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Playing from the Rough: A Personal Journey through America's 100 Greatest Golf Courses
The story of one man’s quest to become the first person to play each of America’s 100 greatest golf courses in a single year, an odyssey that brings him face to face with the gulf between his impoverished childhood in the Jim Crow South and the successful executive he is today.
When he set out to play each of Golf Digest ’s 100 greatest American golf courses in one year, Jimmie James knew he was attempting the impossible. But then again, he’d spent his entire life defying the odds.
James was born invisible. His birth certificate, long since filed away in some clerk’s office in East Texas, recorded facts about him that were deemed most relevant in the late 1950 “colored” and “illegitimate.” His great-grandmother was enslaved, and his early life was confined by the privation and segregation of the late Jim Crow-era South.
Four decades later—having put himself through an HBCU and determinedly risen through the executive ranks at ExxonMobil—he embarked on his journey to play the 100 greatest golf courses in the United States. In a single year . His tour began, and from the first tee at Augusta National, the distance between the world he grew up in and the world of extreme privilege to which he’d now managed to gain access was impossible to ignore.
Playing from the Rough is a remarkable memoir of race, class, family, and the power of perseverance, as James braids his love of golf with reflections on the path that took him from childhood poverty to the most exclusive and opulent golf courses in America.
When he set out to play each of Golf Digest ’s 100 greatest American golf courses in one year, Jimmie James knew he was attempting the impossible. But then again, he’d spent his entire life defying the odds.
James was born invisible. His birth certificate, long since filed away in some clerk’s office in East Texas, recorded facts about him that were deemed most relevant in the late 1950 “colored” and “illegitimate.” His great-grandmother was enslaved, and his early life was confined by the privation and segregation of the late Jim Crow-era South.
Four decades later—having put himself through an HBCU and determinedly risen through the executive ranks at ExxonMobil—he embarked on his journey to play the 100 greatest golf courses in the United States. In a single year . His tour began, and from the first tee at Augusta National, the distance between the world he grew up in and the world of extreme privilege to which he’d now managed to gain access was impossible to ignore.
Playing from the Rough is a remarkable memoir of race, class, family, and the power of perseverance, as James braids his love of golf with reflections on the path that took him from childhood poverty to the most exclusive and opulent golf courses in America.
- GenresSportsNonfiction
304 pages, Hardcover
Published June 11, 2024
42 people are currently reading
277 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
January 16, 2025
This is a story about an oil executive who retires and then sets out on a quest to play the Top 100 Golf Courses in the USA all in one year. Probably 80% of them are private so part of the story is how he makes friends to get access to these places. But that’s not REALLY what the story is about. Jimmie grew up in total poverty and as a black man had zero access to the types of exclusive clubs he’s now visiting. The whole book which is done chapter by chapter on each course is him reflecting on how crazy far he came in life to have been a hugely successful executive. Truthfully I think there’s two different books here - a travelogue and discussion about each of these top 100 courses and a biography about Jimmies incredible life and his reflections on what he went through and overcame. Both books would probably rate 4 stars for me and I’m giving this 3 stars because I found myself wanting more of one side or the other each chapter. Of course I focused on courses I had already played on the list (not that many) and a couple of times he barely described the course itself. But then other times there would be a lot of golf detail about a course I don’t know and likely will never visit and I wanted more of his reminiscences about his incredible youth experiences in particular. I loved the concept of the book more than the execution I guess. I would go see this guy as a motivational speaker anytime but the “100 courses” quest was like the least interesting aspect of his life so in the end I got a bit bored by some of those aspects of the book.
June 30, 2024
I never expected Jimmie James to have much in common with Che Guevara. Entirely different people, entirely different worlds, perhaps bound briefly by a love of traveling. I’ve been proven wrong. What Playing From the Rough offers best is inspiration. The story of its author is one of those that seems impossible—more like legend than life. A young boy from the pits of poverty, born in the space between the sole of white supremacy’s boot and the ground from which it advances—this boy rising to conquer pipeline logistics, hobbyist golf, who knows how much indigenous land… and humbly, too. Not charging ahead like a Hallmark antagonist but patiently, uplifting those alongside him. A story that sounds like it shouldn’t exist. And yet, like Che’s, it does. And so these two men, on opposite sides of the Americas, likely on opposite sides of the planet’s future, are side by side within me. Two men whose stories demand that I be better, that carefully but thoroughly unpack the gulf (haha) between where I am and where I want to be, and demonstrate (but still probably sugarcoating) the hard work it takes to bridge the divide. So I begin.
May 10, 2025
Overall I enjoyed reading this book. The author lead an interesting life and I enjoyed learning about his past. I also appreciated his positive outlook on life. He had a terrible childhood, but it was nice to see how he could still find good aspects in his childhood. For example, he still appreciated what his mother did for him, even though he grew up in absolute poverty. I will say, though, I am not a golfer, nor do I watch a lot of golf. So I will say I struggled a bit to stay interested in the descriptions of the golf course and his golf game. I’m sure a more avid golfer would enjoy those kind of details though.
July 5, 2024
A book about a quest to play all of Golf Digest's Top 100 golf courses in America is always going to have a lot of potential pitfalls. It can be an annoying show of privilege, it can be a monotonous travelogue, or it can get monotonous. By blending his humble beginnings and experiences as a black man James avoids most of the traps, even if his golf ball doesn't always do the same.
James is a people person and his investment in getting to know the people he meets along with his persistent optimism make it easy to root for him along his journey. There are a lot of great stories mixed in to the descriptions of the golf.
Some of the fears I had about such a book were realized in the second half, but overall this was still a success and a fun light read.
James is a people person and his investment in getting to know the people he meets along with his persistent optimism make it easy to root for him along his journey. There are a lot of great stories mixed in to the descriptions of the golf.
Some of the fears I had about such a book were realized in the second half, but overall this was still a success and a fun light read.
February 27, 2024
I was honored to be able to read a pre-release copy sent by Jimmie. He is truly a remarkable man and it is no surprise that this is truly a remarkable book.
I can honestly say I am sad this book is over. It felt like Jimmie and I were sitting on the back porch after 18 holes discussing life, childhood, parenting, America, and of course, some really fun golf.
If you enjoy golf, read this book.
If you enjoy feel-good stories, read this book.
If you need to be inspired, read this book.
5/5.
I can honestly say I am sad this book is over. It felt like Jimmie and I were sitting on the back porch after 18 holes discussing life, childhood, parenting, America, and of course, some really fun golf.
If you enjoy golf, read this book.
If you enjoy feel-good stories, read this book.
If you need to be inspired, read this book.
5/5.
June 30, 2024
PLAYING FROM THE ROUGH by Jimmie James is a very different book from the one I expected to read over Father’s Day weekend.
The story of a golfer seeking to play the 100 greatest golf courses in the United States had me believing that it would be penned by a professional golf writer using his influence and connections to gain special access to America’s top-ranked courses. I also thought that the accompanying stories would offer readers insight into these courses and their history. Many of them are private clubs, and even those that are open to all golfers carry greens fees that make the cost of a round of golf prohibitive. Of the 100 courses talked about in this book, I was familiar with several dozen but only had the fortune of playing three or four. I hoped that PLAYING FROM THE ROUGH might add to my limited golf knowledge.
But Jimmie James is not a golf writer with connections to the greatest courses. In fact, his background makes his accomplishments in the sport truly remarkable. James was born in 1959 in East Texas. His birth certificate recorded facts about his infancy that were considered most important in that era, so he was classified as “Colored” and “Illegitimate.” Overcoming life in the Jim Crow South, James became a top executive at Exxon Mobil. When his wife relocated to Atlanta to become the Dean of Emory University’s School of Business, James decided that spending more time with his teenage children would be better than continuing in the rat race of the corporate world.
Shortly thereafter, James had the opportunity to play a round of golf at Augusta National, the crown jewel of American golf courses and the home of The Masters. He thought it would be wonderful to use this experience as a stepping stone to playing all of America’s top courses as defined yearly by Golf Digest magazine. He would take advantage of some business and golf connections to wrangle invitations to some of the most exclusive clubs.
There is some irony to the fact that a few of the places James visits only became open to Black members in recent decades. One endearing quality of the book is that throughout his golfing adventure, he never forgets the adversity and bias he experienced in his life. So he takes the opportunity to engage the caddies, maintenance workers and other personnel who are often ignored by members of country clubs, and his humanity shows in his interactions with them. He shares his philosophy with those he meets: “In the end, it’s not about which America we live in. It’s about understanding and respecting both. It’s about realizing that we are all in this together.”
James occasionally provides readers with golf history, such as his round at Cherry Hills in Denver where he seeks to accomplish what Ben Hogan could not in 1960: hitting a ball on the green from the pond in front of the 17th hole. In the end, one of the main attractions of the sport is that even for brief moments, golfers of average ability can hit one or two shots identical to those of the greats.
PLAYING FROM THE ROUGH is far better than the book I had anticipated. It’s an uplifting story of life in America at a time when we all can use a dose of optimism.
Reviewed by Stuart Shiffman
The story of a golfer seeking to play the 100 greatest golf courses in the United States had me believing that it would be penned by a professional golf writer using his influence and connections to gain special access to America’s top-ranked courses. I also thought that the accompanying stories would offer readers insight into these courses and their history. Many of them are private clubs, and even those that are open to all golfers carry greens fees that make the cost of a round of golf prohibitive. Of the 100 courses talked about in this book, I was familiar with several dozen but only had the fortune of playing three or four. I hoped that PLAYING FROM THE ROUGH might add to my limited golf knowledge.
But Jimmie James is not a golf writer with connections to the greatest courses. In fact, his background makes his accomplishments in the sport truly remarkable. James was born in 1959 in East Texas. His birth certificate recorded facts about his infancy that were considered most important in that era, so he was classified as “Colored” and “Illegitimate.” Overcoming life in the Jim Crow South, James became a top executive at Exxon Mobil. When his wife relocated to Atlanta to become the Dean of Emory University’s School of Business, James decided that spending more time with his teenage children would be better than continuing in the rat race of the corporate world.
Shortly thereafter, James had the opportunity to play a round of golf at Augusta National, the crown jewel of American golf courses and the home of The Masters. He thought it would be wonderful to use this experience as a stepping stone to playing all of America’s top courses as defined yearly by Golf Digest magazine. He would take advantage of some business and golf connections to wrangle invitations to some of the most exclusive clubs.
There is some irony to the fact that a few of the places James visits only became open to Black members in recent decades. One endearing quality of the book is that throughout his golfing adventure, he never forgets the adversity and bias he experienced in his life. So he takes the opportunity to engage the caddies, maintenance workers and other personnel who are often ignored by members of country clubs, and his humanity shows in his interactions with them. He shares his philosophy with those he meets: “In the end, it’s not about which America we live in. It’s about understanding and respecting both. It’s about realizing that we are all in this together.”
James occasionally provides readers with golf history, such as his round at Cherry Hills in Denver where he seeks to accomplish what Ben Hogan could not in 1960: hitting a ball on the green from the pond in front of the 17th hole. In the end, one of the main attractions of the sport is that even for brief moments, golfers of average ability can hit one or two shots identical to those of the greats.
PLAYING FROM THE ROUGH is far better than the book I had anticipated. It’s an uplifting story of life in America at a time when we all can use a dose of optimism.
Reviewed by Stuart Shiffman
January 30, 2025
So many of our dreams seem impossible , then they seem improbable , and then, when we summon the will, they seem inevitable - Christopher Reeve
Playing From the Rough - Jimmie James
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5/5
I don’t read a lot of non-fiction. I first saw this book on my friend Jenna’s Bookstagram page. I bought it for my husband who loved it, so I grabbed it after he finished.
Part life journal and part golf adventure, this book by Jimmie James, a retired Exxon executive, is a great inspirational story. Jimmie, who grew up in extreme poverty and was never dissuaded by his life situations, even when the obstacles seemed impossible to overcome. He sets out to accomplish something no one has ever achieved; playing the top 100 golf courses in the US in one year. And he’s black, playing a sport on courses that in the not too distant past,had restrictions on race, religion and gender.
Each chapter begins with an inspiring quote. The one at the start of my review is the start of Chapter 23. Each chapter talks about golf, but also about life and the genuine kindness of people helping someone who is pursuing a dream.
Playing From the Rough - Jimmie James
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5/5
I don’t read a lot of non-fiction. I first saw this book on my friend Jenna’s Bookstagram page. I bought it for my husband who loved it, so I grabbed it after he finished.
Part life journal and part golf adventure, this book by Jimmie James, a retired Exxon executive, is a great inspirational story. Jimmie, who grew up in extreme poverty and was never dissuaded by his life situations, even when the obstacles seemed impossible to overcome. He sets out to accomplish something no one has ever achieved; playing the top 100 golf courses in the US in one year. And he’s black, playing a sport on courses that in the not too distant past,had restrictions on race, religion and gender.
Each chapter begins with an inspiring quote. The one at the start of my review is the start of Chapter 23. Each chapter talks about golf, but also about life and the genuine kindness of people helping someone who is pursuing a dream.
June 15, 2024
My husband loves golf and even managed to turn me into a fan, so I was excited to receive this book from Simon Books! I knew a bit about Mr. James and some of the story behind his quest to become the first person to play America's 100 best golf courses in a single year, as he is much admired in the golf world.
This book is about more than golf. It is an incredibly inspiring story about the author's life and his determination, perseverance, hard work, and deep optimism. I very much enjoyed this well-written and compelling memoir. Because of its conversational tone, I think this would be accessible to those who don't know much about golf. I don't play, but I have had no trouble following along. This is an uplifting, inspiring read interspersed with humor, life wisdom, and some poignant moments.
This book would make the perfect gift for any golf or sports fan in your life, for graduates, and for those who enjoy stories about inspiring individuals.
This book is about more than golf. It is an incredibly inspiring story about the author's life and his determination, perseverance, hard work, and deep optimism. I very much enjoyed this well-written and compelling memoir. Because of its conversational tone, I think this would be accessible to those who don't know much about golf. I don't play, but I have had no trouble following along. This is an uplifting, inspiring read interspersed with humor, life wisdom, and some poignant moments.
This book would make the perfect gift for any golf or sports fan in your life, for graduates, and for those who enjoy stories about inspiring individuals.
November 24, 2024
I own a physical copy of this book (thank you, Simon & Schuster for a free copy in exchange for an honest review!) but decided to listen to it; as I prefer listening to memoirs - especially when the author reads it themselves!
I really enjoyed this book. The author does a fantastic job of weaving together his childhood, family, adult life, and career with his personal journey in golf. It's a heartfelt and inspiring story that’s both touching and motivational. I appreciated how open and honest the author was about the highs and lows of his life.
That said, by the end, I did find some parts starting to feel a bit repetitive. A lot of the reflections, stories, and golf game descriptions started to sound a bit monotonous; I do wish there had been a bit more variety to help each section feel more distinct.
Overall, though, I still really enjoyed the book. It was a compelling look at one person’s journey, full of both triumphs and struggles.
I really enjoyed this book. The author does a fantastic job of weaving together his childhood, family, adult life, and career with his personal journey in golf. It's a heartfelt and inspiring story that’s both touching and motivational. I appreciated how open and honest the author was about the highs and lows of his life.
That said, by the end, I did find some parts starting to feel a bit repetitive. A lot of the reflections, stories, and golf game descriptions started to sound a bit monotonous; I do wish there had been a bit more variety to help each section feel more distinct.
Overall, though, I still really enjoyed the book. It was a compelling look at one person’s journey, full of both triumphs and struggles.
July 10, 2024
(1 1/2). Wow. I had read about this guy and thought I was going to get a fun romp through America's best golf courses. Instead, you get a memoir about a remarkable escape from extreme poverty and an overload of travel arrangements to get all over the place to play. Unfortunately, we get only a minuscule representation of what it is like to play these courses, and it turns out to be the 2017 Golf Digest list! Would have been nice to know. Not what I was looking for. No fun for me!
Read
June 17, 2025DNF page 97.
Just interesting enough for me to keep reading off and on. Not really interested in the parts describing the travel between courses and the rounds of golf, but I realize it would be odd not to say anything about the on-course experience at all in a book about the sport, even if it's just as it relates to life. The stories about his life and about how he gets onto the courses are more interesting. Maybe I will pick it back up when I have more time.
Just interesting enough for me to keep reading off and on. Not really interested in the parts describing the travel between courses and the rounds of golf, but I realize it would be odd not to say anything about the on-course experience at all in a book about the sport, even if it's just as it relates to life. The stories about his life and about how he gets onto the courses are more interesting. Maybe I will pick it back up when I have more time.
July 24, 2024
I was intrigued with the title and concept of this book. I bought it for my husband’s birthday gift, but decided to read it myself first.
Jimmy James, the author, plays all 100 of the top golf courses in the U.S. in one year. He writes as much about his upbringing and the racial tensions as he does golf. I felt it was an important message but became very redundant.
Jimmy James, the author, plays all 100 of the top golf courses in the U.S. in one year. He writes as much about his upbringing and the racial tensions as he does golf. I felt it was an important message but became very redundant.
November 6, 2024
Great Read that extends beyond the golf course
For the golfer - it will be a joy reading about the adventure of playing the Top 100.
For the non-golfer - a wonderful story about the authors journey out of poverty while never forgetting the many lessons learned and people met along the way.
For the golfer - it will be a joy reading about the adventure of playing the Top 100.
For the non-golfer - a wonderful story about the authors journey out of poverty while never forgetting the many lessons learned and people met along the way.
April 23, 2025
A recently retired black man decides to set a goal of playing the top 100 golf courses in the country in the space of one year. It’s a beautiful story about how optimism, hard work and faith in humanity helped him overcome extraordinary bias and adversity to achieve his goal ..life lessons were abundant throughout the book as he used past lessons to navigate the path he was on.
July 23, 2024
Great book touching on golf and equality in America. It is honestly hard to describe but genuinely one of the best books I’ve read this year.
Note: it’s not just about golf so be prepared going in to learn about America and its history
Note: it’s not just about golf so be prepared going in to learn about America and its history
September 14, 2024
Interesting bio travelogue, I expected more about the clubs and courses but reading about his personal journey from poverty to success was uplifting. He certainly has a great work ethic!
January 13, 2025
Interesting memoir that included awesome golf courses. Quite a journey.
February 7, 2025
Love this book!
April 6, 2025
Very “golfy” for a non-golfer, but loved meeting Jimmie James and his story.
May 24, 2025
It wasn’t as good as it could have been. The author is clearly not a professional writer - too much repetition. I would have liked to read more about the courses
December 26, 2024
I enjoyed this book and am glad I read it. It's inspiring. Not many people could do what Jimmie has done—play his target 100 courses within a year and come from next to nothing to become the businessman, husband, and father he is. The book is more about the latter, but that's okay because that's more important anyway. It's made me want to become more purposeful in playing aspirational courses, both for the accomplishment and for the people you meet along the way. Thanks Jimmie.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews