“Mike Stott’s fictional trilogy makes the idyll of country club/golf life the perfect setting for a classic coming-of-age tale.”
“I loved, loved this trilogy! As an avid female club golfer, I recognized and
felt deep affection for a number of the colorful characters at this fictional country club. I laughed
out loud all throughout. Some things NEVER change. I highly recommend this fun and
frolicking read!”
“Too Much Loft — Accurate, well-written and funnier than Caddyshack. There’s a lot about how courses operate and the people that run and use them. All wrapped up in good prose, humor and pathos.”
“You are an extraordinary writer. In reading your book, just a few pages in I realized that you have a true gift. I felt like I was thrown back into Catcher in the Rye as you were introducing Looper’s character.
Your work is every bit as good as any of the classic ‘coming of age’ books, and the works from Mitch Albom and the like.
I truly hope this gets broad exposure. It deserves it!”
“Stott writes incredibly well, and he maintained the attention of this sports addict, but non-golfer, throughout. Mrs. Peck in Part I is a delight, and the heroine, Jessica, constantly reminded me of my own super-athletic mother–a classic sportswoman who maintained her femininity and remained likeable (and sufficiently humble), even while beating the butts of her challengers, both male and female.
There is wonderful character development. This one has the makings of a good movie.”
“Anyone who has ever worked on a golf course will immediately recognize the personalities that fill the maintenance crew at Spring Willows country club. Stott captures the wackiness that pervades what is really a very serious business. A fun ride for everyone, but the “greenies” out there will be laughing in different places than anyone else.”
“Too Much Loft — I really liked it. It took me back to my early days as a golfer/caddy/pro shop attendant and eventually golf course maintenance. It made me think of the guys/gals who raised me at the golf course.
Thank you for the trip through the past. I’m sure a lot of people that were along for the ride like me will appreciate the memories.”
“I greatly enjoyed reading this well done book! It was fun to follow the Spring Willows’ management program along with all of the characters (which I have witnessed more than once)…and the romance and matches were great fun to follow.”
“Calling all golfers! Too Much Loft consists of three coming-of-age novellas that follow a young man’s journey as a caddie, grounds crew member, and golf shop attendant at a suburban Chicago country club in the 1960s.
Michael J. Stott is a marvelous storyteller, and his nostalgic writing style makes for a wonderful tale of personal growth that transpires on the lush greens of a golf course. This book will absolutely appeal to all who grew up spending their summers on the course — navigating the quirky personalities that come with it.
Fundamentally, this is a story of growth, set in the backdrop of the hot and lazy days that so many of us wish we could experience once more.”
“Too Much Loft is an entertaining and fun read for anyone, but it will be even more enjoyable to those who have worked in the golf and club business.
Part Three, ‘The Pro Shop,’ is directly in the wheelhouse of club managers. Once you get to that novella, you will see how Spring Willows wrestles with the hiring of a Director of Golf. Plenty of humor in that adventure.
Jan (former president ASCGA) and I loved reading it and recommend it highly.”
