‘Fathers’ by Robley Wilson Jr.

Fathers by Robley Wilson Jr., 1983

The magic trick:

Highlighting some of the more technical aspects of golf

There aren’t many short stories about golf. Outside of P.G. Wodehouse, I guess.

Personally, I don’t see that as a shortcoming of the form.

But others, I assume, enjoy golf as well as short stories, and they might be quietly sad about the lack of entries in that particular set of concentric circles.

So, this one is for you.

“Fathers” highlights some fairly detailed technical aspects of the sport of golf while it tells its tale.

And that’s quite a trick on Wilson Jr.’s part.

The selection:

The seventh green was at the top of a broad hill, trapped on both sides and at the back. From the foot of the hill where the man’s fourth shot had landed, the flag was hidden, and he stood for a long time pondering. His golf bag – plaid, its leather trim badly scuffed – lay on the fairway behind him.

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