Synopses & Reviews
“No one can completely cover the game of golf like Bill Pennington and no book can comprehensively tell the story of the sport with the same wit, wisdom and knowledge like
On Par. "—Jim Nantz, CBS Sports
Bill Pennington, the voice of the everyday golfer, has traveled the globe in search of golf’s essentials—those basic principles, those ultimate truths (and, who are we kidding, any trick or quick fix he can pick up along the way) that will improve anyone’s game. He has consulted elite golf instructors as well as countless caddies, groundskeepers, parking lot attendants, and bartenders. He has played rounds with Tiger Woods, Annika Sorenstam, and Justin Timberlake. He has spoken with psychiatrists, economists, and Zen masters. On a particularly bad outing, he even discoursed on the fickleness of golf with a wise raccoon.
In On Par, Pennington distills this wisdom in an insightful guide to the game. From equipment to the language of golf, from camaraderie to the short-game/long-game debate, Pennington informs and entertains readers as he gets to the essence of the game, including that Holy Grail, the hole in one. Part instruction, part therapy, and shot through with Pennington’s trademark wit and humor, this is a book for everyone who has felt the game’s distinct pull—and slice.
“A phenomenal guide . . . As all golfers know, the sport is about more than being able to hit a good shot and this book takes you through the journey, arming you with everything you need to know.”—Annika Sorenstam
“If you like golf, you’ll like [this book] . . . On Par blends practical advice for beginners . . . golf history . . . trivia . . . and Pennington’s entertaining dispatches from out on the course.”—NPR’s Only a Game
Review
"
No one can completely cover the game of golf like Bill Pennington and no book can comprehensively tell the story of the sport with the same wit, wisdom and knowledge like
On Par: The Everyday Golfer's Survival Guide."
-- Jim Nantz, CBS Sports "As a regular reader of Bill's On Par column in The New York Times, I was wondering what fertile golf terrain could possibly be left for him to farm? I soon found out his surplus was even better. And I know he can dig with the best of them. I played a round of golf with him!"
-- Dan Hicks, NBC Sports Golf Host "Bill Pennington takes his first-hand experience as a golfer, as well as his years of getting to know professionals, and delivers a phenomenal guide to the sport I love so much. He does a great job of breaking down the fundamentals of golf to something everybody can enjoy and understand. As all golfers know, the sport is about more than being able to hit a good shot and this book takes you through the journey, arming you with everything you need to know."
--Annika Sorenstam "Put a copy of Bill Pennington's On Par on your shelf and another copy in your golf bag. Often funny, always smart, Pennington zeroes in on the essence of a royally crazy old game."
--Kevin Cook, author of Titanic Thompson and Tommy's Honor "One of the great joys during the golf season is reading Bill Penningtons golf page, 'On Par,' in The New York Times each Monday morning. Imagine that - a whole page devoted to all things golf! My heart be still. And now we have this wonderful book thats much more than my Monday morning read. Trust me, if youre an avid golfer, youll devour each and every word."
-- Martin Davis, golf historian and author, The American Golfer "On Par is the ideal guide for golfers who dont hit their pitching wedge 160 yards, get paid for wearing white belts, or hang out with Las Vegas cocktail waitresses. And it wouldnt do those other guys any harm, either."
- David Owen, author of My Usual Game
Synopsis
Quick access to the best advice for golfers of all levels.
This richly illustrated handbook is a godsend to anyone who wants to improve his (or her) game--beginners, weekend duffers, and country club regulars alike. Its snappy entries are written by the world's most renowned experts--great touring pros, golf instructors, and the respected writers of Golf Digest. Put it all together with helpful photos and step-by-step instructions and golfers get a treasure trove of guidance to navigate the game and lower their score.
Whether golfers are trying to rid themselves of a wicked slice, have trouble getting out of sand traps or can't shake the yips as they're trying to putt out, here's the wisest advice available. The book also contains concise explanations of the rules of the game and tips on etiquette--including how to play a round with the boss.
What's a Golfer to Do? is packaged in a compact format, so it can be tucked into a golf bag. It is also filled with useful pointers, why-didn't-I-think-of-that tips, and a great dose of golf humor.
Synopsis
This richly illustrated handbook is a godsend to anyone who wants to improve his (or her) game--beginners, weekend duffers, and country club regulars alike. Its snappy entries are written by the world's most renowned experts--great touring pros, golf instructors, and the respected writers of "Golf Digest."
Synopsis
Inspired by his New York Times weekly column "On Par," Bill Pennington has created a delightful compendium of all things golf that no golfer—whether a weekend duffer or a PGA pro—can afford to miss. Part instruction, part education, part hilarity, On Par is the go-to guide for the twenty-first-century golfer.
About the Author
BILL PENNINGTON is an award-winning sportswriter for the New York Times. A former syndicated columnist, Pennington was a beat writer who covered much of Billy Martin's tenure with the New York Yankees. A fifteen-time finalist and six-time winner of the Associated Press Sports Editors' annual writing award, Pennington lives with his family in Warwick, New York. This is his fourth book.
Table of Contents
Introduction xi
1. Essential Golf 1
2. The Rules of Golf 20
3. The Language of Golf 42
4. Being a Good Golf Partner
(and Surviving a Day with a Bad One) 56
5. Youre Not Alone Out There 79
6. If You Had One Wish . . . 99
7. Our Biggest Fears 115
8. Golfing Gods 139
9. Golf Is a Sport; Are You Game? 162
10. Golf Safety 180
11. The New Culture of Golf 193
12. Shanks, Choking, and
Other Tales of the Dark Side 214
13. Nine Places Every Golfer Should Play 245
14. Golfs Holy Grail 276
Acknowledgments 287
Index 289