The Bluffer's Guide to Golf (Bluffer's Guides) by Adam Ruck
| The Bluffer's Guide to Golf (Bluffer's Guides) by Adam Ruck | |
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| Category: Sport | |
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Reviewer: Peter Magee
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| Summary: A book which will be appreciated by golfers and non-golfers and which packs a surprising amount of information and advice into a small space. | |
| Buy? Yes | Borrow? Yes |
| Pages: 128 | Date: April 2013 |
| Publisher: Bluffer's | |
| External links: Author's website | |
| ISBN: 978-1909365322 | |
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The fly leaf suggests that this Bluffer's Guide is the way to instantly acquire all the knowledge which you need to pass as an expert in the arcane and labyrinthine world of golf. There's quite a bit there that I'd agree on - the rules (and to an unfortunate extent the attitudes) are arcane and they seem to take a lifetime to master, but there's a surprising amount of information tucked away inside this little book. What I might quibble with is whether or not you would pass as an expert (which suggests that you're something of a con man): there's enough detail here to give you a solid grounding without needing to bluff.
As a golfer you need to know the basics of playing the game - how to get that little white ball into the hole which seems seems a long way away when you start out, the rules which control what happens in all sorts of strange situations and the etiquette which dictates how you act and dress when you're within spitting distance of a golf course. Not that a golfer would spit, of course...
The book is witty and full of little gems of information, such as Mary, Queen of Scots being the first lady golfer. She caused a scandal when playing at St Andrews only days after the murder of her husband, Darnley. Your reaction to whether or not this was scandalous depends, of course, on whether or not you are a golfer. Moving beyond history the first point to be covered is the look and the advice here is sound - avoid the obvious logos and vulgar external label (unless you have a good sponsorship deal on the go). It's probably better for your pocket too.
The book is similarly sound on equipment. Even experienced golfers will smile at the description of the driver as the longest club in the bag, and the longer it stays in the bag, the better. Thankfully most Clubs have shed the rather stuffy image which put off so many would-be golfers in the past, but sadly a few remain and if you do find find yourself at one of those this guide will safely escort you past the most obvious faux pas.
Don't be put off by the bluffer image: this book has good advice and solid information delivered in a witty manner. It makes for very easy reading and will be a pleasure for the golfer and non-golfer alike. I'd like to thank the publishers for sending a copy to the Bookbag.
You might need Decisions on the Rules of Golf 2010 - 2011 by Royal and Ancient.
Confused by all these strange dress codes? The Bluffer's Guide to Etiquette will stand you in good stead.
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You can read more book reviews or buy The Bluffer's Guide to Golf (Bluffer's Guides) by Adam Ruck at Amazon.co.uk Amazon currently charges £2.99 for standard delivery for orders under £20, over which delivery is free.
You can read more book reviews or buy The Bluffer's Guide to Golf (Bluffer's Guides) by Adam Ruck at Amazon.com.
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