The Rub of the Green

by William Hallberg

Book Overview

Hailed by bestselling author Walker Percy as "brilliant and highly original," this funny, touching, and very moving novel by the author of The Soul of Golf chronicles one man's glorious victories and bitter defeats in the most challenging sport of all: life. The son of a devoutly golf-hating dad, Ted Kendall comes to embrace the sport as a way to soothe his grief after his mother's death. Then his knack with a club lands him a scholarship to Ohio...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0553347349
• ISBN13: 9780553347340
• Release Date: January 1989
• Publisher: Bantam Books
• Weight: 0.75 lbs.

Customer Reviews

For anyone who appreciates golf or wishes they did -

Hallberg's first novel is a fascinating account of the trials and tribulations of a rookie PGA Tour golfer told with flashbacks in alternating chapters to give some context to his current incarceration for trying to run over his best friend and fellow golf pro. Shades of Carl Hiassen. The prison farm where he ends up has what was once a 2-hole golf course and our hero, with much initial reluctance, brings it back to life over the course of his sentence - bringing himself back to life and golf at the same time. When he finally decides to play the restored course with a fellow con as his caddie, we know he's rediscovered more than just his swing. A good read that delivers all the elements - interesing story, characters you care about and some unique insights into what golf does for the psyche. Highly recommended.

classic "must have" for any avid golfer

The dual story lines and time frames keeps the reader interested. This is a keeper for any golfer, especially father-son combos. The main character's love for the greatest game was portrayed brilliantly no mater what life offered him.

I can't wait to get my hands on it again!!

I've read this book several times and still find new details each time. The author is brilliant in his format of two story lines...it truly keeps the reader hooked. William Hallberg provides wonder images and is obviously both very passionate about his writing and his golf game.

This book is good enough to read over and over again.

I read this book several years ago and have been trying to find a copy ever since. Even wrote the author, William Hallberg. I am so please it is being republished.

This is a great golf novel

This is a thoroughly enjoyable book. It is the story of a true golf lover who struggles through life, culminating in a brief stop on the pro tour. It is told in 2 separate narratives, each composed of 18 chapters, and culminates in a bittersweet, realistic ending. Original.