The Bogey Man: A Month on the PGA Tour

This is not a "how to do" book but an insight into the world of golf as seen through the eyes, or shall I say words, of George Plimpton. It's a great read, and as of this writing, I'm almost half way through. I am enjoying this book, and as a new golfer, I am pleased to realize my errors are not mine alone. If you like and hate golf this is the book for you. Read it.

Back way back when there were East Coast types that placed a high premium on what the English would call the glory of amateurism. So slip on that lime sports jacket and checked pink pants combo your grandpa used to wear, pour yourself a cocktail and meander out by the pool for some light evening conversation. Full of classic anecdotes like the one where two golfers are driving cross country and the one riding shotgun has a driver in his hand. Sometimes when they stop at a crossroads he likes to get out and take a few swings. Well out he gets one time and the driver doesn't notice, just takes off for about hundred clicks before he turns back.......

As old as it is, this is still an excellent get-well gift for men who lived and died with the Palmer et.al. era. One does not even have to be an avid golfer to enjoy the book. Only a casual knowledge of the game is needed. I feel this was the best of Plimpton's books.

Plimpton doesn't pretend to be anything other than what he is: a priveleged amateur of questionable skill who is afforded the opportunity to play in several west coast pro-ams with various professionals. He relates many anecdotes, both first and second hand, several of which are hilarious insights into a tour which hadn't, at this juncture, reached the sophistication which characterizes its status today. Plimton's typical self-effacing style makes this an enjoyable read.