With this book, the Chicken Soup series jumps on the "golf as a metaphor for life" philosophical bandwagon. For those so inclined, the compilers of the 101 anecdotes and inspirational pieces did their jobs admirably. Those not so inclined may still need convincing.

As with most collections, the book is best read in short bites, say two or three stories at a time, perhaps just before bedtime.

It’s not as if Chicken Soup is filled with playing tips, at least of the how-to-chip variety. Instead, the book focuses on the human interactions that take place while playing, and how the game influences those connections.

Here are some examples:

• Davis Love’s piece on how he learned a lesson in honesty from his father, first found in Every Shot I Take, is repeated here.
• A short version of Jim Dodson’s memories of the last rounds with his dying father, recounted in full in Final Rounds, reminds one of the human need to keep time for family.
• Nick Price’s moving tribute to his friend and long-time caddie, Jeff "Squeek" Medlen, shows how close the touring pro and his caddie can become.

David Owen has a nice piece on caddies, and Jerry Tarde and Dave Kindred were also tapped for few pleasant contributions. Not all of the writers are well-known, however, and some of their work is just as good.

Larry Pierson’s segment on some valuable life lessons he’s been taught by playing golf will hit home for the middle-aged duffers reading it. William Bowen wrote a good piece about two very senior golfers who knew what was important about their game together. Melissa Russell shows remarkable sensitivity in a junior golf tournament situation involving a mother and her lost son.

Not all of these stories are serious. Sprinkled here and there are some funny yarns and an occasional cartoon to lighten the mood.

Overall, however, the book is meant to be as inspirational as are many others in the popular Chicken Soup series. The editors met their goal.

Review date: August 15, 1999

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