Geoff Shackleford offers a preview of golf books coming out this summer.

When I’m not playing golf ... or writing about it ... I like to read about it (o.k., I’m obsessed).

One of the most interesting books I’ve in recent months is Hogan by Curt Sampson.

Hogan is a figure obscured by the fog of legend. Everyone knows of his relentless pursuit of perfection, of his reputation for coolness and of the devastating automobile crash.

But Sampson’s book sheds some light on Hogan’s personal life. He comes as close as I think anyone can to revealing the “real” Ben Hogan. Although Hogan gave few revealing interviews during his life, Sampson uses every resource at his disposal to explain his foibles and motivations. It could not have been an easy job, but Sampson has produced a very enjoyable read.

In the end, I found Ben Hogan to be a sympathetic and very human character—not at all like the more popular image of him as an unlikable “ice man.”

Previously available only to the media, the PGA Tour guide now also is available to the fan.

Want to know Phil Mickelson’s best Tour finishes in 2004? What about Tiger Woods’s average driving distance? How much money has Ernie Els won since being on the Tour? Who won the Buick Open last year? Who won it in 1990? Who has had the most victories in a single year? Detailed, comprehensive, and presented in full color throughout, this is the ultimate guide to the PGA TOUR. Key features include complete 2005 tournament schedules for the PGA TOUR, Champions Tour, and Nationwide Tour, including network coverage; a career biography for every player on the PGA TOUR and Champions Tour; Tour summaries for the PGA, Champions, and Nationwide Tours; all-time PGA TOUR records and awards; 2004 facts and statistics and exclusive ShotLink data; and a letter from PGA TOUR commissioner Tim Finchem

You should get one. Mine is on order.

According to his press release, author

David Nevogt says “The Simple Golf Swing” has helped 7,987 golfers during the past 2 years”. David suggests that the system has a success rate of 95%, and bogey golfers are able to lower their handicaps by AT LEAST 7 strokes within the first couple of rounds.

If only it were this simple. But maybe it is (hope springs eternal. Or is that, I hope for an eternal spring?). 

Its available here: Golfswingguru

Doing some last minute shopping? How about giving a magazine to the golfer in your life. The Golf Blogger subscribes to GOLF Magazine and  Golf Digest , both of which are great general-interest golf magazines that cover tips, equipment and lifestyles. I also occasionally buy Golf Tips . Finally, as a golf coach, I get a subscription to Golf World , which has terrific coverage of the professional and college games.