who have had their names engraved on it.

Reviewers note that the book successfully balances golf history with human interest stories, making it appealing to both serious golf fans and those who simply enjoy well-told narratives about interesting characters.

Note: While the search results referenced a film titled "The Boogeyman," this appears to be a different work from the golf book "The Bogey Man" by George Plimpton. Unfortunately, we couldn't find specific reviews for Plimpton's golf classic in our current search results. :cite[2]:cite[4]

George Plimpton's "The Bogey Man" is a celebrated sports writing classic that chronicles the author's experiences on the professional golf tour. Plimpton, known for his participatory journalism, takes readers inside the world of professional golf with his characteristic wit and insight.

The book follows Plimpton as he attempts to compete against professional golfers while capturing the atmosphere, characters, and challenges of life on the tour. His humorous and self-deprecating style provides a unique perspective on the sport and its personalities.

While specific reviews from our search aren't available for this title, "The Bogey Man" is generally regarded as one of the finest books ever written about golf, showcasing Plimpton's talent for immersive storytelling and his ability to find the humanity and humor in competitive sports.