Golf magazines are a bit like the pro shop: you show up for one thing, and you leave with three. A tip you’ll try, a course you’ll daydream about, and a reminder that the game has a sense of humor.
Digital has made everything faster, but a well-edited golf magazine still does something the internet struggles with: it tells a clean story from start to finish.
On this page
- What a good golf magazine actually gives you
- Print vs digital: choose your ritual
- How to use magazines without getting gear-hungry
- Storytelling that makes you want to play
- A simple reading list plan
What a good golf magazine actually gives you
The best publications balance three ingredients: instruction that’s practical, equipment coverage that isn’t just a commercial, and storytelling that respects the reader.
You want writers who can describe a round without turning it into a sermon. And you want editors who know when to cut, because golf already has enough slow play.
If instruction is your priority, pair magazine reading with a simple swing routine so your practice has direction.
Print vs digital: choose your ritual
Print is slower and that’s the point. It’s a quiet moment with coffee, not a doom scroll.
Digital is useful for quick gear updates and tournament coverage, and it’s easier to bookmark and revisit.
A hybrid approach works: keep one print subscription you truly enjoy and let digital fill the gaps.
How to use magazines without getting gear-hungry
It’s easy to read gear reviews and start believing you’re one purchase away from perfection. The smarter move is to read for understanding, not temptation.
When you see a feature mentioned—like “forgiveness” or “launch”—connect it back to your own needs. If you’re a beginner, that usually means more forgiveness and simpler choices.
And remember: the cleanest upgrade is often organization. A better-packed bag helps more rounds than a new driver.
Storytelling that makes you want to play
The best golf writing makes you laugh, wince, and book a tee time. It doesn’t pretend the game is easy; it just reminds you it’s worth the trouble.
Look for travel features too. Even if you don’t go, reading about great courses sharpens your eye for design and strategy.
If travel is on your mind, our travel bag guide helps you keep clubs safe so the trip starts on the right foot.
A simple reading list plan
Pick one magazine for instruction, one for stories, and one for travel/gear. Rotate if you get bored; golf should never feel like homework.
Save articles that match your goals for the season—breaking 90, hitting more greens, or simply enjoying the walk.
And when a tip jumps off the page, take it to the range with a plan: one change, one drill, ten swings, then evaluate.