What do you think?
Rate this book
A Nasty Bit of Rough
A NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER"Forget all that Zen stuff--Here's the Golf Book the Golf World Really Needs...In David Feherty, we've found at last not only a true Renaissance man but also a writer with the guts to address the important themes of the 21st century. In A NASTY BIT OF ROUGH, the operatic singer turned golf pro turned witty golf commentator turns into a golf novelist and discusses the world's most vital issues -- flatulence; alcohol consumption in vast quantities; male genitalia getting whacked, bitten, lanced, and shot; and more flatulence...The overly serious world of golf writing needed a good gut-buster, and Feherty has supplied it."--Sports IllustratedFirst Joyce, then Yeats, now Feherty. The tradition of Irish literary excellence continues, but with this of the three, only Feherty is funny. At once ribald, hilarious, esoteric, moving, and profound, David Feherty's A NASTY BIT OF ROUGH shares this quality with other original works of only he could have produced it. Pick this book up. If you don't laugh out loud at least once in every chapter, I will personally confiscate your splatter guard niblick.--Steven Pressfield, author of THE LEGEND of BAGGER VANCE"Golf's equivalent of the Hatfield-McCoy feud, with a cast of outlandishly eccentric duffers. If you're one of those people who think golf is a religion, prepare for some seriously funny blasphemy. A NASTY BIT OF ROUGH is the book S.J. Perelman would have written had he known anything about golf...and if he'd been taking steroids. Feherty's outrageous characters dance off the page."--Troon McAllister, author of THE GREEN"I didn't know Dad could write."--Rory Feherty, age 8"A NASTY BIT OF ROUGH is a pure delight, as I suspected it would be since the delightful David Feherty wrote it...Every golf nut will love this book."--Dan JenkinsP.G. Wodehouse meets Judd Apatow in the most hilarious and outrageous Golf Entertainment since CADDYSHACK.Meet a character only David Feherty could create, Major General (Ret.) Sir Richard Gussett, his riotous imaginary uncle who presides over "Scrought's Wood," the world's most cantankerous golf club. In this first volume of his misadventures, Gussett sets his sights on the most prestigious prize in golf, the petrified middle finger of St. Andrew, patron saint of Scotland.Gussett must motivate his merry band of members through battles with incontinence, single malt Scotch, peculiar handicaps, and a litany of other unmentionable afflictions in order to seize the finger in a "friendly" competition with their ancient rivals, the dreaded and notorious McGregor clan.Feherty's fanatical fan base will rejoice, the driving range addicted will tee off, the USGA will have "no comment," and anyone who loves the game or knows someone who does will be unable to resist Feherty's storytelling and golfing gravitas.David Feherty is the host of the talk show FEHERTY on The Golf Channel. The New York Times called him "a cross between Oprah Winfrey and Johnny Carson." A mainstay throughout the PGA golf season on CBS Sports as an on-course personality and commentator, Feherty is also the author of SOMEWHERE IN IRELAND, A VILLAGE IS MISSING AND IDIOT, AN IDIOT FOR ALL SEASONS, THE POWER OF POSITIVE IDIOCY, and DAVID FEHERTY'S TOTALLY SUBJECTIVE HISTORY OF THE RYDER CUP. Born and raised in Ireland, he now lives in Texas.
256 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2002
37 people are currently reading
136 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
November 15, 2007
I'm not a golf fan, but if the game was played like this, I think I might give it a try! You will not stop laughing.
December 22, 2010
Back in 2005 when Tom and I went to Ireland we each packed a couple of books for the trip. A Nasty Bit of Rough by David Feherty was one that Tom brought. The entire time he was reading it he was laughing, and not just a little chuckle here and there, we are talking about big, belly laughs, in the airport and on the airplane.
I figured it must be a good book and that I should read it but it was about golf, which is not a sport I’m interested in reading about. Well, I finally got around to reading it and I was not disappointed.
Publisher’s Weekly describes it like this...
“Scrought's Wood is the world's oldest and strangest golf course, so venerable it makes St. Andrew's look like a teenager. The membership has dwindled to nine, and the club, buried deep in Scottish gorse and heather, is virtually unknown to the outside world. Every 50 years, led by its owner and chairman Sir Richard Gusset ("Uncle Dickie"), its members compete in a golf match against the McGregor clan, a rough and ready gaggle of Scottish hillbillies, the prize being the petrified middle finger of St. Andrew, the patron saint of Scotland. Scrought's Wood, using very devious tactics, wins "The Digit," as it is known, only to have it stolen back by the McGregors while the old duffers are reveling in their victory. Scrought's Wood's members are gleefully eccentric, plagued by hilarious ailments, defects and unmentionable afflictions. For instance, when the outside world insists they allow a woman to join the club, one of the old-timers has a sex change operation.”
This book was absolutely hilarious. I’m so glad that I took the time to read this. I enjoyed it so much. There were nights that I was laughing so hard that I was crying. It’s not so much a story about golf but a story of loyalty and friendship peppered with moments of absolute hilarity.
I figured it must be a good book and that I should read it but it was about golf, which is not a sport I’m interested in reading about. Well, I finally got around to reading it and I was not disappointed.
Publisher’s Weekly describes it like this...
“Scrought's Wood is the world's oldest and strangest golf course, so venerable it makes St. Andrew's look like a teenager. The membership has dwindled to nine, and the club, buried deep in Scottish gorse and heather, is virtually unknown to the outside world. Every 50 years, led by its owner and chairman Sir Richard Gusset ("Uncle Dickie"), its members compete in a golf match against the McGregor clan, a rough and ready gaggle of Scottish hillbillies, the prize being the petrified middle finger of St. Andrew, the patron saint of Scotland. Scrought's Wood, using very devious tactics, wins "The Digit," as it is known, only to have it stolen back by the McGregors while the old duffers are reveling in their victory. Scrought's Wood's members are gleefully eccentric, plagued by hilarious ailments, defects and unmentionable afflictions. For instance, when the outside world insists they allow a woman to join the club, one of the old-timers has a sex change operation.”
This book was absolutely hilarious. I’m so glad that I took the time to read this. I enjoyed it so much. There were nights that I was laughing so hard that I was crying. It’s not so much a story about golf but a story of loyalty and friendship peppered with moments of absolute hilarity.
abandoned-didnt-care-for-it
July 25, 2014I really have grown to like David Feherty. Not many of us may remember him as a player, and not a bad one at that, but I do, and think that helps him as an on-course commentator. I didn't think his interview show on Golf Channel would turn into much, but it has become a very good show. I DVR it and look forward to most all his guests and their interaction.
Having said that, reading this book is like Feherty at his screws-loose best, but it just never stops, never lets up. Over 30 percent into it, I just couldn't go on. I'll say that many may like this book; I'm just not one of them, nothing against David at all.
Having said that, reading this book is like Feherty at his screws-loose best, but it just never stops, never lets up. Over 30 percent into it, I just couldn't go on. I'll say that many may like this book; I'm just not one of them, nothing against David at all.
March 4, 2009
hands down the funniest book i've ever read. i'm sure loving golf and listening to david feherty for years helped a little bit, but this was a frickin knee-slapper. i love books that get you laughing out loud hysterically. it's not so much a story about golf as it as a story about the people who invented golf. it's such a gentleman's game now, but this is all about getting drunk and competing against other drunks.
December 17, 2011
I highly recommend this book to everyone. I have no interest in golf yet enjoyed this book immensely. Guy I worked for opened up the trunk of his car to stash his coat before dinner. I picked this one out and started reading it at dinner. I laughed throughout the book.
I wish the author would actually get around to writing and publishing the sequel. The date for publication has come and gone without action. We can only hope.
I wish the author would actually get around to writing and publishing the sequel. The date for publication has come and gone without action. We can only hope.
May 19, 2011
This is, without a doubt, my favorite book ever. It was laugh out loud funny. I feel like it really transported me to another place. I felt like I was part of the cast of characters. They're living the life I wish I could live.
June 19, 2012
Laugh out loud funny! Feherty has a real knowledge of the game. Intertwine that with his comical style and it is a real winner.
July 16, 2012
It doesn't even matter if you like golf, this is one of the funniest books I have ever read. David Feherty is one funny bastard
November 30, 2022
Best Comedy book for Golfers I have ever read. You will not be disapointed!
October 3, 2018
The best of Feherty
This Ione of David Feherty’every clever and funny golf books. Think Caddyshack only funny and without the tedious parts. Of his six books this is probably the critical favorite because it i has an actual story with a plot and everything. In some of his other books he mentions hi favorite u le Dickie. In this book we get to revel in Uncle Dickie’s world and meet t ant of his bizarre friends. I learned early on not to be drinking anything while reading his books because at some point you will laugh uncontrollably and shoot your drink out of your nose. His book, Somewhere in Ireland a village is missing an idiot is a prime example of his clever self effacing humor and is definitely recommended as a read when you reall want a good laugh out loud
.Experience. If you are a golfer you will truly appreciate his humor in a way that non golfers cannot.
This Ione of David Feherty’every clever and funny golf books. Think Caddyshack only funny and without the tedious parts. Of his six books this is probably the critical favorite because it i has an actual story with a plot and everything. In some of his other books he mentions hi favorite u le Dickie. In this book we get to revel in Uncle Dickie’s world and meet t ant of his bizarre friends. I learned early on not to be drinking anything while reading his books because at some point you will laugh uncontrollably and shoot your drink out of your nose. His book, Somewhere in Ireland a village is missing an idiot is a prime example of his clever self effacing humor and is definitely recommended as a read when you reall want a good laugh out loud
.Experience. If you are a golfer you will truly appreciate his humor in a way that non golfers cannot.
September 7, 2017
Maybe it's my Celtic heritage, or maybe that I enjoy the game of golf, but I thought this book was just plain DAMN FUNNY! The more I get to know Feherty the more I like him. An irreverent sense of humor, making fun of Scots, Irish, and golf - what's not to like? Throw around names like "James Finkter" (who wouldnt make fun of that?), a bomb-disposal vet named "Tweezer", a drinker "Thirsty", the ancestral "Strangely-Smallpiece" to a womanizing Indian named "Poonsavvy" and a host of others - in full-contact "old rules" golf combat over the prized petrified middle finger of St. Andrew himself. This story had me hooked from the leading "When I was a snot-nosed youth in Ireland...", long live the club and funky members (and caddies!) of Scrought's Wood!
June 11, 2020
I read this book in high school, must have been at least 15 years ago. There’s a line that says, “live in the present old boy, for the present is all we ever have!” I cut that line out and taped it on my bedroom mirror.
This book is, pure and simple, FUN. I’d encourage it for any golfer, and I’d love to see the movie.
This book is, pure and simple, FUN. I’d encourage it for any golfer, and I’d love to see the movie.
August 18, 2021
This is the funniest book on golf I have ever read. It is also one of best humor books I have read in the last few years. Uncle Dickie is an absolute scream when it comes to protecting not just the game of Golf, but the very idea of Golf and how it applies to life.
I'm not going to risk spoiling a single thing, just go Find it, Buy it, and Read it already!
I'm not going to risk spoiling a single thing, just go Find it, Buy it, and Read it already!
February 1, 2018
I laughed a lot but the story was just not great. Cannot recommend reading this book. Sorry David.
May 10, 2020
If you think Gallagher smashing watermelons is funny, then you may like this—otherwise, pass.
June 27, 2024
Hilarious
September 17, 2024
Hilarious, from cover to cover.
October 8, 2025
Really got a kick out of this book. Feherty is a great writer and quite funny.
January 22, 2021
Loved this book! Fun & funny. I laughed out loud.
May 21, 2025
Didn't like it as much the second time around. For some reason I got it in my head that there was more of a description of the McGregor's Tey Club and their three hole golf course (Par is 70, I think), but there wasn't. I was looking forward to revisiting that. Also, it's totally unfinished! There's no resolution to the . Also, what about that wee bit of subplot about the young lady both McGregor brothers fancied who died under mysterious circumstances?? That's never returned to. Also also, for a book about warring golf families and their golf tournaments, there's not a lot of golf being played. Also also also....ah, never mind, it ain't worth the trouble. Still funny though.
August 15, 2015
I desperately need a new copy of this book, as I have re-read it at least five times! It's one of my favorite sports books of all time. I'll usually sit at the beach or by the pool with a beer and a few whiskeys, laughing hysterically!
The book is written by a fellow Irishman, Dave Feherty who is a golf broadcaster now. It sets the tale of a bitter rivalry between Scottish clans over golf prowess. The "good" guys are the upper-crusty, well-to-do, typical country club types and the "bad" guys are clansmen (Scottish, not triple K) who refuse to live in the present day. This collision of societies is what makes the book so funny. At times, you root for both side!
I would love for this book to be made into a mini-series!
The book is written by a fellow Irishman, Dave Feherty who is a golf broadcaster now. It sets the tale of a bitter rivalry between Scottish clans over golf prowess. The "good" guys are the upper-crusty, well-to-do, typical country club types and the "bad" guys are clansmen (Scottish, not triple K) who refuse to live in the present day. This collision of societies is what makes the book so funny. At times, you root for both side!
I would love for this book to be made into a mini-series!
January 5, 2016
Toilet humor...but frankly, well done. An enjoyable and quick read. Great for a golf fan, or a fan of toilet humor. I enjoyed this. Its not Tolstoy...but there's a much greater chance of me reading this again than War and Peace, so Feherty's got that going for him. Not sure I'd say it was laugh out loud funny as some have indicated, but there were parts that were deserving of a chuckle.
Picked this one up at Book Off the Monday after Christmas along with 18 others. Worth the buck...
Picked this one up at Book Off the Monday after Christmas along with 18 others. Worth the buck...
August 21, 2013
A Nasty Bit of Rough is a nice light read. You do not need to be a golfer to enjoy this tale of Uncle Dickie and his quest to reclaim the most sacred of all golf relics from the brutish McGregor clan..
July 6, 2015
If you love wicked David Feherty and his glint-in-the-eye sense of humor, then you should enjoy this book. It's just as naughty as you would think. It's just for fun, though, there's not much beyond farce.
November 20, 2008
Typical British humor, bathroom and balls. Funny at moments, but too much of the same.
December 15, 2008
Fun golf fiction about a battle between "the two golf clubs that claimed to be the oldest." It is raucous. You will laugh out loud in parts. Probably only for golf fans though.
October 9, 2012
Too silly and vulgar. Liked the end though.
April 17, 2012
Probably Feherty's best to date. His skewed view of golf (and life) will make you laugh out loud and retell his stories to your golf buddies.
Read
October 11, 2013It was funny and the characters were great.
October 9, 2013
Helped lift my spirits in a dark time, but you have to be a golf nut to really get it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews