The best books on golf, what sets the greatest golfers apart – off the golf course

Why am I passionate about this?

As a very successful professional stage actor and visual artist I have learned that perfection is boring. A person or thing without flaws loses my interest very quickly. There's nothing more boring for an actor to play than someone who does no wrong. Since I have so much experience in putting myself in another person’s shoes with my acting and finding different ways to express emotion in my art, I find great pleasure in finding the flawed people in the world and telling their emotional stories. Their challenges, their obstacles and their success and failures – both self-imposed and that which is thrust upon them by society.


I wrote...

Send in the Clown

By Andrew Stelmack,

Book cover of Send in the Clown

What is my book about?

A unique look into the life of Moe Norman, the greatest ball-striker in the history of golf, who remains a relative unknown despite his unparalleled prowess. A factually based novel that illustrates just because you have the skills, that doesn’t mean you will always succeed and get the recognition you may deserve. Was it Asperger’s syndrome? Autism? Or was it something else that made him “different”? And that made him so good. Was the ultimate result his fault or ours?

A perfect book for anyone who has had to hide or change a true part of themselves to fit in or has been bullied.

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The books I picked & why

Book cover of Moe and Me: Encounters with Moe Norman, Golf's Mysterious Genius

Andrew Stelmack Why did I love this book?

Moe and Me is a great book for those who love the history of golf and want to look beyond just the game itself. Who also want to delve into the personalities who play it too, on an off the course. Lorne knew Moe Norman very well – unlike few did since Moe was not willing to interact with those outside his tiny circle – and so you get a great insight into the man. The best part is that the stories you get of his life journey are always surprising and often funny, while heartbreaking at the same time. You can’t help but fall in love with Moe the Schmoe after reading this book.

By Lorne Rubenstein,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Moe and Me as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Spotlighting Moe Norman, a golfer admired by Tiger Woods himself, this memoir by a sportswriter who knew Moe Norman for 40 years details Moe's unique and controversial life. The record investigates how, despite winning almost every title in Canada and having his name celebrated in golf circles around the globe, Norman failed to make a mark in the wider world of golf yet still referred to himself as “the happiest guy on two feet.” His uncommon swing, mannerisms, and lifestyle are explored, illustrating how he played very quickly, never took a practice swing, often repeated phrases when talking, and lived…


Book cover of The Feeling of Greatness: The Moe Norman Story

Andrew Stelmack Why did I love this book?

The other factual book out there on Moe that provides insight into the man and his world. In addition to the stories of Moe, you also get clippings and photos that add to its delight. A wonderful look at his life and career and most importantly you hopefully walk away having learned something not only about him specifically, but about the complexities of his world.

By Tim O'Connor,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Feeling of Greatness as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

From the award-winning journalist and coach: a biography of “the ‘Rain Man’ of golf. It’s a character drama. It’s an underdog story” (Barry Morrow, Academy Award–winning screenwriter).

Documentary now in production!

In The Feeling of Greatness, second edition, golf coach Tim O’Connor updates his previous biography of the late great, Canadian golfer Moe Norman, who was famous for introducing the single plane golf swing. This edition includes new anecdotes about Moe both on and off the course by golfers, journalists, friends, and family, and offers a more in-depth portrait of the man and golfer, especially in the last years of…


Book cover of Phil: The Rip-Roaring (and Unauthorized!) Biography of Golf's Most Colorful Superstar

Andrew Stelmack Why did I love this book?

A great read about a very famous sports figure Phil Mickelson. I always enjoy books that take you beyond the facts and the known and go deeper to look at the man. This one does it. It is particularly of interest to me since Phil has been a major force in trying to create a competitive league (LIV) to challenge the PGA. Interestingly, it is a tale as old as time…it all comes down to money. And interestingly, one of the reasons Moe Norman was shunned from the PGA was because he didn’t fit into their plans regarding TV broadcasts, which were just starting to happen, where a pile of money to be made was at stake. Moe didn’t look or act the part like Phil did in his prime. As it often is in sports and many endeavors, money – sadly – trumps all.

By Alan Shipnuck,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Phil as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER * “A rollicking good time.” —Golfweek * “Thoroughly engaging.” —The Washington Post

Now with a new afterword: a juicy and freewheeling biography of legendary golf champion Phil Mickelson—who has led a big, controversial life—as reported by longtime Sports Illustrated writer and bestselling author Alan Shipnuck.

Phil Mickelson is one of the most compelling figures in sports. For more than three decades he has been among the best golfers in the world, and his unmatched longevity was exemplified at the 2021 PGA Championship, when Mickelson, on the cusp of turning fifty-one, became the oldest player in history…


Book cover of The Single Plane Golf Swing: Play Better Golf the Moe Norman Way

Andrew Stelmack Why did I love this book?

Unlike the other books here that predominantly hone in on Moe as a person and on his accomplishments; Todd focuses on Moe's swing and mechanics. If you are interested in Moe, you know his swing was quite different and here you find out specifically how and why in complexity. And who knows? Some of what you learn may even improve your game! The author is also involved in a new documentary to be coming soon on Moe.

By Todd Graves, Tim O'Connor,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Single Plane Golf Swing as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

“Through this wonderful book, frustrated golfers can learn to swing like Moe [Norman] and improve their games.” —Anthony Robbins, #1 New York Times–bestselling author

The mysterious and reclusive genius Moe Norman is acknowledged as the best ball-striker in the history of golf by many of the game’s greats. The Single Plane Golf Swing: Play Better Golf the Moe Norman Way reveals the secrets of the swing that enabled him to hit the ball solidly with unerring accuracy and consistency—every time. Norman’s simple, efficient, and easily understood Single Plane Swing has improved the games of thousands of golfers.

Golf professional Todd…


Book cover of The Second Life of Tiger Woods

Andrew Stelmack Why did I love this book?

There was probably no man better at his sport than Tiger Woods was with golf. Sure there were others who dominated their sports too, but few like he did. And for so long. And yet again, we find that those that seem perfect, are actually far from it. This book looks at that dark side. I don’t know about you, but I am always more compelled and intrigued by learning the non-perfect side of people or things. Perfection is boring. Flaws are intriguing. And why not? I am full of flaws and that’s what makes me real. A book like this makes Tiger more realistic than just a tournament and majors-winning machine. Interestingly, Tiger said that Moe Norman was the best ball-striker ever.

By Michael Bamberger,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Second Life of Tiger Woods as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Tiger Woods's long descent into a personal and professional hell reached bottom in the early hours of Memorial Day in 2017. Woods's DUI arrest that night came on the heels of a desperate spinal surgery, just weeks after he told close friends he might never play tournament golf again. His mug shot and alarming arrest video were painful to look at and, for Woods, a deep humiliation. The former paragon of discipline now found himself hopelessly lost and out of control, exposed for all the world to see. That episode could have marked the beginning of Tiger's end. It proved…


You might also like...

American Flygirl

By Susan Tate Ankeny,

Book cover of American Flygirl

Susan Tate Ankeny Author Of The Girl and the Bombardier: A True Story of Resistance and Rescue in Nazi-Occupied France

New book alert!

Why am I passionate about this?

Susan Tate Ankeny left a career in teaching to write the story of her father’s escape from Nazi-occupied France. In 2011, after being led on his path through France by the same Resistance fighters who guided him in 1944, she felt inspired to tell the story of these brave French patriots, especially the 17-year-old- girl who risked her own life to save her father’s. Susan is a member of the 8th Air Force Historical Society, the Air Force Escape and Evasion Society, and the Association des Sauveteurs d’Aviateurs Alliés. 

Susan's book list on women during WW2

What is my book about?

The first and only full-length biography of Hazel Ying Lee, an unrecognized pioneer and unsung World War II hero who fought for a country that actively discriminated against her gender, race, and ambition.

This unique hidden figure defied countless stereotypes to become the first Asian American woman in United States history to earn a pilot's license, and the first female Asian American pilot to fly for the military.

Her achievements, passionate drive, and resistance in the face of oppression as a daughter of Chinese immigrants and a female aviator changed the course of history. Now the remarkable story of a fearless underdog finally surfaces to inspire anyone to reach toward the sky.

American Flygirl

By Susan Tate Ankeny,

What is this book about?

One of WWII’s most uniquely hidden figures, Hazel Ying Lee was the first Asian American woman to earn a pilot’s license, join the WASPs, and fly for the United States military amid widespread anti-Asian sentiment and policies.

Her singular story of patriotism, barrier breaking, and fearless sacrifice is told for the first time in full for readers of The Women with Silver Wings by Katherine Sharp Landdeck, A Woman of No Importance by Sonia Purnell, The Last Boat Out of Shanghai by Helen Zia, Facing the Mountain by Daniel James Brown and all Asian American, women’s and WWII history books.…


5 book lists we think you will like!

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