Reviews

“For decades, Fields has been the guy behind the byline — the writer chronicling tournaments, players and the history of the game. But A Quick Nine Before Dark isn’t primarily the story I expected it to be. It is, instead, a coming-of-age story.”
— Adam Schupak, September 6, 2026

“Longtime golf writer, photographer and editor Bill Fields has written a breezy, smart and satisfying memoir of his time in the game. A Quick Nine Before Dark is never self-indulgent but relentlessly insightful. He kindly answered The Quad’s questions ahead of this week’s U.S. Women’s Open where he’s working as part of NBC’s editorial team”
— Geoff Shackelford, The Quadrilateral June 4, 2026

“It’s a wonderful read and arguably the best story he has ever told.”
— John Steinbreder, June 12, 2026

“Insightful, descriptive storytelling… an intriguing account of the changing landscape of golf media.”
— Ryan Herrington, Spring 2026 Books Roundup

“Warm and insightful… an engrossing reminiscence about a golf life well lived.”
— Ron Green Jr. April 6, 2026

Storytelling at Its Best

A sweetly crafted tale of golf and life

The best writers, those gifted beyond the ordinary, harbor obsessions, and when producing their finest work, they transform those obsessions into prose that they share communally with readers. That’s the case with Bill Fields’ A Quick Nine Before Dark. His obsession is golf — and anyone who’s been caught up in the intricacies of the game will want to read Fields’ memoir, front to back.

– Stephen E. Smith, PineStraw Magazine

“Connoisseurs of golf writing will know how knowledgeable and eloquent a writer Bill Fields is, and has been for four decades, working for Golf Illustrated, Golf Digest, Golf World, and NBC. Be sure to pick up a copy of his smile-inducing, nod-provoking memoir which tells the story of one man’s devotion to reporting on the game he loves.”

—Tony Dear, LINKS magazine