# Obsession and Devotion in Golf Stories

> Theme guide for Golf Stories by P. G. Wodehouse.

The book explores golf as an all-consuming passion that can dominate a person's life, often to the detriment of other pursuits, yet is portrayed with affectionate humor as a noble quest.

## Where it surfaces

- [A Woman Is Only a Woman](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/golf_stories_se/chapters/a-woman-is-only-a-woman): Peter and James's unwavering dedication to golf overrides their romantic interests, illustrating the theme of devotion to the game as a higher calling.
- [A Mixed Threesome](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/golf_stories_se/chapters/a-mixed-threesome): Mortimer Sturgis's sudden and all-consuming obsession with golf after his first lesson, leading to neglect of his personal relationships and a loss of proportion.
- [The Salvation of George Mackintosh](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/golf_stories_se/chapters/the-salvation-of-george-mackintosh): George's obsessive talking and Celia's devoted love despite his flaw highlight the tension between obsession and devotion.
- [The Long Hole](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/golf_stories_se/chapters/the-long-hole): Both Ralph and Arthur's obsessive rivalry over Amanda Trivett drives the plot, culminating in a match that consumes their focus.
- [The Heel of Achilles](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/golf_stories_se/chapters/the-heel-of-achilles): Vincent Jopp's obsessive approach to golf as an exact science, driven by his overwhelming confidence and methodical nature, contrasts with the emotional turmoil of Amelia Merridew, who is desperate to avoid marrying him.
- [The Coming of Gowf](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/golf_stories_se/chapters/the-coming-of-gowf): King Merolchazzar's all-consuming passion for golf, which overrides his responsibilities and relationships.
- [The Story](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/golf_stories_se/chapters/the-story): The king's all-consuming passion for golf, treating it as a religious devotion, disrupts court and religious order.
- [The Heart of a Goof](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/golf_stories_se/chapters/the-heart-of-a-goof): Ferdinand's golf obsession has become a pathological 'goofery' that dominates his life and relationships.
- [Keeping in with Vosper](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/golf_stories_se/chapters/keeping-in-with-vosper): Bradbury's obsession with golf, especially winning a cup, drives his actions and overrides marital concerns.
- [Chester Forgets Himself](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/golf_stories_se/chapters/chester-forgets-himself): Chester's dedication to golf after rejection and his intense focus on the game reflect a near-obsessive devotion.
- [Rodney Fails to Qualify](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/golf_stories_se/chapters/rodney-fails-to-qualify): Jane's devotion to golf and her frustration with Rodney's lack of understanding highlight the tension between romantic love and the obsession with the game.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/golf_stories_se/themes/obsession_and_devotion
- Themes index: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/golf_stories_se/themes