Give The Little Red Book To Your Golfer For Christmas

Harvey Penick’s Little Red Book: Lessons And Teachings From A Lifetime In Golf

I was asked by a colleague the other day to recommend a great (but inexpensive) gift for a golfer. There was a moment where I nearly recommended my own book, but modesty took control. After that, there was just one thing on my mind:

Harvey Penick’s Little Red Book

If the golfer in your life doesn’t already have a copy, The Little Red Book is a perfect gift. Compiled from Penick’s notes as the longtime pro at the Austin Country Club and coach of the University of Texas Longhorns (1931 – 1963), the book (mostly) focuses on the mental aspects of the game. The advice is simple, straightforward and massively useful. I read it every year at the beginning of the season as a mental refresher.

The book is very well known among serious golfers, but deserves a wider audience. Weekenders in particular would get a lot out of the volume.

Penick was an amazing coach and teacher. His Longhorns won 21 Southwest Conference Championships in 33 years. Among his pupils were Tom Kite, Ben Crenshaw, Mickey Wright, Betsy Rawls and Kathy Whitworth.

The book’s title is a reference to a red notebook that Penick carried.