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 · 162 ratings  · 25 reviews

Start your review of Golf and the Spirit: Lessons for the Journey

This book did not particulary interest me. Many times I would find myself rather bored and tense while the author rambled on about how golf relates to life. As one could see, this could become rather repetetive. the Author developed his own 18 hole fictional course, where each hole described a different aspect of life. Only, somehow, he would start talking about his marriage, or how he served for America. Not only did this not relate to how Golf and the human spirit are related, but these digres This book did not particulary interest me. Many times I would find myself rather bored and tense while the author rambled on about how golf relates to life. As one could see, this could become rather repetetive. the Author developed his own 18 hole fictional course, where each hole described a different aspect of life. Only, somehow, he would start talking about his marriage, or how he served for America. Not only did this not relate to how Golf and the human spirit are related, but these digressions tended to not exactly be entertaining. Overall, I would not recommend this book, but keep in mind some advice may serve as helpful.. ...more

Jul 23, 2013 Chris rated it really liked it

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 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. ...more

Jul 14, 2012 Skyqueen rated it really liked it

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...) 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...) ...more

Nov 21, 2020 Samiullah Khan rated it really liked it

I don't know when you should rate a book five star. I read this books not from the golf perspective but that of spirituality. I read other books of same author on this topic, In other words I wanted to read more of this author work. That's why I could justify the five stars.

I will randomly through things that I learned after the first read of the book

This book includes good bit of Golf knowledge. The knowledge is build up on each chapter, with a good breather of comparison and reflection of real

I don't know when you should rate a book five star. I read this books not from the golf perspective but that of spirituality. I read other books of same author on this topic, In other words I wanted to read more of this author work. That's why I could justify the five stars.

I will randomly through things that I learned after the first read of the book

This book includes good bit of Golf knowledge. The knowledge is build up on each chapter, with a good breather of comparison and reflection of real life. I newer know that golf has a complex and easy paradox nature. People think gold if hard but so is life.

When we learn something, don't expect that everything will be straight forward, a steady or linear learning curve. We will hit a wall, this is the time to perform kenosis, clear our egos, Forgive yourself, and don what's next. Like in the game of cricket if a player drops a catch. The quickly he forgets the better he will catch next ball.

There are some good parenting tips and in the end I would never found about the spiritual side of golf and how it connect to our real life if I didn't read this book.

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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 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. ...more

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. 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. ...more

Oct 07, 2017 Joseph rated it liked it

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. 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. ...more

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

I. Can't.

Jan 23, 2019 Zaque Eyn rated it it was amazing

Great book and very insightful information using golf as the vehicle for the explanations.

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…..

Give me that ol' time golf and religion! For fans who remember when Hustler magazine founder Larry Flynt discovered how poorly porn and religion went together will appreciate Peck's attempt to bring together the past time of golf and god. While the book does help the case of duffers who need a rationale to avoid Sunday worship services, Peck's hyper-political correctness (M.'s actually refers to "Her Kingdom" in describing heaven) makes for an unreadable mess. The cliched division of the book i Give me that ol' time golf and religion! For fans who remember when Hustler magazine founder Larry Flynt discovered how poorly porn and religion went together will appreciate Peck's attempt to bring together the past time of golf and god. While the book does help the case of duffers who need a rationale to avoid Sunday worship services, Peck's hyper-political correctness (M.'s actually refers to "Her Kingdom" in describing heaven) makes for an unreadable mess. The cliched division of the book into 18 chapters around imaginary holes Peck "designs" to teach us spiritual lessons comes across as plain weird. In short, as Tim Tebow has taught us religion and sport don't go great together. ...more

Aug 01, 2015 Laura Martone rated it it was amazing

Having only read one other Peck book - The Road Less Traveled (which I thoroughly enjoyed and benefited from) - I can't yet call myself a die-hard fan of his work. Still, having enjoyed and appreciated this book just as much - a "how not-to" guide that likens the game of golf (hole by frustrating hole) to the spiritual journey of life - I'm inclined to believe that I might enjoy some - if not all - of his other books as well. Though a beginning golfer and a lifelong agnostic (closer to atheism t Having only read one other Peck book - The Road Less Traveled (which I thoroughly enjoyed and benefited from) - I can't yet call myself a die-hard fan of his work. Still, having enjoyed and appreciated this book just as much - a "how not-to" guide that likens the game of golf (hole by frustrating hole) to the spiritual journey of life - I'm inclined to believe that I might enjoy some - if not all - of his other books as well. Though a beginning golfer and a lifelong agnostic (closer to atheism than not), I still found so much to love and learn from in this book. Highly recommended to open-minded golfers and non-golfers alike! ...more

Dec 06, 2016 Reader57 rated it it was amazing

Peck, best know for his book The Road Less Traveled, is a psychiatrist and author of 13 books. He makes it clear up front in this book that this is not a "how to play golf" book, but rather a how "not to play golf" book. He creates an imaginary golf course called Exotica and uses it to explain resemblance of the golf journey and life journey. There are a lot of funny stories, poignant stories, and very good lessons I can recommend this book for everyone - whether you play or not. I can also tell Peck, best know for his book The Road Less Traveled, is a psychiatrist and author of 13 books. He makes it clear up front in this book that this is not a "how to play golf" book, but rather a how "not to play golf" book. He creates an imaginary golf course called Exotica and uses it to explain resemblance of the golf journey and life journey. There are a lot of funny stories, poignant stories, and very good lessons I can recommend this book for everyone - whether you play or not. I can also tell you that as a beginning golfer it's great to know so much of my game is "normal". ...more

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? :)

Mar 26, 2008 Travis rated it liked it

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. 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. ...more

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. 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. ...more

Jun 09, 2016 Ari rated it it was amazing

"You would get to love golf, and your life"

I have never played golf in my life, but I thoroughly enjoyed this book. M. Scott Peck uses a full game of golf - to go with you to play the whole course - and shares reflection of how to live our lives. Amazing. Now I have learned so much about life, and for sure, golf.

"You would get to love golf, and your life"

I have never played golf in my life, but I thoroughly enjoyed this book. M. Scott Peck uses a full game of golf - to go with you to play the whole course - and shares reflection of how to live our lives. Amazing. Now I have learned so much about life, and for sure, golf.

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Oct 07, 2008 Ryan rated it liked it

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 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. ...more

Sep 19, 2009 Will rated it really liked it

Having recently taken up golf, I was seeing spiritual lessons in the game. And so it was real neat to read Peck's book which is all about relating golf to the spiritual life. At time funny and other times deep, Peck's book is very interesting. It does lack real depth...he begins to scratch the surface of some profound spiritual truths, but they don't go as far as they seem they could go. Having recently taken up golf, I was seeing spiritual lessons in the game. And so it was real neat to read Peck's book which is all about relating golf to the spiritual life. At time funny and other times deep, Peck's book is very interesting. It does lack real depth...he begins to scratch the surface of some profound spiritual truths, but they don't go as far as they seem they could go. ...more

The first half is really solid. The second half is very religious. At times, Peck tries to avoid preaching about religion, specifically Christianity, and does okay, but for the majority of the second half he focuses on spirituality as a link to God. Read the first half, take it in and put the book down.

Jun 10, 2012 Michael rated it it was amazing

Fabulous book on living a fulfilling life, using golf as a metaphor. Love Scott Peck's ideas and philosophy. Fabulous book on living a fulfilling life, using golf as a metaphor. Love Scott Peck's ideas and philosophy. ...more

Sep 08, 2010 Ken rated it did not like it

I actually liked the first few chapters of this book, but like many golf courses where the holes all seem the same, I became bored after about the 8th hole.

Sep 23, 2009 Jean rated it it was amazing

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

Dr. Peck was born on May 22, 1936 in New York City, the younger of two sons to David Warner Peck, a prominent lawyer and jurist, and his wife Elizabeth Saville. He married Lily Ho in 1959, and they had three children.

Dr. Peck received his B.A. degree magna cum laude from Harvard College in 1958, and his M.D. degree from the Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine in 1963. From 1963 unti

Dr. Peck was born on May 22, 1936 in New York City, the younger of two sons to David Warner Peck, a prominent lawyer and jurist, and his wife Elizabeth Saville. He married Lily Ho in 1959, and they had three children.

Dr. Peck received his B.A. degree magna cum laude from Harvard College in 1958, and his M.D. degree from the Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine in 1963. From 1963 until 1972, he served in the United States Army, resigning from the position of Assistant Chief Psychiatry and Neurology Consultant to the Surgeon General of the Army with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel and the Meritorious Service Medal with oak leaf cluster. From 1972 to 1983, Dr. Peck was engaged in the private practice of psychiatry in Litchfield County, Connecticut.

On March 9, 1980 at the age of 43, Dr. Peck was nondenominationally baptized by a Methodist minister in an Episcopalian convent (where he has frequently gone on retreat).

Dr. Peck's first book, The Road Less Traveled, was published by Simon & Schuster in 1978. The book has sold over six million copies to date in North America alone, and has been translated into over 20 languages.

Dr. Peck's second book, People of the Lie: The Hope For Healing Human Evil, was published by Simon & Schuster in October of 1983. It is recognized as a ground-breaking contribution to the field of psychology, and is currently a best seller in Japan.

Dr. Peck's third book, What Return Can I Make? Dimensions of the Christian Experience, was published by Simon & Schuster in December of 1985. It contains Marilyn Von Waldner's singing as well as Dr. Peck's essays and audio commentary. It was republished by Harpers (San Francisco) in the fall of 1995, under the new title, Gifts For the Journey: Treasures of the Christian Life, and is being republished again by Renaissance Press.

A fourth book entitled The Different Drum: Community Making and Peace, was published in June 1987 by Simon & Schuster and is recognized as another ground breaking contribution to the behavioral sciences.

Dr. Peck's fifth book and first work of fiction, A Bed By the Window: A Novel of Mystery and Redemption, was published by Bantam in August, 1990. It was hailed by the New York Times as "something of a miracle".

The Friendly Snowflake: A Fable of Faith, Love and Family, Dr. Peck's sixth book, and first for children as well as adults, (Turner Publishing, Inc.) and was illustrated by Dr. Peck's son, Christopher Peck, and published in October 1992.

Dr. Peck's seventh book, A World Waiting To Be Born: Civility Rediscovered, a work on organizational behavior, was published by Bantam in March 1993.

Meditations From the Road, was published by Simon & Schuster in August 1993.

Further Along the Road Less Traveled, a collection of Dr. Peck's edited lectures (1979-1993) was published by Simon & Schuster in October 1993.

In Search of Stones: A Pilgrimage of Faith, Reason and Discovery was published by Hyperion in April 1995. It is also illustrated by his son, Christopher. It has been hailed by Publisher's Weekly as a "quirky, magical blend of autobiography, travel, spiritual meditation, history and Arthurian legend."

A second novel In Heaven As On Earth: A Vision of the Afterlife, was published by Hyperion in the spring of 1996.

The Road Less Traveled and Beyond: Spiritual Growth in an Age of Anxiety, is a synthesis of all Dr. Peck's work and was published by Simon & Schuster in January 1997.

With his background in medicine, psychiatry and theology he has also been in a unique position to write Denial of the Soul: Spiritual and Medical Perspectives in Euthanasia and Mortality, this first "topical" book, published by Harmony Books (Crown) in April 1997.

Golf and the Spirit: Lessons for the Journey was published by Harmony Books in 1999. It too is illustrated by Christopher Peck.

Dr. Peck was a nationally recognized authority on the relationship between religion and science, and the science o

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