Fore! Play

Geist, humorist and regular CBS commentator, takes on one of the most popular American pastimes, despite his obvious skepticism about golf's appeal. Geist (Little League Confidential) resents hearing his friends endlessly discuss their latest golf outing or having to schedule his dental appointments around his dentist's games. ""What is it about this sport? Is it a sport? I mean are there teams? Uniforms? Stadiums? Coaches? Cheerleaders? Hot dogs and beer? Bench-clearing brawls? Any of that stuff they have in real sports?"" he quibbles. Ever the adventurer, Geist attempts to understand the widespread enthusiasm for the game by enrolling in an indoor class at a New Jersey elementary school in the middle of winter. The six lessons are just enough to get him started, and Geist goes to the driving range and then to the actual course. Disregarding his snail-paced improvement and persistent dislike of the game, he checks out the necessary paraphernalia at a Golf Merchandise Show, where he learns that there are special performance socks (""Now, how, exactly, will these socks perform for me?""), hand lotion, golf tension bands and so much more. He makes lots of suggestions for enriching the culture of golf, from playing in the carts, ""polo-style,"" to introducing a little spirit via cheerleaders, pep bands and bonfires. Geist's amusing, inimitable style will engage sports and humor fans alike, with particular appeal for those golf widows and widowers who share his displeasure with the game. This light, delightful jab at a leisure-class sport comes just in time for the spring golf season. (Apr. 25)