Review by Taba Dale

It starts in summer. In fact, all three parts of the trilogy are set in summertime.

The book is cleverly written as three seamless novellas. Distinctly different but all connected. We follow the characters so willingly. The complex web of personalities is entertaining and engaging: until the Part One ends tragically. Once we recover from the shock, we can carry on … and partake in the progress of a young man who discovers and ably describes “the admirable traits and foibles of human beings.” The trilogy’s protagonist is Arlo “Looper” Litton, who works first as a caddie, then a grounds crew member, and finally a pro shop attendant at a suburban Chicago country club in the early 1960s.

Mike Stott, who in January 2019 earned induction into Collegiate’s Athletic Hall of Fame, says, “The experiences I had as a caddie (in ’60 and ’61) were the seeds for some of the tales in the book. Others are imagined but based on reality.” Interestingly, Stott said, “The summer before I got the job on the grounds crew, I caddied for a Mrs. Peck. I don’t remember her first name, so I gave her one (Lucy). She had a very unusual set of clubs. They were almost all woods. In the book, Mrs. Peck had all woods except for her putter.” There are several GHS members who could probably relate to that.

But even more fascinating is the fact that after writing Part One and Part Two there was a 24-year gap before Stott wrote Part Three. He completed the manuscript in early 2019. Then began the editing process.

For those of you who ask, “How long does it take to write a book?” Here is one astonishing answer! Michael J. Stott holds a Master’s degree in journalism from Ohio University and a Bachelor of Arts degree in history from The College of Wooster. He wrote his first golf article in 1962. His writings have appeared in GolfWeek, Virginia Golfers and Superintendent News/TurfNet. His caddie credentials include carrying for the state champions and competitors in USGA national championships.