I've had a copy for years, and I don't even recall where I bought it.
I've always enjoyed Tom's candor and his writing ability going back to a series of articles in Golf Digest in the early 80's when he was a Cornell student and I was a jealous Chemistry major feigning interest in Organic.
I read mine often. I met a guy who is a member of several clubs in France the other day and went to the CG to check for a review on the courses just last night.
Love it, hate it... whatever . I never fail to get a feeling about a place and as Anthony says the passion is the winner.
I would guess Tom will see this, so I wanted to share an insight about Ballybunion that occurred to me while reading his review on the top course I'd play everyday if I could.
Much has been written about the relative poor value of holes 4 and 5 and Tom speculates it is a good way to eat up dull ground which I can't argue with. However, in my first trip (I was striking it pretty good then, probably as good as I ever was) back in 2001 , I went par,par ,bogey, out the gate, which was not a bad start , especially when you are jacked about where you are that day.
On both 4 and 5, with great (for me)three wood approaches, I had very makeable eagles but nutted out, two putted for birdies and went to 6 tee suddenly one under and palms sweating. Since that time I have appreciated that the opportunity to get in the red on a thrilling course early in the round is most memorable. So maybe the dull holes of 4 and 5 at Ballybunion are more strategic and can add more to the day than we think. Standing on the 7 tee under par looking out at the beach is as close as some of us will get to it.
Love the book myself.
That was a unique experience,but that's the beauty of the CG. If you can play it, you can compare. Fun and thought provoking.