Fairways and Greens: A Novel

by Rich Poggi

Once destined for PGA Tour stardom, Doug Parker's career was cut short by injury and his own self-destruction. He retreated to Windsor Hills, the New Jersey golf club where he grew up, and quietly rebuilt his life—teaching the game with discipline, purpose, and the wisdom passed down from his father.

Decades later, Doug is fighting to keep the prestigious, golf-only club alive in the rapidly changing world. But a phone call from his past delivers shocking news—forcing Doug to confront choices from a life he thought he'd left behind and face a future he never imagined.

What follows is a story of family, redemption, and the strong women who push Doug to confront who he was, who he is, and who he still can become — all set against a game that has a way of revealing the truth when it matters most.

311 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 25, 2025

About the author

Alongside more than 30 years of experience in tech sales and leadership, Rich Poggi built a wide-ranging freelance writing portfolio spanning network sports television, late-night comedy, stand-up, speechwriting, and new media.

A lifelong golfer, he resides in Westwood, New Jersey, with his wife, Maria, and their beloved Pitbull mix, Maya. He's also the proud father of two adult sons, Nicholas and Matthew. Today, Rich works as a business development and risk advisor.

Fairways and Greens: A Novel is his debut work of fiction.

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Reviews

[Christie · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a female golfer, this novel hooked me from page one. One moment, you’re right there on the course, hearing the strike of the club and seeing every contour of the fairway thanks to the vivid detail Rich Poggi lays down. The next, you’re wrapped up in the characters’ lives — love and loss, messy family dynamics, the sharp pivots of adulthood — all the stuff that golf can never completely distract you from.

This book truly has something for everyone — and yes, it’s absolutely a page-turner.

The plot twists land like your first round on an unfamiliar course: you think you know what’s coming next, but each hole throws a new angle at you. It keeps you guessing — and fully engaged — right up until the final putt drops.

[Harold Merschtina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Do not be fooled by the title. This is not a book that teaches you how to play golf. It's a life lesson that everyone will agree on.
As with most people there has been a teacher, a mentor, a coach that passes a lesson to you in such a way it reflects in your life. Rich Poggi's title, "Fairways and Greens" is a metaphor for that lesson.
Though the main characters are pro-golfers and their relationships with other pro's, new and old, Rich weaves a tale how lesson's learned well continue for life.
I usually give a book 50 pages before I say "yea or nay", Poggi had me from the start. The players were introduced and then developed in a creative intertwining of on and off the course. Here comes father and son, Doug Sr and Doug Jr, the former being mentor/teacher to Jr. Life's lesson taught and re-enforced over Doug Jr's entire life.
When you think you know for sure where this is headed, there is a twist. You will say I never saw it coming.
Let me end with this "like your best round of golf this season, you will remember this book". Poggi's words, not mine.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rich Poggi does a fantastic job merging the sand traps of life with the ones on the golf course. The characters and their stories are believable and there are unexpected turns throughout the book. His knowledge and love of golf brings the reader to the realities and emotions of life on and off the course. I loved coming across familiar names and places throughout the book and highly recommend it. In the story he uses the “word of the day” theory from a current well known voice in the golf world. Mine is: Sequel!

[Lucille Diorio · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm not much of a reader but I found this book to be an easy read. As I read the story I found myself going through different emotions. It has funny moments and sad ones too. Every chapter kept me wanting to know what will happen next. I couldn't put the book down. The story was familiar as we all deal with problems in life and find ourselves in sand traps often. Whether you know the game or not, this book is one to take a swing at!

[Nick · Rating 5 out of 5]

A guy in my Friday four ball mentioned this book to me and I read it in three days. Such an authentic, character driven story that deals with real life, believable issues faced by people in and around the game of golf - people I feel like I knew from the prologue forward. Highly recommend to anyone that plays or follows the great game of golf (men and women)!

[Phillip Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book! Rich Poggi has crafted a very engaging and entertaining story, full of heart, family, and life lessons. I am not a golfer (aside from a few rounds at Putt-Putt growing up) but golf knowledge or experience is not at all required to appreciate and enjoy all the characters Rich has created and the winding path they follow. Highly recommended if you want a great read!

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fairways and Greens is a poignant novel that is hard to put down. I thoroughly enjoyed the story lines about the twists and turns of life and careers, interwoven with golf and the lessons you can learn on the golf course (even as a non-golfer). I read it in 2 days, and enjoyed every minute. The writing is majestic and the plot moves quickly along - with an incredible twist on the 18th !

[Anthony Cotugno · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you want to get lost in meaningful relationships and the game and the business of golf, this should be your next read. I didn't know if I wanted to book a tee time or make a reservation to meet an old friend for dinner while navigating the story that Poggi weaves together here. Great stuff from start to finish!

[Hilary Kurzer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fairways and Greens was the most enjoyable read I have had in a long time. The way the author weaves the details of golf into a story about relationships kept me engaged throughout. The story takes some unexpected turns and you must read until the end! I personally enjoyed the references to familiar places in NJ and FL. What a great stocking stuffer for the golfers in your life!

[Ashley Kirk · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed a book that was centered around a sport I don’t watch or play. This book is for everyone not just golf fans. I loved the element of 2 storylines. Really great twists that kept me hooked. Was a great binge read.

[Donald Weber]

If you enjoy golf you should check out this novel. It captures the traditions and love of the game across generations as a father and son confront changes to their lives and their way of life. A good story!

[Joe Patti · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fairways and greens is a terrific story about family and how life changes unexpectedly. It was a great read, combining golf, good storytelling, and a lot of familiarity. I thoroughly enjoyed it and highly recommend!

[Frank Lambraia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyed reading this book during the New Years Holiday weekend. Terrific story line weaved into a book that turned out to be more than just a golf book. Would certainly recommend to golf and sports fans but believe the life's lessons and story would make it enjoyable to all readers.

[Jamie Ahrens · Rating 5 out of 5]

With charm and wit, Fairways and Greens turns golf stories into life lessons. Rich Poggi nails it—short, sweet, and impossible to put down.

[James M · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fun read with a lot of twists and turns. Despite the title, you don’t have to be a golfer to enjoy this book.

[Kathi · Rating 1 out of 5]

.?? I was taken in by the book description. Now I’m trying to figure out why I wasted time on bad writing, and why I continued reading this.

[David Zentmayer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read!! Great story of golf...Highly recommend.

[Tom Dionisio · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book. Great story with real characters.

[Jordan Gajdos · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great golf and life story! Fun book that reads quickly - awesome characters to follow throughout - a page turner from start to finish!