A Golfer's Education

Kilfara describes in charming detail the characters of St. Andrew's and his loony love of golf comes through in rich portraits of the golf courses of Scotland. A great read for anyone going to Scotland to seek out the home of golf.

As a non-golfer whose father was a serious golfer, I have watched my share of tournaments and have more than a passing knowledge of the game. Although I never took to golf, I thoughly enjoyed this book! The descriptions of the courses and holes were great. Any American who is thinking of taking a golf trip to Scotland should read it to see if they have the temperament for links golf. While in many ways Darren is a "typical" American and the references to Harvard are many, he managed to learn to enjoy the game without worrying about his score, end his club breaking temper tantrums and I think is a nicer person than he would have been had he not made the trip. A delightful read.

This is an approach to golf books that I would really like to see more of. The author has a very keen perception and attention to detail when it comes to describing the best that Scottish golf has to offer, but so have many others that have come before him. The wonderful part about this book is that Kilfara also opens up a part of his soul so that the reader can try to relate to or understand him as a person while he describes this journey. Many times have I read a book about sports and wondered about personal details of the author that determine his perception of what he is desacribing. Kilfara lets us in to a part of his psyche and should be roundly applauded for it. Anyone that did not enjoy this book I believe does not like, understand or appreciate golf or is plainly jealous of the wonderful courses the author has been able to play.

Kilfara really captures the essence of the game in a must read for all avid golfers. Kilfara's narrative tells an enchanting story of golf, personal growth and romance all while on an academic sojourn from Harvard. The prose is imminently readable and will capture the hearts and minds of most golfers and non-golfers alike. I wholeheartedly recommend this endearing book to all who might need a trip to the old world.

I've encountered two types of golfers in my trips to the British Isles -- those who love to play it as it lies and those who wished they were in Hawaii. This book is for those who are fascinated with blind shots, are well aware that the weather is apt to change in an instant and find BBC broadcasts mesmerizing -- even when it's horse racing and cricket! I read this book in one sitting and loved the way it captured golf (and day-to-day life) in Scotland.