I really enjoyed this book. I've been trying to convince anyone who cares to listen to me, that golf is a microcosm of life. I need to practice more of the spirit side of golf than fundamentals and this book puts things in perfect perspective. Peck adds a touch of spirit, religion, humour and psychotherapy to this novel.

First off let me say, I am NOT a golfer, in fact I hate it. But I got this book for the guy I was dating, who WAS a golfer, so wanted to read it before I gave it to him and b/c it was Scott Peck. Excellent book. He wrote so well, even "I" understood it. Can't give too many details since it was ten years ago, but I do remember how succintly he tied golf and everything about it to a spiritual situation. Thoroughly thought provoking. I was not bored. (note: but did get bored with the guy...)

The "front nine" presents a great analogy of the game and its parallels to life, from its ups and downs to its focus and challenges. It is well presented and witty in its observations. But by the "back nine", it goes off the rails a little, meandering quite a bit and stretching the confines of the analogy to the chagrin of the reader. Here, the author strays from general connections between the game and one's life and focuses almost entirely on the author's own biography and proclivities.

Like some of the other reviews that I've read, I was a little bit distracted by Peck's use of the feminine pronouns in reference to God. I don't disagree with it, but it was distracting nonetheless. The 19 hole layout was cute, but I would also say that this book attempted to cover too much ground. I felt like there was some filler in between really good points. I found his description of golf as a spiritual discipline to be wonderful. It will certainly help me as I continue to struggle with my golf game in the future. Overall, worth reading despite the above-mentioned issues.

I listened to the 4 tape, 6 hour abridged version of this book.

It started out pretty well, and there is no doubt golf and life have lots of parallels to be draw. He does a good job of explaining this and the first half is very good. But the second have is spent on alot of rambling diatribes and the concept of the 18 holes is pretty much abandoned. Maybe a 9-hole version would have sufficed? :)

Would recommend to every golfer who enjoys both the sport and the spirit of living.

I liked the link between golf and life, and this book gives you some good pointers on life and it's many challenges. The point of view is a little old for my taste. I understand that I can benefit from the teachings of a wise man, but relating to them is another story. Book is a lot less about golf than you would think.

I've been playing golf badly for many years. Recently, I reread this book as part of my commitment to anger management. I enjoyed this book so much that I am tempted to make it the required text for the beginning golf class I teach. Peck introduces the reader to golf rules and etiquette almost while they're not looking. Unfortunately, I do agree that the book is a bit too long to hold my undergraduate student's attention all the way to the end.

The book was a good way to introduce the reader to spiritual concepts through the lens of golf, and show him or her that golf is a good tool to develop spiritually in life. Concepts like humility, kenosis, trying by not trying, not getting caught up in your score, taking one step back to take two steps forward. I think it very accurate when Peck said golf is like life condensed, in that these human traits will be tested at a very fast pace. If you are of the camp that life is a spiritual journey, and you are aware of the importance of developing these inner peace type concepts within, then these 300 pages can get to seem a bit long in the tooth. But it was still very refreshing to go over again, from an intelligent, enlightened older man's perspective, and see it in terms of golf as well. The thing is you can not force inner spiritual wisdom, you can only introduce the concepts and provide anecdotes and reasons to practice it. But I think the book did a great job. Overall, really nice read, just a bit long.

I normally don't read "self help." This really isn't that kind of book, but provides a great insight to life and dealing with challenges. Plus he throws in some golfing stories. I gave this book 3 stars because I'm a tough critic, but it probably deserves 4. Good book, will give some thoughts on attitude and life.

Meh

As an avid golfer…and a female one, I found this book somewhat lacking in golf credibility. However, some of the concepts relating to golf were right on the mark and I could relate. It took me awhile to get through…..

One page he quotes the Bible
The next he takes the Lord’s name in vain....

I. Can’t.