Comment from lancellot

Excellent

And so a new ball is invented and perhaps a time limit added. Your alternate history of golf is filling out.

"Aggie, that's amazing. Well done!" said Putt.

- I won't lie. Before Aggie swung, I knew (based on Arie) that she would outperform the men, in skill and intelligence. Not saying this is bad but becoming predictable (maybe a little pandering too).

 Comment Written 05-Sep-2023

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reply by the author on 06-Sep-2023

Not so much skill, but better materials. But I see what you're saying. Yes, it definitely is a theme and will continue in Part 3. I guess it's the old "behind every good man is a good woman" theme.

Comment from w.j.debi

Excellent

You've packed the history of gowf and daily life in Scotland of the 1400s into your story while making the characters engaging. They enjoy their play, but work must be done to keep body and soul alive.

 Comment Written 04-Sep-2023

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reply by the author on 04-Sep-2023

True enough, but to really nourish the soul, they need gowf!

Comment from JSD

Excellent

Still excellent Jim. Really enjoyable. Fascinating about the creation of the ball. And the rivalry already being set up, along with the anticipation of a new competition, is all gripping.

 Comment Written 02-Sep-2023

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reply by the author on 02-Sep-2023

Great, John. I'm glad you're still enjoying it. This should be an enjoyable competition between two very different teams.

Comment from lyenochka

Excellent

I like how you have strong heroines who contribute much to the invention of the game and the tools of the game. I can't imagine the sheer hand muscle power to create such a ball but it helps that the leather shrinks and the feathers expand! Another interesting chapter!

 Comment Written 02-Sep-2023

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reply by the author on 02-Sep-2023

Thanks, Helen. To be sure, there are some clever ladies in this story. I think you'll be further delighted with Part 3 in this regard.

Comment from royowen

Excellent

You don't know how fascinating to me, I know how some balls are made in this particular day, but not how they evolved to how they are today, it's very clever, and very inventive, and creative, but we humans are creative. I love to read these excerpts Jim, well done, blessings Roy

 Comment Written 02-Sep-2023

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reply by the author on 02-Sep-2023

This stuff always fascinated me too. I can remember as a kid hearing about the feathery ball and wondering how they could stuff a whole pail of goose feathers into something the size of a golf ball. You're right--man is clever. We've got one more thing to learn a little later--how bunkers came to be.

reply by royowen on 02-Sep-2023

Thanks Jim

Comment from Carol Hillebrenner

Excellent

I enjoyed this section of the story. It's great that Aggie got to be the inventor. You have been very good to the ladies throughout the story. Many authors just assume the men get all the good ideas.

 Comment Written 02-Sep-2023

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reply by the author on 02-Sep-2023

Thanks, Carol. Rather than simply pining away while her man was at war, Aggie put her time to good use and did something constructive. I still can't believe a whole pail of feathers can fit inside that little ball, though.

Comment from Pam Lonsdale

Excellent

Aggie reminds me of a certain other A-named young lady you've written about recently.

I'm still waiting for the conflict I know is lurking behind the scenes. We see how the game progresses and changes, and the benefits of these changes (like the dimples on the balls).

Thanks, Jim.

Pam

 Comment Written 01-Sep-2023

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reply by the author on 02-Sep-2023

The conflict you are looking for will be on the field of battle--the links in this case. We've got a few interesting matches coming up.

Are you thinking there might be a theme going here with the A-named young ladies? We shall see.

Comment from jmdg1954

Excellent

Well, Jim. This chapter was pure barry. Much was resolved, especially the new, tightly sewn ball. Even has scuff marks for better control.

The rules will be negotiated and the match soon to be played,

Good chapter.
What size is the ball, now being used?

Cheers,
John

 Comment Written 01-Sep-2023

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reply by the author on 01-Sep-2023

They were pretty much the size of today's ball, believe it or not, yet they were able to stuff an entire pail of wet goose feathers into them. They would split open after a few rounds, unlike today's balls which are much more durable.

Here are some images: Featheries

reply by jmdg1954 on 01-Sep-2023

Thank for the link?
Interesting!

Comment from barbara.wilkey

Excellent

I will be interesting to see how the rules and this match goes. I can't wait to read.

Putt and I butchered the fish. (I've butchered many animal but never knew you also butcher fish. I've cleaned them and filleted them. I looked it up, yes, you butcher fish.)

 Comment Written 01-Sep-2023

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reply by the author on 01-Sep-2023

There will be some modern day formats which I will footnote. I don't honestly know when these formats came about, but why not Scotland in 1458?

Comment from Wayne Fowler

Excellent

And since you are the author, you can have Aggie the inventor if you so desire. Hah!
Good work.
Afraid you still aren't gonna make me a golfer, though.
smiley face here
Best wishes.

 Comment Written 01-Sep-2023

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reply by the author on 01-Sep-2023

Never say "never." Just wait until we get to Parts 3 and 4. That might convince you!