Golf in the Kingdom [Paperback]

Michael Murphy (Author)

Book Description

Release date: October 1, 1997

Since its first publication, Golf in the Kingdom has been recognized as a classic work on the deeper mysteries of golf—a gospel of those who suspect, or know, that golf is more than a mere pastime. A young man en route to India stops in Scotland to play at the legendary Burningbush golf club and in twenty-four hours, his life is transformed. Paired with a mysterious teacher named Shivas Irons, he is led through a round of phenomenal golf, swept into a world where extraordinary powers are unleashed in a a backswing governed by true gravity. A night of adventure and revelation follow, and lead to a glimpse of Seamus MacDuff, the holy man who haunts a ravine off Burningbush's thirteenth fairway—one they call Lucifer's Rug. Murphy's account reveals the possibilities for transcendence that resides in the human soul, and through mystic-philosopher Shivas Irons, the reader, like Murphy, becomes drawn into new worlds by this ancient and haunting game.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

Esalen Institute founder Michael Murphy's divine meditation on the royal and ancient game defied categorization when it was first published in 1972, and it still does. Instantly hailed as a classic, Golf in the Kingdom is an altogether unique confluence of fiction, philosophy, myth, mysticism, enchantment, and golf instruction. The central character is a wily Scotsman named Shivas Irons, a golf professional by vocation and a shaman by design, whom Murphy, as participant in his own novel, meets in 1956 on the links of Burningbush, in Fife. The story of their round of golf together culminates in a wild night of whiskey and wisdom where, as Shivas demonstrates how the swing reflects the soul, their golf quite literally takes on a metaphysical glow. The events alter not only Murphy's game, but they also radically alter his mind and inner vision; it's truly unforgettable. For a golfer, Murphy's masterpiece is as essential as a set of clubs.

From Library Journal

This book offers a view of golf in a more philosophical and even mystical light. This 25th-anniversary edition includes additional reflections by Murphy. Though golf is definitely a fanatic's game, half of this is written for laughs.
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: Penguin Books; 25th Anniversary edition (October 1, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0140195491
• ISBN-13: 978-0140195491
• Product Dimensions: 5.2 x 0.7 x 8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (72 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #226,642 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #36 in Books > Sports & Outdoors > Coaching > Golf

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

23 of 25 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars May the Spirit of Golf Be With You! May 8, 2001

By A Customer

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase

I read this book when it first came out and found it to be awe-inspiring. I've actually never read a book that has captivated me in the way in which this one has -- while reading it and the after-effect it has had on my life. Michael Murphy's writing abilities to captivate you on a mystical journey about golf of all things -- is just amazing! And the sequel "The Kingdom of Shivas Irons" is just as incredible. I love many things about golfing and these books have opened my interest to the world of golf even further. I was surprised by a few of the reviews which had a different experience reading this book. I think you either understand the essence of these stories or you don't, but if you do they leave you with an overwhelmingly profound feeling and deeper interest in golf.

14 of 15 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Great Travel Reading October 6, 2002

By Joseph Valentine Dworak

Format:Paperback

This book is great for the golfer and non-golfer alike. I read this book while traveling from Washington, DC to Chicago and needed something to read through Pennsylvania and Ohio. Murphy weaves a masterful tale of his round of golf with Shivas Irons, a mythical caddie/coach and through this experience Shivas helps him understand more about himself, his swing, and his life, and his place in the universe. While this book is a bit out there compared to your run of the mill golf book, it is entertaining and thought provoking in a way not seen in many books about sport. This book has soul-not many do.

16 of 18 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars If you're reading this line, read this classic! July 21, 1999

By Jack Morris

Format:Hardcover

A delightful journey through Eastern and Western philosophy and mysticism fashioned by the master teacher and acclaimed 'human potential' researcher/philosopher/writer from Esalen. The fine writing combines the simplicity and depth of Steinbeck with more than touch of J.P. Donleavy's raucus good humor. Don't miss the opportunity to laugh at yourself and the human condition with Murphy's wonderful characters. You may want to improve your golf score and succeed by reading this book, but this is a work with the potential to transform your perspective on life. Murphy delivers this jewel with an elegance and wit worthy of the wonderful game he uses to convey his message. Treat yourself to a classic. Thank you Michael!

21 of 26 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Golf, the final frontier September 7, 2000

By T. H. Mckinnie

Format:Paperback

Read this book, and you'll really want to be a better golfer. It may not help your score (in fact, it will make you stop cheating and you'll have to deal with your real score), but it will give voice to strong feelings you probably have always had about the game, but may not have realized out on the muni.

What is our true relationship with nature? Shivas takes dead aim, and one round of golf will change you forever.

If you are one of those who understands that Caddyshack (the best movie about golf), like all great comedy, not only is fun to watch, but also actually changes the way you play golf (and do everything else), then you will find that GITK (the best book about golf), like all great philosophical art, not only is fun to read, but also actually changes the way you play golf (and do everything else).

10 of 12 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Pure alchemy! Golden...A gift! March 29, 1999

By Mona Vold ([e-mail])

Format:Paperback

Golf at its best bares us, shows us not who we think we are, but who we truly are. As we curse and delight in the game's cagey offerings of disappointment and intermittent reward, as we alternately buck and welcome its fabulous mystery and rolls, even the most reluctant of us cannot help but heed the ageless pull--we unwittingly fathom the game is alive, stirring our souls. Like no other work before or after, GOLF IN THE KINGDOM calls us to this recognition. From its epigram, "The game was invented a billion years ago--don't you remember?" on to the now-famed, "Let the nothingness into yer shots," we are beckoned to what we know. With grace and lyricism, Michael Murphy concocts a shimmering world in which golf can live, and like an alchemist--through the whimsical, wise, larger-than-life magical master Shivas Irons--creates the voice of the game itself. Some years ago this book drew me back to the game I love. As a golf coach, I've carried it as a talisman, recommended it to my students, and bought more than my share of copies for friends. Because Murphy's magic is infinite and simple. In his kingdom he lures us to fascination, moves us to believe in golf's--in life's--special powers, and so, ourselves.

9 of 11 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars The Best Golf Book Ever November 29, 2000

By A Customer

Format:Paperback

This is simply the best articulation of the joy and mystique of the game that has ever been written. There are lessons here that are obvious as well as subtle. I have read it at least five times and each time I find something new. This is for the true golfer who appreciates the mysteries of golf and understands that "the game is meant for walking."

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars This is the definitive book on the enjoyment of golf. June 16, 1998

By [e-mail]

Format:Hardcover

I have just finished reading this classic for the fourth time, and I never fail to learn something new. My copy is dog-eared, underlined, annotated, and highlighted, and I'm already looking forward to my next read. It is not a book about technique, but it has done more for my game than any book on technique ever has, and I've been playing golf for over fifty years. You can hear the Scottish burr, you can smell the heather, you can almost taste the whiskey. Thank you, Michael Murphy, for showing us the way.

7 of 9 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Wow July 19, 2004

By Pedro Smith

Format:Paperback

I don't care how many times I read this book, I always walk away with something new. If you enjoy philosophy in a modern context without going to "new-age", this is a great book. I would also recommend Life of Pi.