For the Donald Ross fans, in addition to "Golf Has Never Failed Me" as mentioned by Yoda, I would also recomend "Discovering Donald Ross" by Bradley Klein. There are many beautiful pictures of Ross' courses, which fortunately for me are in abundance in Massachusetts and Rhode Island.
If you decide to read "The Match" by Mark Frost, I would recomend getting a copy of Geoff Shackleford's book "Alister MacKenzie's Cypress Point Club". The black and white photos of the course in Shackleford's book bring "The Match" to life. So when you are reading about the Par 5, 476 yard fifth hole you can also see it.
Although it is unlikely that you be able to get a first edition of Charles Blair Macdonald's "Scotland's Gift Golf" (sell for $800-$1000 each), copies are available from The Classic of Golf book series. This is Ben Creshaw's favorite book on golf architecture and I will also recomend it to both the serious fan and casual observer.
Others to consider: Golf by Design by Robert Trent Jones Jr. He explains in detail his thinking for designing a course; chess, pool, auto racing, target sports, etc.
Also, Golf course Designs by Tom Fazio. The color pictures are breath-taking. At the beginning of the book is a picture of his uncle George Fazio (who lost a playoff along with Lloyd Mangrum for the 1950 US Open to Ben Hogan at Merion), to whom the book is dedicated, showing why he was such an outstanding player, executing a Flat Left Wrist and Lagging Clubhead.
Golf Architecture (1920) by Dr. Alister Mackenzie gives the good doctor's ideas on golf course development. It is also available from The Classic of Golf book series.
Finally, for now, Geoff Shackelford's "Lines of Charm" compiled the best writing and quotes from all the great designers from the golden age of architects. Easy reading and informative.
"The Spirit of St. Andrews" by Dr. Alister MacKenzie is a good read and explains the development of his course design theories.
of cause I would have to pay additional 35% in import taxes...
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