From Booklist
Like so many golf stories, this one starts with a father's death. Pipkin, author of the quirky golf novel Fast Greens (1996), had allowed life to get in the way of his golf game, but as he attempted to come to grips with turning 50 and with the absence of his father (who introduced him to golf), Pipkin made a vow: he would take 10 strokes off his handicap in one year, and he would break 80 at Pebble Beach. His memoir of how he accomplished those goals is the kind of golf book that typically is easy to hate, especially for average golfers with little time or money to improve their games. Pipkin spent his year being tutored by the most respected golf teachers in the business (Ledbetter, Pelz, even Byron Nelson) and trying out what he learned on one revered links after another. And, yet, thanks to Pipkin's delightful self-deprecating humor (he is a former stand-up comic) and to his genuine humility in the face of so complex a game, this is one golf memoir that engenders more sympathy than envy. Bill Ott
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Book Description
As a kid caddying for his father on the sunburned links of West Texas, Turk Pipkin had dreamed of great achievements in golf. Unfortunately, life got in the way. A lack of talent didn't help much either. It was not until his father passed away that Turk realized he'd forgotten his childhood dream and had lost the simple joy he'd once found in the game.
Deciding that the time for all his pitiful golf excuses was past, Turk embarked upon the golf quest of a lifetime. For twelve months, he'd ignore work and other distractions, and dedicate himself to the game. He'd seek instruction from golf's greatest teachers, put the best equipment in his bag, and play the world's finest courses. His seemingly impossible goal was to take ten strokes off his 16-handicap.
With lessons from David Leadbetter, Dave Pelz, and Ben Crenshaw, and with spiritual guidance from great old men like Willie Nelson, George Plimpton, and Byron Nelson, Turk's epic journey carries him from Pebble Beach to Scotland and back again, where he risks everything on one final round for his father.
Follow Turk on the journey of a lifetime, and learn to love golf-and life- all over again.
About the Author
Turk Pipkin has had an eclectic career indulging in everything from comedy--he once toured with Rodney Dangerfield--to acting--he appeared in Christopher Guests' Waiting for Guffman, HBO's The Sopranos, Disney's The Alamo, and the upcoming film Friday Night Lights. He is the author of eight books including the critically acclaimed novel Fast Greens. Turk's writing has also appeared in such notable publications as T&L Golf, Golf Digest, Playboy and Texas Monthly.
Old Man and the Tee: How I Took Ten Strokes off My Game and Learned to Love Golf All over Again FROM THE PUBLISHER
As a kid caddying for his father on the sunburned links of West Texas, Turk Pipkin had dreamed of great achievements in golf. Unfortunately, life got in the way. A lack of talent didn't help much either. It was not until his father passed away that Turk realized he'd forgotten his childhood dream and had lost the simple joy he'd once found in the game.
Deciding that the time for all his pitiful golf excuses was past, Turk embarked upon the golf quest of a lifetime. For twelve months, he'd ignore work and other distractions, and dedicate himself to the game. He'd seek instruction from golf's greatest teachers, put the best equipment in his bag, and play the world's finest courses. His seemingly impossible goal was to take ten strokes off his 16-handicap.
With lessons from David Leadbetter, Dave Pelz, and Ben Crenshaw, and with spiritual guidance from great old men like Willie Nelson, George Plimpton, and Byron Nelson, Turk's epic journey carries him from Pebble Beach to Scotland and back again, where he risks everything on one final round for his father.
Follow Turk on the journey of a lifetime, and learn to love golf-and life-all over again.
FROM THE CRITICS
Publishers Weekly
In this breezy and enjoyable memoir, Pipkin (Fast Greens) recounts how he abandoned both family and career to shave 10 strokes off his golf game. After deserting the celebrity pro-am at Pebble Beach to rush to his dying father's bedside, Pipkin later returns to celebrate his father's memory by playing the dream round that his long-ailing father never got to play. But after he shoots a sloppy 89, the one-day tribute morphs into a year-long odyssey. Determined to return to Pebble a year later and break 80, Pipkin gets outfitted with a custom set of clubs and enlists the finest instructors in the country. Although he repeatedly complains about his dwindling bank account, he somehow finds the cash to install a $10,000 artificial putting green in his backyard and make a pilgrimage to Scotland's most hallowed courses. But Pipkin may have had some well-connected support-a few sections read like advertisements for Callaway Golf or the David Leadbetter Golf Academy. In the end, it turns out-somewhat depressingly-that to drop 10 strokes you simply need to be wealthy enough to forgo work and play luxury courses aided by the very best equipment and golf instruction available. Agent, Mike Harriot. (Sept.) Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.
Library Journal
On the death of his father, Pipkin (Fast Greens) vowed to reduce his golf score at Pebble Beach in one year as a memorial. Up to this point, his quest is an "everyman" sort of story. A few lessons here and there, a couple of extra hours of practice a week, perhaps a new golf club-these are within the grasp of most people. But Pipkin takes it to another level. First, new equipment fitted for him by Callaway. Second, lessons from highly acclaimed golf instructors David Leadbetter and Dave Pelz. Third, a practice green installed at home. These, of course, are available to anyone with sufficient financial resources. How many, though, are able to have a private putting lesson with Ben Crenshaw, a fraternity brother? Or play golf with Willie Nelson? The vicarious experience offered by Pipkin should appeal to most struggling golfers, even if they do invoke a little envy. But the real lesson is that will, dedication, and effort have more to do with success than topnotch equipment, lessons, and expense. Recommended for public libraries.-Steven Silkunas, North Wales, PA Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.
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