Dr. Corey W. Holmes brings together fatherhood, friendship, golf and the pleasures of a well-lived life in Golf, Cigars, and Scotch: Balancing Fatherhood, Friendship, and Fine-Living, a reflective book that challenges conventional ideas about what it means to be a successful modern man.
Published by WaveCloud Corporation in 2025, the book is part memoir, part personal reflection and part guide to living intentionally. Rather than presenting golf, cigars and Scotch simply as symbols of luxury, Holmes uses them as settings for deeper conversations about family, brotherhood, responsibility, personal growth and the importance of making time for the people who matter. Available in paperback and hardcover on Amazon. Approximately 341 pages.
At the heart of Holmes’ message is the idea that enjoying life and being a devoted father do not have to be competing priorities. His approach encourages readers to recognize that personal passions can become opportunities for connection, mentorship and creating lasting memories.
Holmes’ professional background gives the book an unusual perspective. He is a former U.S. foreign affairs and public-service professional whose career included work involving regional policy, counter-disinformation, human trafficking and countering extremism. He also has an academic background in African Studies, earning a Ph.D. from Howard University, and has taught as an adjunct at Howard University and New York University. He is also an entrepreneur and founder of Holmes Holdings, a literary curation company.
His experiences as a diplomat, educator, entrepreneur, husband and father inform much of the book’s perspective. Holmes has described the conversations that inspired the book as often taking place in informal environments—on the golf course, over a cigar or while sharing a glass of Scotch. Those moments, he explains, can create an atmosphere where men feel comfortable discussing subjects that are sometimes difficult to address, including marriage, money, parenting, grief, uncertainty and personal responsibility.
That theme gives Golf, Cigars, and Scotch much of its appeal. Golf becomes more than a sport. It becomes a metaphor for patience, decision-making and the ability to recover from mistakes. Cigars represent time to slow down and engage in conversation, while Scotch becomes part of a broader philosophy of appreciating life’s experiences rather than simply pursuing material success.
One of the book’s strongest ideas is that presence is more important than perfection. Holmes argues that children do not need flawless parents as much as they need parents who are consistently present and engaged. His reflections on fatherhood emphasize modeling behavior, keeping promises, showing affection and allowing children to see both strengths and imperfections.
Friendship is another major theme. Holmes makes the case that meaningful relationships between men require more than occasional socializing. Genuine brotherhood involves vulnerability, accountability and creating spaces where men can speak honestly about their lives. In this respect, the book reaches beyond fathers and golfers and becomes a broader examination of male friendship and community.
The book also offers an important message about enjoying life. Holmes does not portray “fine living” as simply accumulating expensive possessions. Instead, it is presented as being intentional about one’s time, relationships and experiences. A round of golf, a meal with friends or a quiet conversation can have value when approached with appreciation and purpose.
For readers interested in golf culture, fatherhood, men’s relationships and lifestyle, Golf, Cigars, and Scotch offers an engaging combination of personal storytelling and practical reflection. Its greatest strength is its willingness to broaden the conversation surrounding Black fatherhood and Black male identity by presenting a multidimensional portrait of a man who can be ambitious, successful, affectionate, reflective and unapologetically interested in enjoying life.
Where to Buy
The book is available through Amazon. Current listings confirm the paperback edition, while Amazon also lists hardcover availability and Kindle Unlimited access. Because Amazon pricing can change by format and location, readers should check the current price at the time of purchase.
The eBook is also available in EPUB format. One international listing currently shows an RRP of A$16.49, with a listed sale price of A$15.72, although prices vary by country and retailer.
With its combination of golf, fatherhood, friendship, international experience and personal reflection, Golf, Cigars, and Scotch ultimately presents a simple but meaningful proposition: a fulfilling life is not measured only by professional accomplishments, but also by the relationships built, the memories created and the time deliberately shared with family and friends.
Rating: ★★★★☆ — A thoughtful and engaging read for fathers, golfers and anyone interested in the intersection of ambition, friendship and living well.
