Book Review – A Course Called America

For those golfers that enjoyed reading Tom Coyne’s, A Course Called Ireland and A Course Called Scotland, you will want to read his recent book. A Course Called America. It is a departure from Tom’s earlier adventures to play links golf in the old country. I share his passion for links golf, walking courses and playing raw golf like his favourites of Carne and Askernish. As a Canadian, I have ventured next door and played many of the courses he mentions and even met some of the folks mentioned. I really liked how he mixed in US golf course history, course architecture discussions/comparisons, meetings with engaging strangers for his rounds, resurrected old friendships and some politics is discussed. Tom also describes his special connection with his father which made me think fondly of mine, Sam Morgan. As for the courses, he analyzes many of the ones we all know, hidden treasures and idiosyncratic ones. There is even a course that straddles both the US and Great White North (think bootlegger history). I now possess a new book that helps me map out golf trip adventures for Athlone golf clientele to the US like the UK and Scotland. I also have a greater appreciation of America’s positioning in the golf world. Take a look at the back of the book for his burgerdog rankings of courses. I highly recommend adding it to your library