From the Red Tees: Help, Hope, and Humor for the Women on the Green

Celeste Palermo
Cumberland House Publishing (2007)
ISBN 9781581825886
Reviewed by Susan Pettrone for Reader Views (7/07)


“From the Red Tees” is one of those books that every golfer needs. It is small, only 256 pages, but it is filled to capacity with common-sense knowledge, reminders and advice that even the most seasoned of golfers can take to heart and learn from. From the very beginning, “From the Red Tees” addresses the problems and important information female golfers need to know to play a round of golf and enjoy the experience as well. With  lighthearted humor intermixed with information and tips for women golfers, this book proves from page one that it is a hit for women golfers of all ages.  

Addressing preparedness is one of the chapter focus’ within this book. From the first sentence of this chapter, it is made evident through storyline and easy-to-understand information that being prepared is essential to any golfer’s game and something women in particular need to think about.   Covering “what to wear,” “sun protection” and much more, this is a chapter that even long-time golfers can benefit from, with its gentle reminders of essentials for the game. And on goes this fascinating book for women about the sport of golf.

Being somewhat of a novice myself in a family of avid golfers, I especially found chapter 4, “Fried Eggs and the Dance Floor,” to be one of the best chapters in the book. With its explanations of the acronyms so often heard in golf, basic information on equipment and places, and of course, phrases heard on the golf course itself, this was a great way for me to study up on my terminology and jolt my memory with the terms used on the course without feeling as if I were playing ‘catch up’ when I next visit the green. With its’ somewhat confusing phrases for the new golfer such as “the beach,” another way to say “sand trap,” “choke down,” a term used to describe moving ones hands further down on the club and “scramble,” when everyone hits and you choose the next shot to be hit from the best shot in the group.  I found this chapter to be exceptionally beneficial.

As this book goes along, the reader discovers a chapter entitled “How to succeed as a Mom and a golfer.”  I saw all too clearly the problems many women face when they have to choose between being a mother and a golfer. That is not to say that men don't have the same problems but let’s be honest here; it is usually Mom who sacrifices her round of golf to play “mommy”" and rarely does Dad do the same. Being a mom and a golfer demands a certain amount of finesse, planning, and, of course, adaptability, in order to make the mix work. In this chapter, the reader can see a new way of looking at this problem and how to mix motherhood and sport, so that each works out fine.

I found “From the Red Tees” to be, not just informational, but entertaining as well, with its light-hearted humor inserted within the pages, and its basics of golf presented in a new way. This book would make an excellent choice for any and all the female golfers on your list. It seems to me that with all the high school golf teams in the country, this would also be a great gift for the younger female golfer in your life. She would benefit from the facts and from the perspective the author gives when discussing the game of golf and how it fits within a woman's life.

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