The Way of Golf

Founder and director of the nonprofit organization Keepers of the Game, Brown believes passionately in golf's graceful traditions. For him, getting out on the course is a way to reconnect with his father and recall the times they spent putting together years ago. Brown believes that almost every player has a similar passion for golf--whether it's a competitive instinct on the circuit or a spiritual connection with the game. Here, in a series of essays, Brown talks about the early days of golf, from the digging of crude holes in Scotland to today's computer-designed courses. He discusses the rules of the game, noting that ""strict rules define the essence of golf... know the rules and follow the rules. Hardly anyone does but following the rules provides wonderful structure."" Among the guidelines: players should drop the ball correctly on the ground to show the other players they know the game's conventions. People should play at a ""reasonable pace."" Players shouldn't bring their cell phones to the course. For Brown, golf should live up to its traditions, and he urges readers not to immediately adopt new trends, such as power carts or colored balls. Some sports fans may find Brown's serious approach to golf hard to take, but neophytes will find his essays an appealing introduction to the early, civilized days of the course. (Oct.)