A Nasty Bit of Rough - Truth is stranger than fiction
~700 words. 4 minute read.
David Feherty is no stranger to humor, humanity, and the soul of golf. In A Nasty Bit of Rough, he offers a wickedly funny and profoundly relatable take on the quirks of the game, wrapped in a fictional tale that feels as alive as a day on the links. But beyond the laughs and the over-the-top eccentricities of the story, there’s something much deeper at play: a celebration of the relationships that make golf what it is.
Feherty’s book is ostensibly about a rivalry between two fictional golf clubs, but at its heart, it’s about the bonds forged between characters through their shared passion for the game. Whether it’s the ribbing banter between friends, the quiet wisdom passed from an elder to the younger generation, or the unexpected camaraderie that blooms during competition, the story accomplishes what we, at Rich Golf Guys, call "redefining wealth."
The Characters That Make Golf Come Alive
One of the book’s biggest strengths is its cast of unforgettable characters, each of whom embodies a different slice of the golfing world. Here’s a quick look at the main players (you’ve met a least a few of them in real life!):
Farquharson "Farquhar" Pomfret-Smythe: The quintessential eccentric aristocrat, Farquhar leads the Oggs Hill Golf Club with flair and an unshakeable belief in the superiority of his club. With a penchant for absurd strategies and over-the-top speeches, he represents the tradition and, let’s be honest, occasional absurdity that comes with old-school golf culture.
Hector McGregor: Farquhar’s foil, Hector is the rugged, straight-talking leader of the rival club, the Blightly Golf Club. With a sharp wit and a passion for the game that runs as deep as Farquhar’s, he adds a dose of realism and grit to the story while highlighting the beauty of friendly (albeit heated) competition.
Samantha "Sam" Pomfret-Smythe: Farquhar’s sharp-tongued niece, Sam is as skilled with a putter as she is with a cutting remark. She’s a modern golfer who challenges the traditionalists around her, bringing a fresh perspective to the sport. Her character reminds us that golf is as much about progress as it is about tradition.
Caddy "Tugboat" Simmons: Every great golf story needs a larger-than-life caddy, and Tugboat delivers. With an encyclopedic knowledge of the game and a knack for delivering wisdom wrapped in hilarity, he’s the glue that holds the Oggs Hill team together.
The wealth Feherty uncovers isn’t measured in birdies or trophies—it’s found in the laughter that echoes across fairways and the way a shared obsession with golf can knit people together, even when personalities couldn’t be more different. It’s in the jabs you trade with your buddies when someone lands in a bunker and the moments of triumph when a friend sinks an impossible putt.
A Celebration of Golf’s True Riches
Here’s the genius of Feherty’s writing: he doesn’t just describe the relationships that golf builds; he revels in them. He shows how the game gives us permission to drop our guard, connect with others, and experience the rare joy of being fully present in a moment. That’s a theme we hold close at Rich Golf Guys—golf isn’t just a pastime; it’s a bridge to community, friendship, and the kind of experiences that make life rich.
If you haven’t picked up A Nasty Bit of Rough, do yourself a favor and grab a copy. Not just for the laughs (though you’ll get plenty of those), but for the reminder of why we love this game. It’s not the perfect drive or the low score that keeps us coming back—it’s the people we share it with. Feherty captures that magic with wit and heart, and for that, we’ll happily raise a post-round drink in his honor.
So the next time you’re on the course, take a moment to soak it in. Laugh at the bad shots, cheer for the good ones, and don’t forget: the greatest wealth golf gives us isn’t the game itself—it’s the friends we play it with.
