Customer Reviews

Planet Golf: The Definitive Reference to Great Golf Courses Outside the United States of America

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
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1 star:		(0)

 

 

This book has not only some of the most inviting golf course photography ever - by world-class Australian Photographer David Scaletti, but a collection of very well-researched, concise and precise reviews by Darius Oliver, one of Australia and the world's most able golf architecture writers. A must have book for all golfers that will even start the architectural education of the uninformed. This book is not only incomparable but affordable.

David Scaletti's photography is superb, as is the book's production quality.

The narrative by Darius Oliver is wonderfully frank, well-argued and original. I also enjoyed his clear and joyous descriptions of each of his favorite courses throughout the world.

The focus of the book is on the courses outside America, because so much excellent material already exists on the Top U.S. Courses.

The book covers the Best Courses in the UK and Ireland, Europe, Australia and New Zealand, Canada, Mexico and Central America, Asia and Africa.

It may not be possible to visit all these Masterpieces of World Golf but this book is the next best thing.

I purchased this book when first released and have bought gift copies for several friends. The photography and reviews are excellent and the book was the partial source of inspiration for my travel to 41 of the courses listed during trips to Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, Scotland, Spain, and Portugal. Of over 100 different courses in these countries where I have played and traveled, the Definitive Reference speaks to the best of the best and includes many of the courses not well known to people away from the immediate area. It is difficult to find a basis for criticism of course selection. The reviews and photographs are the source of fond memories and aspiration for return trips to some areas for replays on my personal favorites.

The benefit of acquiring this book for your library is that the courses listed are generally playable for a golf traveler with a spirit of adventure. In the countries I mentioned above, the golf clubs are often available for play by overseas players and not limited to those connected by virtue of some reciprocal play arrangement.

The author's earlier work on Australian courses is worth considering for additional coverage of Australia's best courses. I purchased this book during my first trip to Australia and it might be available through online sources.

The companion volume that includes only U.S. courses is a thorough and complete review of venues in this country, some of which are available for public play.

If anyone is planning a golf trip outside the US, this book is a must read reference. If you are not planning such a trip, get the book, you'll change your mind. David Scaletti's photographs are the best I've ever seen. They are lush and well constructed. Darius Oliver gives an honest and fortright assessment of each of the courses. The price is less than any green fee and you can revisit these courses whenever you want.

Even makes me want to take up golf. Lovely present for the golf lover in your life. A wonderful idea!

I enjoyed the overview and the fine illustrations of the golf courses.
It tantalises one to the point that you would like to go and play them.

The Planet is indeed well served by this magnificently produced volume worth buying for the photography alone.