Behind the #$%*& Green A novel by Scott Simpson Reviewed by John K. Darling, SFG Founder

Sarcastic, cynical, bawdy, insensitive, irreverent, erotic, and above all laughable…more than once. Scott is the Don Rickles of golf literature. If you were offended by the Janet Jackson and Justin Timberlake performance at the 2004 Super Bowl this book is not for you. This is a man's book, but I read one review that mentioned that the wife of one reader said she was so intrigued at watching her husband read the book and laugh so much that she had to read it too. No word on her reaction. I hope they are still married.

However, if you are open minded and are looking for an insider's insight to the challenges and even the dark side of being in the golf management business you will enjoy "Behind the #$%*& green." Of course, the "dark side" may be a bright side to some aspiring young pros entering the field in the future.

Scott takes a jab at the developing golf management programs, which are now offered at 14 institutions of higher learning across America today. With over 16,000 golf courses in our country and with another opening every day, golf management is truly needed. However, as the book points out, don't expect to get rich. Get laid, yes, but probably not get rich. Get in trouble, probably yes too This book challenges the tennis pro as the number one scoundrel in the womanizing business, or monkey business. Politicians accepted of course

The main character of the book is Scott, sorry, Steve Hunter, who is the President and CEO of the Colinx Golf Management Company, which manages several courses in Colorado Springs. The book is about Steve's life in the business. You lose count of all the wives, women, and children as you read from one adventure to the next.

There is one chapter, which concerns a day at the miniature golf course with his 12 and 13-year-old daughter and son. You may roll on the floor when you read this one. If you have ever had teenagers you may relate. This chapter is rather irreverent as far as public decorum is concerned. Read the book to find out why.

Another memorable chapter near the end is about a Jewish wedding he booked to the dismay of his food and beverage manager. If you are Jewish or in the military, or not, you may drop to the floor again laughing. A Fort Carson battalion even gets involved in this one, with a little pay back for Steve Hunter.

If you enjoyed the movie "Caddy Shack," you will enjoy this book. It should be made into a movie…R rated, of course.

The book leaves no doubt that the golf management business is tough and it is most often the spouse of the professional. 24/7 is an appropriate term to apply to the business. I have gained much respect for those who pay the price to give all of us who play, or play at, golf the opportunity to do so on so many beautiful courses across America. I am pleased that Scott wrote this novel. I feel it is a great service to the industry and to the understanding of the industry by us hackers.

Scott! Write us another.

John