I think we can all relate to Tom. He’s the main character in Sweetspot: Confessions of a Golfaholic, a book by John O’Hern that I recently had the chance to read. The plot of the book is quite relatable to many of us; Tom is addicted to golf.
Tom didn’t start out addicted to golf, in fact he only took up the game when his boss demanded he take it up. That’s where the addiction started. But like many of us, once he discovered the game, he couldn’t let go. It became an addiction that got between himself and his wife, Carol.
The characters in Sweetspot are what you might actually find at many local country clubs across the world; from the ex-Tour pro who takes Tom under his wing to the head pro who can’t stop chasing the ladies.
Throughout the book, Tom becomes more-and-more obsessed with golf; starting with trying to master Ben Hogan’s swing secrets to secret golf lessons, he just can’t get enough of the game.
I can honestly say that as an obsessed golfer myself who spends most of his day thinking about the next round, we can all relate to many of the storylines in Sweetspot. It’s very funny and entertaining. My wife asked several times while I read it what I was laughing at and all I could say is “This book is funny.”
I’m not going to tell you how the book ends, go buy it for yourself. Just know Carol finally puts down the ultimatum: “It’s either me or golf.”
And that’s something we’ve all heard at some point in our golfing lives!
About John:
During a decade in New York City as an actor which included off-Broadway roles, television commercials and print ads, John married his corporately employed wife and soon became the stay-at-home-father of Max, their first born.
Almost simultaneously John the writer was born. His initial foray into writing was
John’s next writing project was his two person play, Sweetspot Confessions of a Golfaholic, which was performed before packed houses of enthusiastic golfers in Connecticut. Sweetspot Confessions of a Golfaholic, the novel, is the off-spring of that play.
When not writing, teaching golf lessons at the local golf course or sneaking out for a quick nine holes, John is a regular on the local Storytelling circuit, using his natural comedic gifts to entertain. He co-founded Know Your Story to support rising storytellers learn the craft of creating and telling a compelling personal story or convey a business vision.
Author’s note: I discovered the secret to the golf swing this past winter and promptly lost it as soon as the course opened. It came back to me in full the day I finished this book.
Coincidence?…I think not.
Share your thoughts with the author: john@sweetspotthebook.com
You can find more information on Sweetspot: Confessions of a Golfaholic by visiting John’s website www.SweetSpotTheBook.com.
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