Golf Unplugged

Golf has always been more than the scorecard's bottom line, more than fair-ways and greens, even more than a restorative pop in the 19th hole. With niblick-sharpened wit, golf writer Jim Apfelbaum wades knee deep into the historical second cut of rough in an engaging series of essays. The search uncovers eccentrics, heroics, failure and valor. The tales remind us that, despite the best intentions of "progress," little has changed for those who follow the little white ball-thankfully, and for good reason.

Jim Apfelbaum, 51, is immediate past president of the Texas Golf Writers Association and the author of five books, including, with Barbara Puett, bestselling Golf Etiquette and A Woman's Own Golf Book. Jim has also written for The Wall Street Journal and Golf.com.