A Course Called Ireland: A Long Walk in Search of a Country, a Pint, and the Next Tee

320 Pages of Heaven On Earth

This is simply one of the best books I have ever read. I am of Irish ancestry on both sides of my family. My parents, before they died, urged me to travel to Ireland, as they had, to soak in the culture and connect with distant relatives. Coyne's book has provided the impetus for me to begin to make plans. "A Course Called Ireland" is far more than a mere diary of playing the links courses while traveling on foot, visiting pubs, and frequenting the many bed and breakfast landmarks of the Emerald Isle. Coyne's work is really about the spirit of a people who appreciate what the land has given. Being a writer myself, I never have time to read a book twice. But, I guarantee this one will be read again. That's the highest praise I can give. By the way, my sports editor says it's the best book I've ever loaned him. Perhaps there's a raise in my future. Thanks, Tom Coyne.
Paul Daley, Lowell Sun Newspaper

4 out of 4 people found this review helpful.

The ultimate Irish golf experience

This book is for anyone who has dreamed of dropping everything and playing some of the most beautiful golf courses in the world. Tom Coyne did just that and in this part travel, part golf journal he takes the reader from Shannon airport to the north, east, south, and west coast of Ireland all the while playing every true links course along the way. The most amazing thing about this journey is that Coyne's only form of transportation was his own two feet. The writing style is relaxed and very humorous but the book shines when Coyne allows the reader to see Ireland through the changing emotions he experiences on this once in a lifetime journey. Highly recommended for not only golfers but for readers who enjoy interesting travel stories.

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

My "Book of the Year"

Let me just start by saying that yes, I'm a golfer (or wannabe, if you look at my stats, ha). But it's not my "life" and I am truly NOT interested in "golf" things (other than wacking that ball around for 18 holes). So don't feel like it's not for you if you're not a golfer. After reading many regrettable biographies (etc.), I almost gave up on new books for the Classics....until I stumbled onto this little gem. Turns out, this was (by far) my favorite book of 2010--hands down! The author (I guess a pro golfer but I'm not that big on the pro golf scene) spent months WALKING his crazy self around Ireland to golf as many links as he could, and kept a diary (I suppose) along the way. While the idea had me interested, the story itself paid tenfold, and I couldn't keep away from the book. And yes, he does describe the links he plays along the way, but it certainly is only a fraction of the story (really). He may have gone there to golf, but the new world he experienced is really what this tale is about--the beautiful countryside, a different way of life, friendly and inviting people, Irish food, the crazy weather that kept him humble...and even the "bad" that went with it (bleeding feet, rabid dogs, deuce-dropping visitors...). I wish there were more books like this, because I would buy every one of them.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Great book about golf in a truly magnificent country

This book was a simple ready and entertaining throughout. The author did a great job of describing his experiences as he traveled by foot across Ireland. While this is considered a book about golf, it is much more about the people of Ireland. I loved it and would recommend this book to anyone who has been to or wants to travel to Ireland, especially if you love the game of golf.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Entertaining and Humorous with Real Life Attached

I found this book by accident. I realized, after, there was no accident. The timing of finding this book was impeccable...just what I needed to get the laughter started again. There was a daily desire to pick up the book to get another glimpse of Tom Coyne's real experience--which was never without a sense of humor. Who doesn't want to laugh? Coyne also shows how much stamina the human body has contained within itself. Pure enjoyment! This read is in my top five.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

A wonderful and pleasurable trip

If you are looking to read a book for abosolutely pure enjoyment which includes an insight into the character of a people and a country, I heartly recommend this book.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

A Course Called Ireland

Very high on my very short list of "Most Entertaining" books.
Just imagine if I knew more about golf and Ireland.
I've given it as a gift to family and recommended it to my golfing friends.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Ireland Adventure

Great read! The stories and adventures in Ireland were priceless. I almost wish that I were a golfer to experience the beauty of the golf courses in Ireland. This is a wonderful book to give to your favorite golfer.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Enjoyable Adventure

Wish I could repeat the walk - but since I won't I'm glad Tom did.

Boring

Pretty much the same thing, over and over. I walked 20 miles, I played golf, I drank in a pub, I slept, I got up and did it again.

Just Not Up To Par

My apologies to everyone else who loved this book...I simply don't get why! Love to read, love golf, I drink a beer here and there - heck, I even have a little Irish blood in me. This book just fell so flat for me. I tried, really I tried. The premise was great, but the author seemed to be overly repetitive in descriptions and activities and short on actual course images. Picturing him hiking and battling with the nuances of Ireland, I would have enjoyed more depth about the actual courses. I'm not at all slamming the book or the author's efforts - this just didn't do it for me.

Good, But Not That Good...

Wow, the other reviewers here must all be Irish. This was an entertaining book, but it was hardly the "best book I ever read". Holy cow. The book started out well, but bogged down in the early goings where I thought the story was rather repetitive and one dimensional: walk, golf, drink, walk, golf, drink, and I almost gave it up. But the author stepped it up late midway with coloring of traditions, histories, cultures and characters, and so did the humor (I hardly smiled through the first half, but I chuckled a good bit the second). I'd recommend it as an easy, escapist read, but don't expect it to necessarily be the classic everyone else here must think it is. There's just not enough depth to this story. P.S. I'm not Irish but I am an avid golfer.

A Match Made in Heaven - Ireland and Golf

Tom Coyne unites two different subjects - Ireland and Golf - in a fascinating and entertaining way. He provides an account of his "walk" around the entire perimeter of Ireland and his effort to play over 50 links golf courses. Coyne gives an excellent description of some of the world's best golf courses, but goes way beyond that. His difficulties in walking 1100 miles are frequent but don't deter him. His encounters with locals in Irish pubs, B&B's, and elsewhere offer real insight into the warmth of Irish culture and are at times hilarious. This is a must read for those who have an affection for Ireland and for golf.

Fantastic Book!

If you're a golfer or if you've ever visited Ireland, this is a must-read. Funny, interesting, touching, well-written story.

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