The Ball in the Air

Michael Bamberger is one of the best golf writers of his generation, and his latest book, The Ball in the Air, might be his most personal yet. Rather than another deep dive into the professional game, this one focuses on what makes golf so compelling for the everyday player: the people, the stories, and the lifelong relationships forged along the way.

At its core, this is a book about three golfers—Pratima Sherpa, Ryan French, and Sam Reeves—whose lives have been shaped by the game in very different ways. Sherpa grew up poor in Nepal and found her way to a college golf scholarship in the U.S. French, known for his Monday Q Info coverage, turned his passion for golf into a career after struggling post-college. And Reeves, an 88-year-old businessman, has lived a life steeped in the game’s quiet virtues. Their stories are compelling enough on their own, but Bamberger weaves them together masterfully, jumping between timelines in a way that keeps you turning the pages.

Where The Ball in the Air Really Shines

Bamberger’s strength has always been his ability to write about golf in a way that appeals even to those who don’t obsess over the sport. This book is no different. Yes, there are plenty of golf moments—references to great shots, famous players, and the simple joy of hitting a pure iron—but at its heart, this is a book about people. Their struggles, triumphs, and the way golf fits into the bigger picture of their lives.

The book is also sprinkled with Bamberger’s own experiences, which adds another layer to the story. He realizes, while writing, that his own relationship with golf belongs in the narrative, too. That personal touch makes the book feel more intimate, like you’re hearing these stories over a post-round pint rather than reading them on the page.

A Few Misses

If there’s a knock on The Ball in the Air, it’s that the structure takes a little getting used to. Bamberger jumps between the three main characters, and it takes a moment to find the rhythm. But once you do, it’s a smooth ride.

There’s also a bit of editorializing, particularly when it comes to LIV Golf, which he clearly isn’t a fan of. Some might see it as unnecessary, but given the book’s focus on golf as a game of connection and tradition, it makes sense why he’d take a stance.

Final Thoughts

Bamberger has written plenty of great golf books, but The Ball in the Air feels different. It’s not just about courses, tournaments, or the mechanics of the game—it’s about why golf sticks with us, why it matters, and how it can shape a life.

Whether you’re a die-hard golfer or just someone who appreciates a well-told story, this one’s worth picking up.