"Golf – it's a funny game" is a look at why so many are passionate about, what can be considered by non devotees, to be a silly game. Primarily it is a showcase of David's photography, but also an insight in to why participants are so besotted by the game. Dedicated "To all golfers who believe that they can do better tomorrow... or the next day" it is a lighthearted view at a challenging, frustrating and wonderful game.
Preface
"Golf - it's a funny game"
Golf, for most of us, is an exercise in futility. An opportunity to wallow in our delusional belief that we really can play the game. From time to time it actually happens. We hit the perfect drive, follow up with a laser accurate approach shot, and massage the long curling putt into the bottom of the cup. Each shot an exquisite display of our golfing pedigree.
Unfortunately, these shots are supposed to occur one after the other, not on a random or annual basis. But like a true believer we maintain our practise of the ritual. Hoping our blind faith and dedication will bring about a miraculous transformation. Despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary.
Now and then this steadfast faith in a good and just God of Golf is rewarded with a near perfect game. But we know we can do that little bit better. If only we practised more. Tried harder. Could relax. Had a personal coach. An Eastern Guru. A new set of clubs. A new hat. A new glove. Anything!!!
Yes... it's a never-ending cycle of ecstasy, frustration, anger, pleasure and hope. Just like life really, but much more important.
Quotes
"Most people play golf for the first time out of curiosity. Every time thereafter they are motivated purely by revenge." David Feherty
"I'm the best. I just haven't played yet." Muhammad Ali
"'The Zone'... I experienced it at Pine Valley this summer. Got so caught up in the place that I got sunburn on my teeth. I remember hitting great shots and some really bad ones, without a care for either. I just couldn't stop smiling and laughing. That is 'The Zone' for me. Falling in love with a golf course." Ian Andrew
"Golf: A day spent in strenuous idleness." William Wordsworth
"Golf is somewhere between a religion and a disease." Bill Vostinak
Review
Although small, this book packs a punch, due mainly to the author's wonderful Photographs of golf holes from around the world. But the book has more going for it than just an assemblage of nice photos. Scaletti shares with us some of the background behind the capture of these images, which helps add a human element to these scenes where golfers are absent. Not only that, he has also gathered a series of quotations from both renowned and obscure golfers, capturing just what the game means to them. These range from the amusing, "I'm the best, I just haven't played yet" from Muhammad Ali, to architect Bill Coore's more philosophical view "Golf takes us to that universal yet irregular place where we all experience its charms but no one can define them." That summarises aptly the appeal of this little book – one that would nicely complement any golfer’s library.
Neil Crafter Golf Architecture magazine (Issue 8, 2005)