Play It As It Lies: A Journey through Fatherhood and Golf - Hardcover

by Matthew F. Filner (Author)

Being a father may be the greatest and scariest experience of many men's lives, but there's no map or manual; every dad must find their way. Matthew Filner tells stories from his first 18 years as a parent to share the lessons he's learned. He also takes us through rounds he's played at iconic golf courses, to show us the many parallels between golf and parenting. The result is an entertaining read, with something for everyone.

Advanced Praise for PLAY IT AS IT LIES
"Golf and fatherhood are two of the most challenging and wonderful things a man can undertake-full of wonder and unexpected happiness one moment followed by nagging worry and various stages of quiet terror the next. In both experiences we learn as we go. Someone once said that a good father's joys and fears are private-for he dare not speak of one, and will not speak of the other. In Play It As It Lies, Matthew Filner has done a masterful job of chronicling and revealing the various stages of fatherhood through the prism of the game he dearly loves, as he and wife, Theresa, navigate the ups and downs of everyday life raising their sons Aidan and Elliott. Aside from the yeoman's tour Filner provides of some of America's finest layouts, you may see vivid glimpses of your own struggles and small triumphs in pursuit of both games. In the end, we must play everything in life as it lies-and thereby find both joy and meaning in the process."-James Dodson, New York Times-bestselling author of Final Rounds and Ben Hogan: An American Life
"As a game so often shared between fathers and their children, golf is a game that many of us can't separate from memories of our dads. Matthew Filner's Play It As It Lies is a moving testament to why those memories are the greatest gifts golf can give us. Whether you're a father or daughter or son or grandfather, there is a story here to remind you that golf with dad is as good as golf gets."-Tom Coyne, New York Times-bestselling author of A Course Called Scotland, A Course Called America, and others.
"As a Director of Instruction at Bandon Dunes Golf Resort, I have always told golfers that if they want to play their best, they should aim to have fun. Play It As It Liesexplores the challenge and magic of becoming the best parent and skilled golfer that you can be. Parenting and golf have many similarities. In order to be successful, you have to pay attention and try to make every parenting decision and golf shot count. The best strategy is to always try to do your best. Being a parent or a golfer is an acquired skill. It takes time and patience. You have to keep moving in the right direction and try not to be distracted by your success or failures. Play It As It Lies is filled with clues to follow if you want to become a better parent or play your best golf. The secret is to relax, follow the clues, and enjoy the adventure. The journey is more important than the destination."-Grant Rogers, Director of Instruction Emeritus, Bandon Dunes Golf Resort

Author Biography

MATTHEW F. FILNER grew up in Washington, DC and earned degrees from Oberlin College and Indiana University. He is a professor of Political Science at Metropolitan State University. Matt is the former Board President of The First Tee of Minneapolis. He lives in Minneapolis with his wife, with his two sons in college.