The Range Bucket List: The Golf Adventure of a Lifetime - Simon & Schuster

A World Tour of Golf and Memory

The Range Bucket List invites readers into a funny, intimate, and nostalgic journey as James Dodson expands a teen list into a globe-spanning golf itinerary. Writing with the ease of a trusted guide and the warmth of a friend, Dodson reflects on the people, places, and moments that have shaped his life in the game. A two-time winner of the USGA Herbert Warren Wind Award for Best Golf Book of the Year, his voice blends memory with reportage to create an inviting read that feels both personal and expansive.

What follows is more than a travelogue; it’s an armchair expedition that mingles humor with history and candid, heartfelt storytelling. Readers meet a cast of memorable figures and encounter intimate chapters about rounds, conversations, and ordinary moments that reveal the game’s deeper warmth. From a notable lunch with a public figure to rounds with celebrated writers, and intimate chats with legendary players, this book paints a portrait of golf’s personalities and places, and of a game that continues to shape a life with purpose and joy.

Dodson recalls a thirteen on a famed hole at St. Andrews and delves into why The Masters has long captivated audiences around the world. More than a chronology, the narrative invites you to sense the texture of the sport—the ritual of prep, the quiet drama of a scoreboard, the camaraderie around a green. Expect vivid scenes, sensory detail, and a narrator who makes readers feel they are walking the fairway beside him—the dew-damp grass, the satisfying click of a scorecard, the hush before a crucial putt.

What you’ll experience

• Vivid, character-driven storytelling spanning continents and communities
• A warm, humorous voice that blends memory with golf history
• Glimpses into golf’s culture, notable moments, and the people who shaped them
• Accessible prose that works as a travelogue, memoir, and homage to the game

Reading this book is like sharing a round with an old friend: you’ll hear stories, feel the landscapes, and sense the rhythm of a sport that connects people across generations.

Who this book is for

• Golf fans who crave behind-the-scenes stories and historical context
• Readers who enjoy memoirs with humor, warmth, and a strong sense of place
• Fans of James Dodson’s work and anyone curious about the game’s characters

Whether you’re seeking nostalgia, inspiration, or a well-told adventure, The Range Bucket List offers a thoughtful invitation to consider your own paths and the moments that accompany the games we love.