Golf, Naked: The Bare Essentials Revealed, is a book by PGA member Greg Rowley that attempts to strip down all the pomp and circumstance of the game of golf, and make it easy for the new golfer to understand why you do certain things on the golf course.
Golf, Naked: The Bare Essentials Revealed by Greg Rowley
I’m sure at one point you’ve wondered Who should I tip on the golf course? When and how to gamble? How do you calculate a handicap-and why? These are the questions that get answered in this easy to read and entertaining book.
The 276 page book is divided in to five sections that go over topics like Golf 101 (the game, equipment, the golf course), preparing like a pro (how to practice, types of golf courses, dress code), what to do when your arrive at a golf course (difference between caddies and forecaddies, the handicap system), and golf instruction (full-swing and short game instruction/tips).
Golf, Naked will give you confidence. It offers the understanding that no one cares how well you play, because everyone is worried about their own actions. No one ever remembers your score. They will remember how you look and act. These tips and techniques will help you master the rest of the game – the real stuff that truly demonstrates experience, comfort, confidence, class, humility and ultimately, golfing grace.
Golf 101
As you read the book, you’ll notice a few recurring themes throughout the book, that are intended to help make certain points more clear. Rookie Mistakes: are common errors everyone has made or seen at one point or another in their golfing career. Pearls from the Pro: are words of wisdom and insight from Greg. Story Time: Stories and anecdotes that Greg has experienced or heard. History Lesson: Perspective on the game, equipment, and the rules of golf. Face Plants: We all fall on our faces and have a lousy golf performance, but somebody has probably done worse. If I ruled the world: Wishful thinking by Greg on how he would change the some the customs or rules.
How Not to Dress for the Golf Course
One of my favorite stories in the book had to be Chapter 6 Rookie Mistakes story about what Troy Blood wore to the club’s Pro-Am tournament. Troy who had no prior knowledge on what is appropriate to wear on the golf course wore an outfit we’ve all seen at one point or another and thought to ourselves, “Are you kidding me? Nice outfit.” Troy wore a see-through Seattle Seahawk coach’s shirt-unbuttoned to his mid-sternum, with haystack plumes of black chest hair. A camouflaged hunting cap, which only Boo Weekley can pull off in my opinon. A tattered pair of khaki cargo shorts, that would have been better served in the trash, than on the golf course. A brown belt, knee-high black socks (the Pièce de résistance of the entire outfit), and black shoes.
The point of the story is that golf fashion does matter and no matter what your skill level, don’t leave the house without looking in the mirror. You can’t control how people perceive you, but you can control how you present yourself. And in golf and any other endeavor, first impressions are the most important. And get this, while Troy looked ridiculous, he did manage to win the tournament.
Overall, Golf Naked: The Bare Essentials Revealed is a fun book that anyone who plays golf will enjoy reading, and those new to sport the book will serve as a great primer to this sometimes confusing and frustrating game.
Golf, Naked: The Bare Essentials Revealed
