A Son of the Game: A Story of Golf, Going Home, and Sharing Life's Lessons

By James Dodson

Book Overview

When acclaimed golf writer James Dodson leaves his home in Maine to revisit Pinehurst, North Carolina, where his father first taught him the game that would shape his life and career, he's at a point where he has lost direction. But once there, the curative power of the sandhills region not only helps him find a new career working for the local paper but also reignites his flagging passion for the game of golf. And, perhaps more significantly, it inspires him to try to pass along to his teenage son the same sense of joy and contentment he has found in the game, and to recall the many colorful and lifelong friends he has met on the links.

This wise memoir about finding new meaning through an old sport is filled with anecdotes about the history of the game and of Pinehurst, the home of American golf, where many larger-than-life legends played some of their greatest rounds. Dodson's bestselling memoir Final Rounds began in Pinehurst twenty-five years ago, and now A Son of the Game completes the circle as it follows his journey of discovery back to where his love of the game began-a love that he hopes to make a family legacy.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1565129784
• ISBN13: 9781565129788
• Release Date: April 2010
• Publisher: Algonquin Books
• Length: 292 Pages
• Weight: 0.70 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 5.5" x 8.3"

Customer Reviews

Dodson aced this one!

This was a totally charming book that captivates the reader and draws one to both the game of golf and the Pinehurst /Southern Pines area. The reviewer, P. Flanagan, is grumpier than the old eye doctor Dodson writes about with such loving eloquence. Not sure what angst the reviewer was talking about -- this is practically of love story; in fact it truly is -- with the game, with family and with a smalll town that makes you want to call it home.

A pleasing return to the sandhills of Pinehurst

For golfers age 17-70. James Dodson's best-selling memoir "Final Rounds" got me hooked years ago and now "A Son of the Game" follows his marvelous journey of familial renewal and the positive impact of the game upon family members. It takes us all back to where a love of the game finds its genesis for many American golfers. A lover of the game and all the courses at Pinehurst, I could not put it down. Dodson's smooth swing is exceeded only by his superb writing skills. Enjoy! John E. Cashwell

A Son of the Game

Like no other author Mr. Dodson captures the heart & soul of golf. Through his own experiences, and that of family and friends he brings the sport so many toil over for hours, a refreshing life and reality. More importantly he captures much more than the passion golfers have for this game, he tells the story of life which parallels the ups-and-downs this game show us so well. Great stuff Mr. Dodson! Thank you for another great read!

A Son of the Game

This is an excellent and enjoyable book. I previously read James Dodson's book about Ben Hogan and enjoyed his writing style, this is what caused me to pick up this book. I thourouly enjoyed this book and found myself reluctant to put it down. If you have a son or daughter and have taught them the game this will even mean more to you. I really wish James could have had some more time with Harvie Ward because I would love to read a book about him. It has always intriqued me about his talent and how he dissappeared into obscurity. If you are interested in golf, the history of golf and the people affected by the game, this book is for you. I highly recommend this book.

Pinehurst - The best town in America

A Son of the Game is an awesome read. perfectly befitting of the saying "the smaller the ball, the better the writing." The stories of Pinehurst are wonderfully told. I like about three million other people knew Harvie Ward. I was blessed to have him teach me golf as a teenager and adult. Jim tells his story wonderfully.