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 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 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 These Blue Mountains

These Blue Mountains by Sarah Loudin Thomas,

A moving story of love, betrayal, and the enduring power of hope in the face of darkness.

German pianist Hedda Schlagel's world collapsed when her fiancé, Fritz, vanished after being sent to an enemy alien camp in the United States during the Great War. Fifteen years later, in 1932, Hedda…

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 2025!

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

1,395

readers submitted
so far, will you?

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

Book cover of In Bad Faith

In Bad Faith by Geoffrey Carter,

Nelson West, a former Chicago homicide detective, is hired by wealthy heir Lionel Bing to discreetly help “fix” scandals and legal problems for his father’s wealthy friends.

Bing, a brilliant but troubled investigator, suffers from PTSD symptoms as a result of being kidnapped and witnessing the murder of his mother…

Book cover of Your Sun Will Rise Again: Poems of Hope and Survival

Your Sun Will Rise Again by Joseph Jean Baptiste Jolicoeur,

Your Sun Will Rise Again is a powerful collection of poetic reflections on hope, resilience, and the human spirit. Written with sincerity and depth, these poems speak directly to those navigating life’s challenges, offering comfort, clarity, and quiet strength in difficult moments.

Through simple yet profound language, the book reminds…

5 book lists we think you will like!