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LI GOLFBEAT: Golf books for Dad, all

Mark Herrmann

June 1, 2008

A question for golf fans: In 1979, two Spaniards played on the newly expanded European Ryder Cup team. One was Seve Ballesteros, who was the other? a) Jose Maria Olazabal, b) Antonio Garrido, c) Manuel Pinero, d) Jose Maria Canizares.

That is No. 2,068 out of 2,500 questions in a catchy, fun new book, "Obsessed with Golf," by Dave Shedloski, a correspondent for PGATour. com and Alex Miceli, a mainstay on The Golf Channel. Published by Chronicle Books, it is both a resource and a game, with a built-in computer module that keeps score for one or two readers (or players).

And it is one of the recommended books for anyone looking to do some golf shopping for Father's Day.

A flock of golf books arrives every year, especially now, timed with the holiday and the U.S. Open. Earlier, LIGolfbeat has endorsed two books with local ties, "Finding Your Zone," by Dr. Michael Lardon, a sports psychiatrist and Huntington native, and "The Negotiable Golf Swing" by Joe Laurentino, head pro at Indian Hills Country Club in Northport. Here are some others:

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"The Best Instruction Book Ever!" by the editors of Golf Magazine (Time Inc.). Can't vouch for the accuracy of the title, which covers some major ground, but you will like the graphics and topics such as "Quick Tips to Improve Your Impact." It comes with a DVD.

"Your 15th Club by Dr. Bob Rotella" (Free Press). Attitude is that little something extra in your game and there are ways to improve it, says the golf guru whose clients include Masters champion Trevor Immelman.

"The Caddie Who Played With Hickory" by John Coyne (St. Martin's Press). A novel in which Harrison Cornell is just a regular caddie who gets to play a match against Walter Hagen. Or is he?

"The Rules of Golf in Plain English" by Jeffrey S. Kuhn and Bryan A. Garner ( University of Chicago Press). For instance, Rule 25.3 (a), "A ball embedded in its own pitch mark in the ground in any closely mown area may be lifted without penalty."

"100 Classic Golf Tips from Leading Ladies Teaching and Touring Pros" edited by Christopher Obetz (Universe Publishing). Excellent advice for male and female golfers from the likes of Betsy King and Annika Sorenstam.

"Always By My Side: A Father's Grace and a Sports Journey Unlike Any Other" by Jim Nantz (Gotham). The former University of Houston golfer and current voice of golf for CBS Sports reflects on his career and on his father's struggle with Alzheimer's. Perfect gift for this holiday.

By the way, the answer to the question above, according to the book's module anyway, is (b).

Outings

Developmental Disabilities Institute, a Smithtown-based not-for-profit service provider for children and adults with autism, will hold its annual outing June 9 at Pine Hollow Country Club in East Norwich and Woodcrest Club in Syosset. A gourmet cocktail reception, dinner and live auction will follow the golf. Call 631-366-2978 or visit www.ddiinfo.org ... Eastern Long Island Hospital will hold its Golf Classic on Wednesday, June 11 at Gardiner's Bay Country Club, Shelter Island. Honoree will be Gardiner's Bay head pro Bob DeStefano. Shotgun start at 1 p.m. Call 631-477-5164.

U.S. Open qualifying

Local pros Mike Gilmore, Mark Mielke, Pat Flood, Jim Lusk, Sunny Kim, Andres Benanati and Andrew Svoboda will be in the field along with PGA Tour veteran Brad Faxon at the U.S. Open Sectional Qualifier tomorrow at Old Oaks in Purchase. Kirk Oguri, who teaches at Spring Rock Golf Center in New Hyde Park, will try to qualify at a sectional in Tennessee, which will have more Tour players and more qualifying spots.