A Disorderly Compendium of Golf

The obsessive book about the obsessive game, and more fun to read than a green at Ballybunion. Written by two authors who have misspent their lives in thrall to the sport, A DISORDERLY COMPENDIUM OF GOLF digs into the odd, the fascinating, the historical, the random, the unexpected, and the curmudgeonly, and serves up hundreds of pages of lists, anecdotes, humor, surprises, and the sheer compelling minutiae of a game whose pleasure lies in the details. It’s all here, including history: oldest courses, top 5 money-winners at 10-year intervals, the importance of James II of Scotland. Colorful characters, like the hustler who would bet you that he could roll out of bed in the morning and make a 40-foot putt on his first try, and his secret for doing it every time. Odd rules: Did you know you may take a free drop from a fireant hill but not from poison ivy? Good golf instruction—how to hit Phil Mickelson’s trademark flop shot—and confusing golf instruction: Tom Watson says “Never feel you’re reaching for the ball,” while Johnny Miller advises “ Reach for the ball. . . .” Embarrassing moments and helpful tips. The lexicon: professional caddie nicknames, terms for an ugly shot, names of golf balls. Plus gambling games, the grasses used in greens, unusual patents, Shakespearean quotes on golf, golf at midnight, longest and shortest holes . . . and more, and more.

After carefully reading reviews of this book I ordered it for my golf-crazed husband. I am sure he will enjoy this stocking-stuffer at Christmas because I have read a few excerpts myself, and I enjoyed them. The book arrived in good condition and in a timely fashion. I would purchase from this vendor again.

If you think you've heard every golf joke or bit of trivia involving the sport, this book will have plenty more tidbits you haven't heard yet.

but that makes it very entertaining. Amusing stories, pictures and one-liners. Also a lot of "fun to know" about courses and players.

This is a great book for all golf lovers. There are so many different types of information, you never get bored.

First and foremost, if you have a golfer you need to buy a gift for, look no more. This is especially true if you want said golfer to go off in a corner and be quiet for a number of days. A Disorderly Compendium of Golf grabs you won't let go. The only downside is you'll have to put up with your golf walking around the house, saying things like, "Did you know Jack Nicklaus finished in the top ten in all four annual majors five times in his career?" Granted, not inspired dinner conversation, but pure nirvanna to a golfer.