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The Darker Side of Golf

by Bill Dougherty

204 pages; quality trade paperback (softcover); catalogue #99-0047; ISBN 1-55212-296-4; US$17.50, C$23.00, EUR15.00, £10.40

Stories about the side of golf that golfers don't want to talk about. It's golf's version of Tales of the Crypt with a sadistically twisted sense of humor.

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about the book      about the author      a note from the starter      catalogue info

About the Book There are two sides to all things in this world, including the game of golf. There's a bright side and a dark side. Ever wonder where people hide their secrets, their dirty laundry, or their darkest fears? How could such a simple game get so bad? Follow me. The Starter will see you off on the first hole, but after that, you're on your own. Each hole is has its own story. Some holes you won't recognize, but others are as famous as the story that surrounds it. Just remember, you have to take it one hole at a time if you want to get to the end. And if you do, there's a stiff drink and nineteen survival tips waiting at the 19th hole. Now you could read those nineteen tips and leave it at that, but what fun would that be? Then you'd never know those secrets, dig through that dirty laundry, or actually face your darkest fear. It's only a game, right? Just fiction, this couldn't possibly happen. There's only one way to find out. Hit 'em straight.   Check out the Author's website, www.darkersideofgolf.com

About the Author Bill Dougherty is a retired Navy Journalist who spends his days as a civilian Public Affairs Specialist in the Naval Air Station Jacksonville Public Affairs Office, and nights delving into the macabre side of fiction. This is Bill's first published book and he is currently working on two novels and two screenplays. Bill lives in Jacksonville, Florida with his wife, Leila, son, Tim, and dog, Mikey.

A Note From The Starter

SO YOU LOVE GOLF. Good. Welcome.

Before you begin, however, a small reminder -- there are two sides to all things in this world ... a bright side ... a dark side. It's easy to look at the bright side, always positive, cheerful, happy. But many of us are afraid to get close to the darker side, the evil, danger ... death.

The one binding aspect is our love for golf, sometimes above all other things. Do you really love golf? Or do you just like it? Are you sure? Take the test...

Do you sneak money from your spouse or lover's purse or wallet to play?

Do you tiptoe out of the house before the sun rises so they won't know you've left until it's too late?

Does your whole workweek revolve around a tee-time for the weekend?

Are all your friends golfers?

Do you find yourself continually stopping at the golf section in department stores?

Do you always eyeball golf courses as you drive by?

Tough test. But an honest one.

So how good are you? A pro? Sunday hacker? Middle-of-the-road ball striker? Makes no difference, really. It's an addiction. One swing is all it takes. Like crack cocaine, you can't get it out of your system. You crave it, desire it, and want it more than sex or money. It runs through your veins, merges with your blood, and forges its will on your brain. There is no hope... there's only golf.

You can't help yourself. It's your destiny. That's why you're reading this now. You've seen the bright side, but there's that lingering question. What's on the other side, the darker one? Who's over there? What's it like? Will they be like me? Can I join a foursome?

The answers are coming. You'll see. It's just a game ... right? It's not real; it's just fiction. No truth to this at all. What could possibly happen if you read this?

Time to begin. We start at the First Hole, and if you're lucky, you may finish the whole eighteen. If not ... we'll pray for you ... maybe. If you do finish ... then join me at the 19th hole for some refreshments and a few tips about how to survive a lifetime playing in "The Darker Side of Golf."

Oh yes, just one final bit of advice. It's okay to laugh. People often laugh when they're scared. It takes the edge off.

Hit 'em straight!

Catalogue Information