Misfits on the Links: A golfer’s guide to freaks along the fairway
It makes sense that he would be, considering that he’s a golf and travel writer in his regular line of work.
During years of checking out golf courses and resorts, Zuckerman also couldn’t help noticing that many of the other playing guests tended to conform to one of a wide assortment of personality types.
Most of these folks are not the kind one would like to emulate, or be accused of being, or even be around with for very long.
On the other hand, Zuckerman managed to put a mostly light touch on this comic satire of some of the flawed folks he’s been partnered with during his rounds of research
Jeff Wong did the illustrations that fit perfectly with the descriptions. His caricatures called to mind some of the fine artwork I used to see as an avid purchaser of Mad Magazine a long time ago.
Each type is given a regular title along with a mock-scientific label, such as The Gadget Geek (Technus obsessus). A paragraph or two suffices to lay out the broad outlines, and the drawings are accompanied by a few more pungent comments that, for some, may bring out a rueful nod of self-recognition.
Zuckerman saves his prime vitriol for some of the truly wretched characters one meets on the links, such as sandbaggers, other kinds of cheaters (Clintonicus Ante Foozle), and heavy drinkers. He’s far kinder to other personalities that don’t deserve harsh treatment, such as cart girls and the old guys who play well despite the absence of length in their game.
The back of the book includes a handy blank form for the reader to identify those she knows who fit each of these categories. Once those blanks are filled in, however, this book should probably be kept under lock and key.
Some folks just have no sense of humor, y’know.
Review Date: May 6, 2006