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Solid 5: Books to explore golf and spirituality


When the writer Anne-Celine Jaeger had her first experience of golf last year, her eyes were opened to the joy of a game she describes as 'a modern day meditation'. Here, she picks five books that explore the connection between golf and spirituality.

Solid 5: Books to explore golf and spirituality

Golf for Enlightenment by Deepak Chopra

Faced with the wild ups and downs of his own game, Chopra crystallised a teaching based on mindfulness, the ability to remain calm and focused, relaxed and powerful at the same time. He says: "I’ve always believed that one of the highest forms of human intelligence is to observe yourself without judging yourself or evaluating yourself. It’s a difficult thing to do. Golf allows you to do that."

Golf and the Spirit by M. Scott Peck

Penned by the psychiatrist and author of the classic The Road Less Travelled, the book reveals what the game of golf has taught Peck about life – important lessons in perception, such as how to work through anger, accept the gift of humility and changing ingrained behaviour. Peck uses the game as a metaphor for spiritual growth. 

Silent Mind, How to Empty Your Mind and Play Golf Instinctively

Written by the award-winning author and peak performance speaker Robin Sieger, this book removes the mystery behind the mental mastery that lies at the heart of peak performance. Tony Jacklin says: "I wish had read this book over 30 years ago, I genuinely believe it would have prolonged my career at the highest level."

Breathe Golf by Jayne Storey

Written by long-term teacher and philosopher of eastern practice, Breathe Golf explores the relationship between breathing, the quiet mind and playing effortless golf, especially when under pressure. Drawing on a lifetime of meditation and Tai Chi, plus 18 years’ research into the perfect golf shot, Breathe Golf teaches you how to unite your mental game with your swing.

Golf in the Kingdom by Michael Murphy

This book was first published in 1972 by the director and co-founder of The Esalen Institute, a retreat and research centre on the cliffs of Big Sur, California. It has sold over a million copies and been translated into over 19 languages. The book, a classic work on the deeper mysteries of golf, recalls the author’s encounter with the mystical golf pro, Shivas Iron. It explains the philosophical truths to be gained from playing golf. 

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