​The Best Library In Golf: Preserved Links Makes The Case As A Society Without A Course That Can Compete With The Best Clubs

The very best libraries in golf exist in the most private places. Unfortunately 99% of golfers will never see these historic museum type rooms. Places like the library at Pine Valley which sits in a discreate corner on the second floor of the clubhouse have been built over decades. Most golfers who visit the worlds #1 golf club are so excited and overwhelmed by being there the library is a place they rarely see. The same can be said for any other club that boasts an extensive library. The more exclusive the club the limited time a guest has to experience the course, dining, lodging, and other amenities. Libraries are golfs best kept secret.  ​

The Library at National Golf Links Of America.

Another example of a world class library is National Golf Links of America. They have been collecting titles since 1908. There are many one of a kind titles in there including picture books of some of the best modern courses with original design notes from the Architects who built them.  Garden City Mens Club's entire clubhouse is a big library. The list of examples goes on and on. So how does one access such a place? By being invited by a member and hope the member is a historian who's willing and interested in giving you the full tour of the club.

While all those iconic clubs serve as inspiration, Preserved Links feels there are a few reasons they can build something even better. "Those clubs all have amazing libraries and they've all been built over decades, but they're success also normally relies on a few members at that given club, said a Preserved Links member. I can say with confidence we have a much larger pool of members who are interested in this stuff. How many members at any given club travel? 1%? 2%? We have that 1 or 2% from many of the best clubs. Instead of having 1 club historian we have an entire membership that is so well traveled and collectively played all the best clubs. Entry into these clubs is the battle because the history books we want are only sold in those pro shops. Our members are constantly traveling which organically creates endless opportunities for us to acquire all these titles and quickly grow the community library."