ON PAR captures it all: From equipment and instruction, to the rules and language of golf, to camaraderie and psychology, to the short game/long game debate, Pennington informs and entertains as he gets to the essence of this mercurial game, including golf’s holy grail, the hole in one.

Part instruction, part education, part therapy, and shot through with Pennington’s trademark wit, this is a book for everyone who has ever felt the game’s distinct pull --- and slice.

Award-winning New York Times sports writer BILL PENNINGTON pens the On Par column and stars in the related video series on nytimes.com. He has also written for the New York Times Magazine, Sports Illustrated, and the Sporting News. A longtime golfer, Pennington grew up near some of New England’s historic courses, but has not been able to get his handicap below 11.