Sports Illustrated: The Golf Book

Editors Note: As advertised when we started this site, we want contributions and input from all golf book lovers. And now we have our first. Rick Woelfel, based in Philadelphia and the editor and publisher of Women's Golf Report, has provided us with a review of the recently released Sports Illustrated: The Golf Book. You can also check out some of Rick's work at the Golf Scribe.


Depending on your age, and the depth of your passion for golf The Golf Book, Sports Illustrated Books’ latest endeavor, is an overview of the history of the game, an educational tool, or perhaps a mechanism for stirring precious memories.

The book spans the history of the game, dating back to the 15th century, but concentrates on the era from 1955 (Sports Illustrated was first published in August, 1954) to the present day.

The best players of the last half century are selected by era, beginning with the period from 1955-69, not coincidentally the era of Arnold Palmer, and continuing from there, with pages devoted to 1970-82, when Jack Nicklaus had his greatest success, then moving on to the period from 1983-95 and from 1996 to the present day.

In addition to the top players, the most memorable milestones of each period are listed, whether they occurred on or off the golf course. The roll call for the period from 1970-82 for instance, includes the birth of Tiger Woods on Dec. 30, 1975, along with the first playing of the Legends of Golf three years later, which late to the formation of what is now the Champions Tour.

The text is comprised primarily of excerpts from SI articles, authored by writers like Rick Reilly, Frank Deford, and Michael Bamberger, as well as the likes of Bobby Jones and Bernard Darwin. Reading these accounts of championships past takes the reader back in time, and allows them to get a sense of the likes of Sam Snead, Byron Nelson, Arnold Palmer, Mickey Wright and even Jack Nicklaus and Nancy Lopez as the all-time greats they were instead of “merely” historic or ceremonial personages.

The heart of this volume however, consists of more than 300 photographs, taken by some of the finest photographers in the world. These photos, some of which date back to the early 20th century, combine to weave a historical tapestry of their own. Some are arranged to provide a historical contrast as well as context. In one instance, full-page photos of a female member at Shinnecock Hills, circa 1900, and Paula Creamer doing a handstand at St. Andrews in 2007 are laid out on facing pages, one in black and white, the other in full color.

Readers also get a glimpse of 20-year old Francis Ouimet, moments after his win at the 1913 U.S. Open, a handshake between Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus at the peak of their rivalry, and a U.S, Army captain hitting balls off the desert sands in Iraq, just to name a few.

If you’re a golf enthusiast The Golf Book will be a welcome addition to your library. And it’s ideal for the golfer on your holiday gift list, particularly if they have an interest in the history of the game.

This book will be a lasting treasure.