Book cover of Golf in the Kingdom

Book description

"...for golf's soul surfers, Golf in the Kingdom is holy scripture." -- Golf

A spiritual journey, a lush travelogue, a parable of sports and philosophy-John Updike called this unique novel "a golf classic if any exists in our day."

Paired with a mysterious teacher named Shivas Irons, Michael Murphy is…

When you buy books, we may earn a commission that helps keep our lights on (or join the rebellion as a member).

Why read it?

3 authors picked Golf in the Kingdom as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

This book is an absolute classic and should be in the library of every golfer who has ever touched those extraordinary moments we call the zone or flow. Murphy’s encounter with the enigmatic teacher Shivas Irons, has him questioning reality as he understands it with his logical mind. As their encounter unfolds, Murphy begins experiencing an opening of his perception to a deeper and more profound awareness of the forces and energies that can align to help create the perfect shot. This book shows how important it is to ‘get out of your own way’ and find your inner swing. 

From Jayne's list on The best books on mind-body golf.

This strange little book was published in 1971 by Michael Murphy and has sold well over a million copies and been translated into 19 languages. It’s fiction, but it’s also philosophy, mysticism, mythology, and a little golf instruction, too. It tells the story of someone named Michael Murphy (!) who’s on a visit to Scotland to play a little golf, and who runs into a golf pro/shaman named Shivas Irons (one of the great character names in literature). The first half of the book tells the enchanting story of the Scottish friends Michael meets, who all like to talk about…

From James' list on The best books of golf fiction.

Golf in the Kingdom is not about playing golf for eternity on that heavenly golf course in the sky. Rather it is about golf in the British Kingdom, wherein golf had its Scottish origins. I liked it because it is about a young fellow searching for meaning in life, who is traveling to the far east to find his existential roots under the guidance of some eastern religious gurus. 

Since he was passing by the British Isles along the way, he decided to take a brief detour and check out his golfing roots, golf being another passion he had. In…

If you love Golf in the Kingdom...

Book cover of December on 5C4

December on 5C4 by Adam Strassberg,

Magical realism meets the magic of Christmas in this mix of Jewish, New Testament, and Santa stories–all reenacted in an urban psychiatric hospital!

On locked ward 5C4, Josh, a patient with many similarities to Jesus, is hospitalized concurrently with Nick, a patient with many similarities to Santa. The two argue…

Want books like Golf in the Kingdom?

Our community of 13,000+ authors has personally recommended 89 books like Golf in the Kingdom.

Browse books like Golf in the Kingdom

Book cover of The Winning Touch in Golf: A Psychological Approach
Book cover of The Match: The Day the Game of Golf Changed Forever
Book cover of Harvey Penick's Little Red Book: Lessons and Teachings from a Lifetime in Golf

Share your top 3 reads of 2026!

And get a beautiful page showing off your 3 favorite reads.

181

readers submitted
so far, will you?

📚 If you like Golf in the Kingdom, you might also like...

Book cover of Sexy Selfie Nation: Standing Up for Yourself in Today's Toxic, Sexist Culture

Sexy Selfie Nation by Leora Tanenbaum,

The problem is not with the actions young women take but with the toxic, sexist conditions they are responding to.

Tanenbaum found, based on six years of interviews with young people ages 14-30, that young women are navigating a culture littered with gendered dress codes, revenge porn, and sexually explicit…

Book cover of In This Together: Connecting with Your Community to Combat the Climate Crisis

In This Together by Marianne E. Krasny,

In This Together explores how we can harness our social networks to make a real impact fighting the climate crisis. Against notions of the lone environmental crusader, Marianne E. Krasny shows us the power of "network climate action"—the idea that our own ordinary acts can influence and inspire those close…

5 book lists we think you will like!