Home Biographies Local Tournaments Area Courses Golf Travel Golf Products Golf Books Golf Instruction Ozarks Golf Hall of Fame Joplin Golf Hall of Fame Missouri Sports Hall of Fame Horton Smith Matches Ozark Amateur Missouri Amateur Springfield City Amateur Price Cutter Championship PGA Tour LPGA Tour Champions Tour Nationwide Tour Hooters Tour GHIN Home > Golf Books Golf Books There is no doubt that the Ozarks has had a rich golf history. For those who want to learn more there are countless books about golfers from the Ozarks. One of the oldest books referring to Ozarks golf is the autobiography by Horton Smith. His book "The Velvet Touch" makes countless references to growing up in Springfield, Missouri and working in Joplin, Missouri. He followed his autobiography with "The Secret of Holing Putts" a book concentrating on what Horton did best, putting. Along the way there have been countless books with references to area golfers. One of which is "Golf In Action" by Oscar Fraley. This book has swing sequence photos of Herman Keiser and Horton Smith. "My Greatest Day in Golf", by Darsie L. Darsie in 1950, had short interviews of Smith and Keiser on their greatest days in golf. Below are books still in print about golf in the Ozarks. You can always try www.photosfromthefairway.com for any of the vintage golf books listed above. Golf in the Ozarks Today southwest Missouri can proudly claim the winners of five U.S. Opens, three Masters, one PGA Championship, and well over 100 professional tournaments. Golf in the Ozarks takes readers on a tour of “everything golf” in the region, from course and player histories to local tournaments. The Art of Putting PGA stars such as Jay Haas, Craig Stadler, Peter Jacobsen, and Darren Clarke have all sought advice from fellow pro and Missouri native Stan Utley about their putting, and have gone on to such immediate success on the green that Utley has become the most in-demand teacher in the game. Payne Stewart This book is recognized as Payne's official biography. The book was put together by Payne's wife Tracey. There are several pages dedicated to Payne's days as a youth in Springfield, Missouri. The Payne Stewart Story This biography by Larry Guest does a great job covering Payne's life on the PGA Tour. I Remember Payne Stewart If you are looking for a book with an emphasis on his relationship with the Ozarks this is your book. This book is filled with interviews from people right hear in the Ozarks about their relationship with Payne. I Love to Play CD This CD from Jake Trout and the Flounders is a most for the golf lover. The group is made up of Payne Stewart, Peter Jacobsen and Mark Lyle. They twist classic rock songs into fun loving golf riffs. Payne at Pinehurst This book takes you through every step of Payne Stewarts 1999 win at the U.S. Open at Pinehurst. As the story unfolds it also touches upon highlights of both Payne's career and life off the course. The Golf 100 A great book covering the top 100 golfers of all time. This book covers not only the usual suspect like Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer but also a few greats from the area including Payne Stewart, Horton Smith and Hale Irwin. Hit Your Second Shot First: And Other Secrets of the Kiss Method Marshall Smith is one of the areas most renowned golf professionals. In his book "Hit Your Second Shot First" he implements the K.I.S.S. method to golf. Smith teaches golf in the simplest way possible. Great for the novice or the low handicapper. A Lifetime of Lessons Marshall Smith's book draws upon original lessons as well as the experience that only half a century's involvement in the game can provide. Full swing, short game, and strategy needs are addressed to assist every skill level, from struggling beginner to seasoned professional.