The Confidential Guide to Golf by Tom Doak

A hard to find and highly collectible book by an acknowledged genius of golf course design.

A first edition* of one of the most sought after golf books written in the last 25 years.

The Confidential Guide to Golf Courses published by Tom Doak has developed a cult status among golfers, for good reason we believe. The book is prized for its honest assessment of various courses around the world. It is tough to get an honest assessment of most golf courses since the articles published by most golf magazines or newspapers are done under the ‘comp’ system. ‘Comp’ stands for complimentary or in plain English for free, sometimes including airfare, meals and lodging as well. Given such a big conflict of interest, you can see how it would be tough to write a critical review.

Tom Doak, who first wrote this book when he was a budding golf course architect, had little reason to be anything but honest. We find in this day and age of constant spinning of facts it is refreshing to get the real deal. It also doesn’t hurt that Doak has a good eye and his assessments are built on a strong knowledge base. If you’re going to be bold, you had better be good. And Doak has proven that he is good. We offer as proof three outstanding golf courses Doak has designed since setting up his own design company Renaissance Golf Design: Pacific Dunes in Bandon, Oregon; Barnbougle Dunes in Tasmania, Australia; and Cape Kidnappers in New Zealand. The man is obviously a design genius

*This "first edition" was published in 1996 in Canada by Sleeping Bear Press in a press run of 12,000 copies. Doak actually self-published three earlier very limited editions which totalled less than 1100 copies.

This copy is in "like new" condition and does not appear to have ever been read. There is a slight crinkle in the back corner of the book jacket. Click here or on thumbnail above for detail.

Donor value: $45 (This is the U.S. price on the book jacket.)
Opening Bid: $600

The amount of winning bids above the donor value may be considered a tax-deductible donation to the Shivas Irons Society. Please consult your tax professional.