Book Review: G.O.L.F.

Does the acronym G.O.L.F. stand for "Greatest Of Life's Frustrations" or "Game Of Limitless Fun?" Well, the author of G.O.L.F., Lane H. Luoma, will tell you it stands for both (and I think I agree).

I loved this book! I'm not sure how, but Mr. Luoma has figured out how to put down into words every single thought that's ever crossed a golfer's mind - it's truly a rollocking read! What is more, he's done a rather good job penning this book to appeal to the non-golfer too.

In the preface, Mr. Luoma states "you certainly don't have to be a golfer to enjoy this book..." After reading that statement, I thought, "sure, what non-golfer is going to take the time to read this book?" But in all honesty, this book would greatly help those non-golfers understand the ups and downs their golfing buddies (or significant others) experience.

G.O.L.F. takes you on a journey of the game from those of us who experience it - from the pros to the Joes, the book levels the playing field, ignores handicaps and explains why everyone who's ever played this game can be frustrated beyond imagination, yet still overwhelmingly smitten with it all at the same time.

For example, let's take Chapter 8: "Warning! Hazardous to your Health (Mental)." The chapter takes you through an entire round, hole-by-hole, giving examples of what a terrible score you can end up with just because of strategicly-placed hazards (bunkers, lateral water, etc.). Yet after 17 nightmarish holes, you birdie the unbelievably difficult par 5, 18th-hole to finish on a high note and restore your love of the game. That, my friends, is golf.

From how luck (both good and bad) can affect your game; to being at the mercy of Mother Nature; to taking a look at some of the more interesting rules; G.O.L.F. lays-it-out as you've never read it before (oh, you may have thought it, but seeing on the printed page is a totally different experience).

Mr. Luoma takes golfers and non-golfers alike on a facinating voyage into what it really means to play this game - from chagrin to euphoria, it's all in this book.

You can purchase Mr. Luoma's book on the G.O.L.F. website, along with some other merchandise, including framed prints from the awesome artwork contained within its pages (I totally want that "Believe" print).

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