REVIEW: 18 Holes with Bing by Nathaniel Crosby

18 Holes with Bing: Golf, Life, and Lessons from Dad by Nathaniel Crosby and John Strege is a pleasant autobiographical look into the life of legendary entertainer Bing Crosby and his relationship with golf. Written from the perspective of Crosby's son, Nathaniel, while growing up, 18 Holes with Bing reads as a walk down memory lane while paying homage to a man's obsession and love affair with the game. Fans of Bing Crosby's music, movies and general public persona will adore the perspective of an unbelievable life that only his son could provide.

While slow at times -- especially since Crosby's heyday was long before I was even alive -- this book would be perfect to bring with you on a vacation or long trip to kill the time. Golf Digest fans will recognize Strege's influences and writing style within the prose, which contributes to the book's easy-to-read cadence and pace.

I learned a great deal about the business of golf and how well-connected Crosby was with people spanning social statuses from old guard royalty to entry-level caddies at Los Angeles Country Club. This guy obviously hung out with the biggest names in pop culture and business of his time, leading to stories that will leave you laughing and wanting more.