Two Bites of the Cherry and Other Golf Stories

How could I resist befriending a man of such honesty, forthrightness and vision?

So my review of this new book by Ray A. March is tinged with unabashed warmth and respect.

But the truth is, it's a good read! If you're a fan of golf and like the back roads of the world looking for the fun experiences in the game, you'll enjoy reading "Two Bites of the Cherry."

The stories take you golf venturing to Hawaii, France, Scotland, Canada and all over the U.S. They are warm, funny and well written, because March is first and foremost a good writer. The fact that he writes about golf primarily these days is a blessing for the sport, much as it was to have had Herbert Warren Wind writing about golf for the New Yorker.

One of the better reads in the book is called "A Tour of Spanish Bay" which gives us wonderful insight into the designing of The Links at Spanish Bay. The author walks the under-construction course with Tom Watson, Robert Trent Jones Jr. and Sandy Tatum as they discuss their design concepts and possible modifications. Where have you ever had a chance to get this deep into the minds of three of golf's luminaries?

If I have one criticism of the book it is that I had no idea what the title meant until the very last story in the book. I wanted to know sooner.

But that's a finnicky complaint of an overall great golf read. There are not enough books of this nature on golf, as most are concerned with the PGA Tour, etc. March's contribution to golf literature is welcomed and overdue.


Travels with Ray   July 22, 2000
Fans of Steinbeck's "Travels with Charley" will love Ray March's account of his own journeys across America and elsewhere in pursuit of all things related to golf. And to March, that includes just about everything: weddings, cruises, wine, exercise-- and, of course-- golf. In "Two Bites" March ranges entertainingly across continents, interviews the likes of Michael Murphy and Jack Lemmon, and offers his own amusing and insightful experiences around this game so many love to hate or hate to love. It's the perfect book to carry in your golf bag and break out when you're waiting for the slow foursome of knuckleheads in front of you to find their quartet of lost balls. March is an excellent writer and his book is a fine companion to take along on your next golf trip.