No Laying Up - Golf Podcast 1065: A Visit With Michael Bamberger
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Sep 4, 2025 
Michael Bamberger, a senior writer for Golf.com and author of 'The Playing Lesson,' shares insights from his career and passions. He discusses the philosophy of finding joy in golf beyond scores and handshakes, revealing how the game can improve personal well-being. The conversation also dives into the solitude of golf, emphasizing the peace it brings to introverted players. Anecdotes from road trips reveal deeper life lessons and the importance of gratitude in the golfing community, demonstrating how the sport reflects larger human experiences.
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Origin Of The Playing Lesson
- Michael Bamberger recounts meeting Randy (Phil) at his home to discuss The Playing Lesson and their shared history with his earlier books.
- He frames the new book as a Plimpton-style immersion into pro-am golf and personal improvement over a year.
Participate To See Inside The Game
- Plimpton’s method is to get inside a sport by participating and then report back with intimacy.
- Bamberger adopts that approach to reveal pro golf’s private rhythms and whether an amateur can genuinely improve.
Play With Simple Goals
- Keep simple, manageable goals on the course like avoiding three-putts and penalties.
- Bamberger says staying engaged shot-to-shot matters more than chasing a lower handicap.
