The Poetics of Golf (Hardcover)

by Andy Brumer (Author)
Key Phrases: pure wine, golf boots, dream lessons, Ben Hogan, Tiger Woods, Sam Snead (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review
"Whenever I need a special insight on the old Scotsgame, either as an editor or a golfer, I always turn to Andy Brumer."-Al Barkow, golf writer and historian, and editor of the Journal of the Shivas Irons Society (Al Barkow )

"Anyone who thinks there's nothing new to say about this game should read this book."-Robby Krieger, lead guitarist/songwriter for the Doors and an avid golfer (Robby Krieger )

Product Description

Many golfers would agree with Andy Brumer that there is poetry in the game of golf. And Brumer is not the first to insist that there is more to the game than the superstars, swing gurus, and high-tech equipment that dominate talk of the game today. In this series of essays, Brumer, one of the most insightful writers on golf, considers the game from unexpected and often surprising angles. At once contemplative and compelling, The Poetics of Golf explores the links between golf and life by way of art and literature, philosophy and psychology. In portraits of various players—including Tiger Woods, Jack Nicklaus, Annika Sorenstam, and Arnold Palmer, among others—Brumer teases out the truths that their games can tell us, not just about golf, but about character and courage. And he also offers an unconventional yet enlightening look at the intricacies of the golf swing, course architecture, and golfing equipment. Finally, his book reveals to us—in its content and also in its wide-ranging, often lyrical style—that golf is by no means only a game.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 222 pages
• Publisher: University of Nebraska Press (October 1, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0803213654
• ISBN-13: 978-0803213654
• Product Dimensions: 8.6 x 5.6 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #855,290 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars A gold mine, February 16, 2009

By	jkwitz (La Crescenta, CA) - See all my reviews

I thoroughly enjoyed this book! I was also surprised at how much of it actually improved my game. Swing theory, equipment adjustments, practice routines, these were all discussed in ways that I had never heard before. There are some great interviews too. Mostly I enjoyed the reflection from a seasoned devotee to the game and someone who has played golf since his youth. This is a book I'm sure I'll read a few more times in years to come to mine everything I can out of it.

1.0 out of 5 stars Major problems , January 25, 2009

By	P. Flanagan (Iowa) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This book fails on so many levels it is hard for me to begin. At times it is merely silly and then it digresses into shameless name dropping. The chapter on dream lessons is utter nonsense and what he does to that classic haiku makes me want to stop playing golf. There is nothing new here and there is nothing inspiring. How those other reviewers can say those things, they must be his friends.

5.0 out of 5 stars Very Insightful Book..., April 21, 2008

By	John J. Mule "Cypress" (New Orleans) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This is a very insightful and passionate view of the game of golf. Suprisingly personal as well. I've been playing, studying, and reading about the game for over 35 years and this is one of the most original books I've read on golf. Mr. Brumer's views on life's experiences as they relate to golf will make you think about your own reasons for playing this game. His views on the playing and teaching of the game are based upon years of being exposed to some of its most original thinkers (Ben Doyle, Gregg McHatton, Bobby Clampett, etc). I don't believe Andy intended for this book to actually improve one's game but I can assure you - it will.