Golf Book Collectors

[pallap]

had a classic this morning in the post, dirt cheap - Ian T. Henderson and David I. Stirk, Golf in the Making, 1st ed. 1978,

but was surprised to find it signed by David I. Stirk, nice touch, wasn't mentioned by the seller

 

kind regards

Andreas

[TimV]

[Texsport]

Just got the third book in the series of 6 books (I think there's 6).

 

 

 

 

 

I have all but the very first, valuable, Doak architecture books, and enjoyed reading his earlier efforts - possibly out of ignorance!

 

The current, massive expansion in the number of courses in his world-wide series, is a huge undertaking, and there is evidence that it's an unreasonable task. Indeed, in published interviews, he admits that he covered one entire mid-western state in 3 days, when the courses were closed.

 

From personal experience, I know that Doak's evaluations and write ups on a handful of courses,which I am very familiar with, were based on a quick look at best.

 

His statements on one course, are shockingly incorrect and he completely missed how, why, and where that course was built. My immediate reaction was, "What? What the hell is he talking about? Did he even look around?" He obviously didn't ask any questions and forms makes conclusions, and gives course improvement advice, based on totally incorrect assumptions and realities, or suggesting things that are physically incorrect and/or impossible. Another initial impression was that Doak must not like the architect and just set out to discredit his work. Doak forfeited his credibility with me because of it.

 

When you only spend a couple of hours at a course, not playing it, but simply riding around, you cannot possibly properly evaluate it - you are just looking for your most and least favorite design features. This has been noted by others about his visits to courses. Doak is even asked in one interview, of all the courses he's rated, which ones would he actually like to play!

 

As much as I hoped this series would be great, I must, in all honesty, rated his comments on several courses, which I am very familiar with, as lacking in much depth and in some cases totally wrong - totally. Obviously I'm not going to name the courses, but I assure you - his statements are actually way off.

 

Everyone has an opinion, of course, just like a navel.

 

I was so disappointed in his evaluation of the courses I know, that I have now relegated these volumes to my unread shelves - not worth a read, and I have stopped reading them - and classify them as merely an attempt to profit from his reputation - there's not the level of information offered I expected. I suppose I was spoiled by his earlier work.

 

These volumes are expensive, but disappointingly, of much less value than their price - at least for some courses. He seems to have predetermined what his overall impressions of some courses would be, scheduling minimal time there, only to pick up enough details to prove he had been there.

 

Too many courses - too little time! The majority of reviews appear to be merely 1st impressions made while driving by-

 

Texsport

[wingedfoot97]

Texsport- have you read his posts at Golfclubatlas.com? They are always interesting and not always about courses. Its neat he posts there like the rest of us. Check it out sometime.

[Texsport]

Yes, lots of good stuff. I think I hoped for more than I got with Doak's giant undertaking - that's all. Too much to cover thoroughly.

 

I know a few architects personally and greatly appreciated the imagination and skills they practice.

 

Thanks

 

Texsport

[Andrew Bond of Glencoe]

First edition of the Art of Putting signed by Willie Park Junior.

[Blade Junkie]

Really good value listing on US eBay ... someone needs to pick this up ! $42 is a bargain for this lot ...

 

http://www.ebay.com/...YUAAOSwB-1Y0DHj

 

 

 

[TimV]

Somebody jumped, and I'm inclined to think somebody here.

He has several other book lots listed yet.

[powerfade66]

[wingedfoot97]

Powerfade- is that Alistair Johnston's library?

[powerfade66]

Powerfade- is that Alistair Johnston's library?

 

No it's mine. Who is that?

[golfmj228]

Powerfade- is that Alistair Johnston's library?

 

No it's mine. Who is that?

PF, going to definitely show the wife this pic...puts my vintage gear collection in a better light ? Seriously though very impressive, bet there's got to be some hidden gems in that!

[powerfade66]

Powerfade- is that Alistair Johnston's library?

 

No it's mine. Who is that?

PF, going to definitely show the wife this pic...puts my vintage gear collection in a better light Seriously though very impressive, bet there's got to be some hidden gems in that!

 

There are. Especially lately with my increased focus on old magazines which always had a list of recently released books. Then within minutes of discovering ones you've never heard of but would like you buy them online for $5 or thereabouts!

[Blade Junkie]

No it's mine.

 

Very impressive ! Have you read them all ? :)

[wingedfoot97]

Alistair Johnson, who runs IMG, has a large golf library.

 

http://www.gigapan.com/gigapans/28797706f4bc770d1807e1219498cdea/

 

https://valuablebook.wordpress.com/2009/01/30/alastair-j-johnston-library-of-golf/

[powerfade66]

Alistair Johnson, who runs IMG, has a large golf library.

 

http://www.gigapan.c...07e1219498cdea/

 

https://valuablebook...ibrary-of-golf/

 

Very impressive. Thanks for the links.

[powerfade66]

These Golfers Digests are new. Big thick coffee table sized. They were put out each year between about 68 and 75 and contain some of the best articles from the year but across all the different mags it seems. Put together by a third party with permission.

[powerfade66]

No it's mine.

 

Very impressive ! Have you read them all ? :)

 

I've read all the covers and skimmed some for pictures.

[wingedfoot97]

Powerfade- do you get any of yours signed? I try to get the author, if they are alive, to sign their copy. However, that is just getting hard to do.

[powerfade66]

No I don't. It has never been an option living in Australia. Though when I played for Australia in the Eisenhower Cup in the 50s I broke the then course record at St Andrews. Bobby Jones attended with the US team and sent a message asking me to join him in his room for tea. He asked me how I learnt the American swing all the way over in Australia. We had a swing sequence of Byron Nelson above our fireplace. He then went on to tell me that under pressure all he thought about was taking the club back a little slower than normal. I hadn't become a book collector at that stage and hope I didn't offend him by using Byron as the model and not himself.

[powerfade66]

But that's a blatant lie of course. It's a true story but it happened to an old friend at my club, not me.

[Blade Junkie]

But that's a blatant lie of course. It's a true story but it happened to an old friend at my club, not me.

 

Whereabouts in Oz are you btw ? Assuming that bit is true of course :)

[wingedfoot97]

My grandfather, while a huge Hogan fan, also liked Peter Thomson. Had several stories about watchim him play in person. I dont think he gets enough credit for his wins at the Open. There are not too many books about Peter but I do have one and its signed. Always liked him and Kel Nagle. Kel once wrote me a letter when I was a kid explaining his practice routine.

[powerfade66]

But that's a blatant lie of course. It's a true story but it happened to an old friend at my club, not me.

 

Whereabouts in Oz are you btw ? Assuming that bit is true of course :)

 

Tas

[powerfade66]

My grandfather, while a huge Hogan fan, also liked Peter Thomson. Had several stories about watchim him play in person. I dont think he gets enough credit for his wins at the Open. There are not too many books about Peter but I do have one and its signed. Always liked him and Kel Nagle. Kel once wrote me a letter when I was a kid explaining his practice routine.

[wingedfoot97]

Thanks for sharing I have the red one. Those others will now be on my list.

[powerfade66]

Thanks for sharing I have the red one. Those others will now be on my list.

 

https://www.ryanpub.com.au/golf.htm

 

"Bump and Run - At the Feet of the Masters" is possibly my most beautiful book visually. A large hardcover and contains about 20 full page watercolours that are each worth the cost of the book alone. The text is a compilation of very insightful chats/interviews the author had with great players of the past. I think it said he is a business associate of Peter Thomson which probably helped for gaining access.

[Fellaheen51]

Really good value listing on US eBay ... someone needs to pick this up ! $42 is a bargain for this lot ...

 

http://www.ebay.com/...YUAAOSwB-1Y0DHj

 

 

 

 

The books came in the mail today. Quite sterling condition. Have hours of reading pleasure ahead of me as I brief through them all. One of interest so far is the "Views and Reviews: Golf Clubs in the Trade Press". A compilation of golf club reviews from very long ago. Including the following. A 1904 review of the "Bingo" driver. Paraphrasing: A patented driver with springs in the club face, "Designed to drive the ball a great distance."

 

What is old becomes new if one waits long enough. Or.....same tune, different year.

 

 

[HoganApexBlades]

Really good value listing on US eBay ... someone needs to pick this up ! $42 is a bargain for this lot ...

 

http://www.ebay.com/...YUAAOSwB-1Y0DHj

 

 

 

 

The books came in the mail today. Quite sterling condition. Have hours of reading pleasure ahead of me as I brief through them all. One of interest so far is the "Views and Reviews: Golf Clubs in the Trade Press". A compilation of golf club reviews from very long ago. Including the following. A 1904 review of the "Bingo" driver. Paraphrasing: A patented driver with springs in the club face, "Designed to drive the ball a great distance."

 

What is old becomes new if one waits long enough. Or.....same tune, different year.

 

 

 

That's great Doug!

 

BTW, if there's a decent photo of a '58 WS Staff Model P/S wedge, can you post it on the Dynapowered thread?

[Fellaheen51]

Alan, didn't know the thread mentioned. Rather than sully this one up, posted the requested pics in "Random Conversation". Let me know if you need anything further. I'm a reference library now.