The #1 Book That's Changing Golf Bags and Scorecards Everywhere: Inside the buzz behind BrookeLin Powers' breakout reference guide, Where's the Golf Ball?

There's a moment every golfer knows: a ball lands somewhere it shouldn't, and suddenly the whole group is arguing about a rule nobody fully remembers. It's that exact moment BrookeLin Powers set out to fix with Where's the Golf Ball? and in its first year, the book has landed on more than one bestseller list and, more importantly, in a lot of golf bags that don't usually carry a rulebook.

Since its 2026 release, Where's the Golf Ball? has been named a best-selling golf book, the top and #1 new golf book, and has cracked the top 20 in both new sports reference and new sports books. But rankings only tell part of the story. The real headline is what teaching professionals, coaches, and golf parents are saying once they actually crack it open.

Finally, an Item in Your Golf Bag You Can Actually Use to Reduce Strokes and Confusion

If there's a theme running through the early reviews, it's relief that the Rules of Golf can be explained without a law degree.

"As an LPGA Teaching Professional, I'd highly recommend this book. It breaks down the rules of golf in an easy to use reference manual. The color coding and easy to understand explanations are spot on while also referencing the actual USGA and R&A rule numbers if you need to dig deeper into the ruling. Great for new and less experienced golfers and helpful for seasoned golfers. The paperback is perfect to keep in your golf bag. Will be a suggested read for all of my students." — LPGA Professional

PGA professionals have echoed the sentiment, calling it simply:

"Very helpful in understanding the Rules of Golf." — PGA Professional

For instructors juggling students of every skill level, the appeal is speed as much as clarity:

"Quick, easy to understand reference book." — LPGA Professional

On Campus and On the Course: A Hit With Coaches

College programs have started putting the book directly into student hands, not as homework, but as something players reach for on their own.

"It's definitely something that makes the rules easier to understand because sometimes the USGA can be tricky. Definitely shows some rules are there to help you instead of hurting you!" — College Golf Coach

Asked to sum it up in a word, one coach didn't hesitate:

"This is perfect." — College Golf Coach

Golf programs using the book as a teaching tool have reported similar results:

"Such good information presented so it is easy to read and look up questions." — Students Utilizing Where's the Golf Ball? in their Golf Programs

The Bigger Mission: Making Golf Feel Less Intimidating

Beyond the classroom, several readers pointed to something less tangible than a well-organized index, the sense that the book is quietly doing work to make golf more welcoming.

"This is such a strong piece of the puzzle for growing the game of golf, such a beautiful resource to increase the accessibility and inclusivity of the game. I think every golfer should have this."

Others compared the experience to something more familiar than a rulebook entirely:

"It's incredibly well done by BrookeLin Powers — basically like having a little golf magazine in paperback form!! I love magazines, naturally loved this! Easy to flip through, easy to find what you're looking for and, most importantly, easy to understand."

The Golf Bag Test

Ask any golfer what actually earns a permanent spot in the bag, and you'll get a short list. Where's the Golf Ball? seems to be making the cut.

"I can already tell you, having gone through the book, this is something that I'm going to have in my golf bag anytime I play from now on."

For golf parents, the appeal runs a little differently, less about rulings, more about finally following along.

"I'll definitely be keeping this with me as I watch my son play junior golf tournaments. Not because I'm getting involved in rules decisions… but because the more I understand the game, the more proficient I become as a golf mom and spectator."

For the golfers who've long meant to learn the rules but never quite got around to it:

"I love it! I've been saying I need to learn more of the rules and this is easy to read."

"The rules of golf can feel complicated, but she breaks them down in a way that actually makes sense."

Sometimes the best endorsement is the simplest one:

"My wife loves this!"

The Bottom Line

Golf reference guides aren't supposed to be page-turners. But Where's the Golf Ball? is earning a reputation for doing what few golf resources manage: getting picked up more than once. Between the color-coded breakdowns, the direct USGA and R&A rule citations, and a format built for the actual pace of a round, it's easy to see why teaching pros are already assigning it and golf parents are already carrying it.

For a game famous for its complicated rules, that's no small win. Where's the Golf Ball? The Rules of Golf Simplified from Tee to Green is available now. Learn more at brookelinpowers.com.