SGD $10
Spine intact.
James Dodson always felt closest to his father while they were on the links. So it seemed only appropriate when his father learned he had two months to live that they would set off on the golf journey of their dreams to play the most famous courses in the world.
Final Rounds takes us to the historic courses of Royal Lytham and Royal Birkdale, to the windswept undulations of Carnoustie, where Hogan played peerlessly in '53, and the legendary St. Andrews, whose hallowed course reveals something of the eternal secret of the game's mysterious allure over pros and hackers alike.
Throughout their poignant journey, the Dodsons humorously reminisce and reaffirm their love for each other, as the younger Dodson finds out what it means to have his father also be his best friend. Final Rounds is a book never to be forgotten, a book about fathers and sons, long-held secrets, and the lessons a middle-aged man can still learn from his dad about life, love, and family.
Final Rounds is a tribute to a very special game and the fathers and sons who make it so. -->
Amazon Reviews
Generational magic
By MagicSkip VINE VOICE on October 16, 2003
As a son of depression/WWII era parents, I often consider how the times affected my parents attitudes in life, compared to my own (born in the 60s) times. Now as a parent of two young teens, I also ponder how they will see those comparisons with my times. More importantly, I look for ways to take the eternal "life lessons" that I learned from depression era parents, and communicate those lessons to my Nintendo & Harry Potter generation kids. This book gives the answer -- it's in time and activities shared together.
My own father, a WWII B-17 navigator and POW, like Brax Dodson, had experiences that I simply can't fathom, that shaped his attitude and outlook on life. I could FEEL this book -- I grew up with my own "Opti". We golfed together, and he taught me about life. Unfortunately, like James Dodson, I was often too stubborn, too headstrong, or just too stupid to listen. Sometimes the wisdom of the prior generation is not so timeless. Sometimes the ways of our elders just don't fit the newer times. And sometimes they do, and us younger folks aren't smart enough to see it.
Dodson does a solid job of recognizing all of that, in a style that is self-effacing and self-deprecating enough to show that he honestly appreciates the wisdom of the ages. As I read, I kept yelling at the book "you ass, shut up and listen to the old man!" And then I would recall one of the many times when *I* should have shut up and listened to the wise words of my father, in a similar situation.
I *SO* wanted my dad to love this book, but he didn't particularly care one way or another. I still want my kids to read and love this book, though I've yet to inspire them to set Harry Potter down long enough to pick this up. I suspect that while Final Rounds tells me a great parallel story for my life, that it won't necessarily do so for my kids. But I will continue with finding some one place, maybe not a golf course, where we can always have a heart-to-heart.
For Lance Armstrong, "It's Not About The Bike"; for James Dodson, it's not really about the golf.
Fantastic and Moving
By Murdo M on March 1, 2005
I am scottish and learnt the game of golf from my father when I was 8. My father and I played courses all over scotland as well as in the united states. The game taught me much about myself, but also much about my father. Though nothing like "Opti", my father had his own valauble pieces of advice that he passed to me. I moved to Japan at 22 and two years later found out my father had a year to live. I was stunned and returned immediately to be with him. In fact he only lived 2 months, but in that time he and I played two more games of golf, only a stones throw from the course mentioned in this book, Gullane.
Now only 4 years on I found this book and on every page it strikes a chord with me. I remember my father and thank him for teaching me this wonderful game. As a scot, I of course have an unrelenting love for the game and reading this book and seeing courses in there that we played together is truly moving.
Not often does a book compell me to write a review, this book however makes me feel like a simple review will never do justice to how much I enjoyed this book.
Golfing Journey
By Ms. Clarity O. Thought on November 10, 2000
A wonderful account of a father and son coming to grips with the father's impending death. The father and son achieve a relationship not often sought by a parent and child. Without over-romanticizing the point, the book also nicely describes the unique and intimate experience that comes with spending time with someone on a golf course. Unfortunately, because "golf" is included in the subtitle, this book will be read almost exclusively by golfers. What a pity, because the real story is so much more. A touchy-feely book for sure, but one of the best "autobiographical" stories I have read in a long time. Makes me wish my father played golf.
Terrifc and very touching
By A. Cicogna on July 2, 2004
James Dodson understands how golf can bring two people together.
The emotions involved here with the game are very real and very powerful. For two family members, in this case, a father and son playing golf to get in touch with each other, speaks volume about the game itself. The father has only a short time to live, and decides to spend time with his son while playing golf. Very touching. This is what this game can do to people. In his book, James brings the two together with brilliancy. Golfers who love the game so much will understand. For those who do not play it or who do not understand the traditions associated with the game will have a hard time come to terms with what it means to be on a golf course.
The author brings together history, emotions and life experiences which become priceless as you reach the final chapter of this wonderful book.
Good show and great swing Mr. Dodson !!
great golf passion, enjoyable read
By Sheena Willough on August 20, 2003
i am a passionate scratch golfer and just lost my father....reading this book brought back so many strong memories about the game and the passion my dad and i share for the game, as well as the bond we had and still have. The author delivers great passion in his writing, the course of Scotland are heavenly, and having played st andrews, i know how special it must have been to have that final stroll with his father, wow, that was moving. I suggest this book to anyone that wants to feel good about themselves, their family relationships and to experience the internal love of golf.
A wonderful story that every father/son tandem should read.
By A Customer on July 2, 1999
This is, without exception one of the finest books I have ever read. Mr. Dodson and his father share an exceptional tie that every father and son should strive for. I continue to watch my relationship with my own father grow, and now know that I will have something to pass on to my children as well. Congratulations, Mr. Dodson on a wonderful literary work. I would reccomend this to anyone who has ever been a father or a son.
http://www.amazon.com/Final-Rounds-Father-Journey-Lifetime/dp/0553375644
Spine intact.
James Dodson always felt closest to his father while they were on the links. So it seemed only appropriate when his father learned he had two months to live that they would set off on the golf journey of their dreams to play the most famous courses in the world.
Final Rounds takes us to the historic courses of Royal Lytham and Royal Birkdale, to the windswept undulations of Carnoustie, where Hogan played peerlessly in '53, and the legendary St. Andrews, whose hallowed course reveals something of the eternal secret of the game's mysterious allure over pros and hackers alike.
Throughout their poignant journey, the Dodsons humorously reminisce and reaffirm their love for each other, as the younger Dodson finds out what it means to have his father also be his best friend. Final Rounds is a book never to be forgotten, a book about fathers and sons, long-held secrets, and the lessons a middle-aged man can still learn from his dad about life, love, and family.
Final Rounds is a tribute to a very special game and the fathers and sons who make it so. -->
Amazon Reviews
Generational magic
By MagicSkip VINE VOICE on October 16, 2003
As a son of depression/WWII era parents, I often consider how the times affected my parents attitudes in life, compared to my own (born in the 60s) times. Now as a parent of two young teens, I also ponder how they will see those comparisons with my times. More importantly, I look for ways to take the eternal "life lessons" that I learned from depression era parents, and communicate those lessons to my Nintendo & Harry Potter generation kids. This book gives the answer -- it's in time and activities shared together.
My own father, a WWII B-17 navigator and POW, like Brax Dodson, had experiences that I simply can't fathom, that shaped his attitude and outlook on life. I could FEEL this book -- I grew up with my own "Opti". We golfed together, and he taught me about life. Unfortunately, like James Dodson, I was often too stubborn, too headstrong, or just too stupid to listen. Sometimes the wisdom of the prior generation is not so timeless. Sometimes the ways of our elders just don't fit the newer times. And sometimes they do, and us younger folks aren't smart enough to see it.
Dodson does a solid job of recognizing all of that, in a style that is self-effacing and self-deprecating enough to show that he honestly appreciates the wisdom of the ages. As I read, I kept yelling at the book "you ass, shut up and listen to the old man!" And then I would recall one of the many times when *I* should have shut up and listened to the wise words of my father, in a similar situation.
I *SO* wanted my dad to love this book, but he didn't particularly care one way or another. I still want my kids to read and love this book, though I've yet to inspire them to set Harry Potter down long enough to pick this up. I suspect that while Final Rounds tells me a great parallel story for my life, that it won't necessarily do so for my kids. But I will continue with finding some one place, maybe not a golf course, where we can always have a heart-to-heart.
For Lance Armstrong, "It's Not About The Bike"; for James Dodson, it's not really about the golf.
Fantastic and Moving
By Murdo M on March 1, 2005
I am scottish and learnt the game of golf from my father when I was 8. My father and I played courses all over scotland as well as in the united states. The game taught me much about myself, but also much about my father. Though nothing like "Opti", my father had his own valauble pieces of advice that he passed to me. I moved to Japan at 22 and two years later found out my father had a year to live. I was stunned and returned immediately to be with him. In fact he only lived 2 months, but in that time he and I played two more games of golf, only a stones throw from the course mentioned in this book, Gullane.
Now only 4 years on I found this book and on every page it strikes a chord with me. I remember my father and thank him for teaching me this wonderful game. As a scot, I of course have an unrelenting love for the game and reading this book and seeing courses in there that we played together is truly moving.
Not often does a book compell me to write a review, this book however makes me feel like a simple review will never do justice to how much I enjoyed this book.
Golfing Journey
By Ms. Clarity O. Thought on November 10, 2000
A wonderful account of a father and son coming to grips with the father's impending death. The father and son achieve a relationship not often sought by a parent and child. Without over-romanticizing the point, the book also nicely describes the unique and intimate experience that comes with spending time with someone on a golf course. Unfortunately, because "golf" is included in the subtitle, this book will be read almost exclusively by golfers. What a pity, because the real story is so much more. A touchy-feely book for sure, but one of the best "autobiographical" stories I have read in a long time. Makes me wish my father played golf.
Terrifc and very touching
By A. Cicogna on July 2, 2004
James Dodson understands how golf can bring two people together.
The emotions involved here with the game are very real and very powerful. For two family members, in this case, a father and son playing golf to get in touch with each other, speaks volume about the game itself. The father has only a short time to live, and decides to spend time with his son while playing golf. Very touching. This is what this game can do to people. In his book, James brings the two together with brilliancy. Golfers who love the game so much will understand. For those who do not play it or who do not understand the traditions associated with the game will have a hard time come to terms with what it means to be on a golf course.
The author brings together history, emotions and life experiences which become priceless as you reach the final chapter of this wonderful book.
Good show and great swing Mr. Dodson !!
great golf passion, enjoyable read
By Sheena Willough on August 20, 2003
i am a passionate scratch golfer and just lost my father....reading this book brought back so many strong memories about the game and the passion my dad and i share for the game, as well as the bond we had and still have. The author delivers great passion in his writing, the course of Scotland are heavenly, and having played st andrews, i know how special it must have been to have that final stroll with his father, wow, that was moving. I suggest this book to anyone that wants to feel good about themselves, their family relationships and to experience the internal love of golf.
A wonderful story that every father/son tandem should read.
By A Customer on July 2, 1999
This is, without exception one of the finest books I have ever read. Mr. Dodson and his father share an exceptional tie that every father and son should strive for. I continue to watch my relationship with my own father grow, and now know that I will have something to pass on to my children as well. Congratulations, Mr. Dodson on a wonderful literary work. I would reccomend this to anyone who has ever been a father or a son.
http://www.amazon.com/Final-Rounds-Father-Journey-Lifetime/dp/0553375644
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