What choice do you have if you are a wave?
You are pushed, you are pulled
By the tide, by the moon
You can’t ever resist a rock in your way
You are compelled, repelled
Never long, always soon
You’ll eventually be awash on another shore
Without a care where you land
It could be The Velvet Strand
You’ll be carrying little creatures from near and afar
You’re a wave after all
Fáilte Ireland, says the sand
There is no sign of even a ripple in the water or a coastline across the bay. I can only see as far as the low drystone wall built of dark grey Liscannor flags.
There is no wind. Not even a blade of grass moves.
The dunes of Lahinch out the dining room window are invisible. It is quiet and peaceful. Very welcome after a sudden, tragic bereavement that shattered life as we knew it.
There is an almost imperceptible lifting of the fog. Still no sign of the horizon where the bay and the Atlantic Ocean beyond meet the sky.
Without seeing them, I know the three miniature ponies in the field in front of our house will be grazing. Their long manes fall over their eyes like the fringe of Sacagawea’s deerskin dress.
The cows on the other side of the ancient hairy rock wall will appear later in the day. They always do. Like clockwork. Rain or shine.
The sweet smell of wild honeysuckle reminds me of my childhood. While walking to elementary school I used to pause and try to drink the nectar of the tiny tubular golden flowers.
But there is nothing more intoxicating than hearing the magical sound of the skylarks out on the golf course in Lahinch before darkness falls. They trill and whistle while suspended directly overhead. I crane my neck to spot them, but they, too, are invisible.
It is like the illusion of a ventriloquist — they project their constant stream of wondrous warbling birdsong while hovering hundreds of feet in the air or in flight.
A silent goodbye to all that is not seen and will never be seen again.
It was great fun to be interviewed by Ted Odorico. We covered such an incredible range of topics — a very important one being The Golf Heritage Society (GHS), of which I am a board member. We are certainly excited about the GHS Annual Convention coming up October 11-14, 2023 in Lexington, KY. Ted’s questions allowed us to explore my journey as a writer, and touch on the fact that I am also a golf tour operator with my partner, Kevin McGrath.
(If interested only in the 2nd part of the podcast – my interview – please forward to 31 minutes)
We had the official Terroir of Golf book launch event on Sunday, May 7th at Troon Country Club in Scottsdale, Arizona. It was the perfect setting, with the view of Pinnacle Peak right out the window beyond the lush, green practice range.
The event was fun and festive with a special group of friends and fans of my writing. The celebration was shared by many who have been with me on my writing journey for a long time. While I was talking we had a rolling slide show of more than a dozen spectacular photographs from inside the book running on the large flat-screen TVs in the dining space we call The Roost. It was a privilege addressing this joyous crowd who mingled and created such a celebratory atmosphere.
I started by thanking many people who were important in getting the book published. First of all was Cori Brett, who upon hearing just the title — Terroir of Golf, A Golf Book for Wine Lovers — said, “There is great synergy between golf and wine. You are onto something Taba!” Mind you, I hadn’t written a single word yet. I also wanted to point out all the other authors in the room,— starting with Cori — there were at least half a dozen who have published books on a range of topics.
I wanted to acknowledge my partner, Kevin McGrath, with my profuse thanks since this book would never exist without him. We shared so much travel, golf and wine tasting experiences — I could not have done it without him.
Once I got down to the business of signing books, there was a steady stream of people wanting one, two, three and even four books inscribed, not merely autographed. And we all wanted a photo together to memorialize the moment.
Everyone in this room is here because they love Taba and are thrilled to celebrate her success. She held center stage while generously thanking others who had helped the process along the way. People who intended to purchase a book suddenly thought of friends and family who would also love a copy – signed by the author of course – and the supply quickly dwindled.
Taba is a superstar who connects two of the world’s finest historic pursuits – the elegance of wine and the prowess of golf designers – at their shared birthplace, the “terroir.” The clever juxtaposition of golf course designer and winemaker – both operating in the same arena – stuns and delights me. One of the most satisfying things about Taba’s books is that she never leaves me hanging. Descriptions are always complete with all the details my curious mind craves. I find myself rereading paragraphs just to make sure I got it all. There are layers to discover and enjoy.
~ Cori Brett
Thank you for sending the book so quickly. I love it! It’s a jewel of fun stories and so much “inside the ropes” information. I enjoyed seeing how many photos you took! I did a quick glance through it the first night and have now started to savor the wide variety of entertaining chapters.
~ Mary N.
Your book will certainly have international appeal. I’ve been reading the book, and have enjoyed it. I like the “travelogue” aspect and the personal stories. Your book could be the foundation for an interesting Netflix series… I haven’t read the interviews yet which I will when I read it cover to cover.
~ Bill K.
Taba my dear, what an amazing book! Beyond my expectations. You are so talented and on the road to great success. Thank you for being such a great friend. I can not wait to read the whole book!
~ Kathy H.
I continue to move through the Terroir chapters and find each very educational. I have always had this fantasy about going to the Hebrides so your mention of such faraway places holds real interest for me. Terroir is a terrific read for armchair travelers, especially with a glass of wine at the elbow!
~ Michael S.
It all begins with the land. True for both golf and grapes. From the pure links courses of Scotland to the vineyards of the old and new worlds, in Taba’s new book you will discover the fascinating synergy between golf and wine.
What is the book about – is it about wine? Is it about golf? Turn the page and enter Taba’s world –sophisticated, informed and deeply entertaining — as the synergy between the two is gently revealed. Sipping a glass of wine on a clubhouse balcony will never be the same idle gesture. You have become an insider.
~ Cori B.
With lively prose, an intriguing premise, a sweeping sense of history and rich detail, Taba Dale takes us on a journey in Terroir of Golf. Dale leads us to an understanding of what golf and wine share, namely, that they both derive their unique characteristics from the land itself.
~ Sally J. S.
Photos by Tasha Coast
I was intrigued by the title because playing golf and drinking wine are two of my favorite activities. And, I had never considered the connection of the part terroir plays for both. But now your book has enlightened me. I really like the way you have laid out the book and the way you present each chapter differently. I like reading the interviews the way they actually occurred; it gives life to the book.
~ Patty M.
Just finished reading your wonderful book. I learned so much and loved The Claret
Jug history. Did you know that there is a Claret Jug plant? I just saw it this morning at the Boyce Thompson Arboretum and made me think of your book.
~ Deborah B.
Pointing out such a profound connection between golf and wine, while educating and entertaining golf and wine lovers alike, Terroir should be a coffee table fixture in every golf club that prides itself on their amazing golf course and serving great wine.
~ Nat K.
Our epic golf trip began when we landed in Auckland on February 4. In spite of the flight delay out of Los Angeles, missed connection on Qantas, and due to the kindness of strangers when Kevin and I were hopelessly lost, we were able to make our tee time at Kauri Cliffs on February 5.
Nothing like starting at the top—in more ways than one. Our first golf adventure took us to the northernmost region on the North Island. We were heading to Kauri Cliffs, which is currently ranked #37 by Golf Digest Top 100 Greatest Golf Courses in the World.
When we traversed the long, winding road to our destination we pulled into the carpark at the same time as another couple, we decided to join up with them. Michael and Lindsay Forgash were from Philadelphia and happened to be members of Merion and also mad keen Eagles fans.
Reading about and seeing mouth-watering photographs in glossy magazines is not the same as being there. Enthralling? Yes!
The David Harman layout thrilled and challenged at every turn. We were grateful to have carts to get around this “muscular” course. No shortage of jaw-dropping beauty. Creating 18 holes in this mountainous, heavily forested region had to tax every resource of the architect, shapers, and the visionary developer, Julian Robertson.
There is no shortage of golf nuts like us willing to travel a world away to score another exotic golf experience.
