Golf, Naked vs. Golf Nude

I received an interesting comment to my post about “What is Golf, Naked?” from a Naturalist who seemed offended that I might suggest that people shouldn’t be golfing au naturel.

Obviously the title of the book was intended to be a bit of a joke, and frankly was a stroke of marketing genius. It’s eye-catching, that’s for sure. In fact, the book was completely written - and it still didn’t have a title that my team and I were happy with. We had a working title of “The Unwritten Rules of Golf - In Writing“, but I really didn’t want to give the impression that it was another rehash of the Rules, or that anything about the game should be that rigid. In fact, this is an area that my naturalist friend, Tom and I share the same philosphy - life, and golf, should be about having fun and doing what makes you feel comfortable.

So there I was, days away from sending the book to press without a title. I was visiting my physical therapist (who is a also a good friend) and we were talking about this ‘little’ problem. As he was walking away he looked over his shoulder and said, “To heck with it, golf naked…” I felt like I’d been struck by lightning. It was perfect. I called a few people and they all agreed. The more we started re-reading the book with the new title in mind, the better it got. I didn’t have to re-write a single word to make it match the concept of Golf, Naked. It completely sums up the idea that people feel exposed on the course, that golf can truly reveal the inner character of the player, and that when you strip away all of the conventions and other things surrounding the game - at it’s core it’s about having fun with people you enjoy.

At every book signing or appearance I make, I always hear the same joke dozens of times “I don’t think you want to see me golfing naked.” My response is usually a laugh and the comment that “Golf Naked is a philosophy, not a recommendation.” However, the more I think about it, it is a recommendation. Strip yourself and the game bare, and really get down to it. Have fun, without worrying about what other people think. Be comfortable with yourself and your game.

Tom, Golf Naked and Golf Nude are two different things. I have absolutely no problem with either. In fact, I would love to bring Golf, Naked to a Golf Nude event (I assume there are such things) for a signing and a great experience.