Book Review in the Irish Times

Kevinmarkham

For anyone who's interested in reading an impartial review of my book, Philip Reid will be reviewing it in this Tuesday's Irish Times (15 Sept).

Posters on here have, for the most part, been very complimentary and I thank you all for your comments. There have been disagreements on some courses (Knightsbrook, Castleknock particularly) which is no surprise, but Mr Reid's comments on the overall book should prove highly enlightening. I have no idea what he'll say so see what you think of it when it appears.

K

Osgoodisgood

I bought the book as a present for my dad while he was here on holiday. He loves the book, as do I. I have slight disagreements about a few of your comments but there's nothing wrong with that at all! I bought it for your opinion in light of the fact that you are uniquely qualified to offer that opinion! My dad has already written his thoughts on the courses he's played here in the margins of his copy.

Sandwich

For those who don't get the IT, its available online, but only for that days paper.
Kevin, maybe post a link here when its up, and seeing as its your book, they mightnt get upset if you cut and pasted it here for the longer term.

NITFBY

Kevinmarkham wrote: »

For anyone who's interested in reading an impartial review of my book, Philip Reid will be reviewing it in this Tuesday's Irish Times (15 Sept).

Posters on here have, for the most part, been very complimentary and I thank you all for your comments. There have been disagreements on some courses (Knightsbrook, Castleknock particularly) which is no surprise, but Mr Reid's comments on the overall book should prove highly enlightening. I have no idea what he'll say so see what you think of it when it appears.

K

Was given the book as a present 2 weeks ago. Really enjoyed it!! Hope you get a great review on Tuesday.

Kevinmarkham

Sandwich wrote: »

For those who don't get the IT, its available online, but only for that days paper.
Kevin, maybe post a link here when its up, and seeing as its your book, they mightnt get upset if you cut and pasted it here for the longer term.

Thanks Sandwich, I'll just check and make sure the review is reasonably complimentary!!!

Myksyk

I subscribe to the digital IT edition and am pretty sure I can link to specific parts. Will see tomorrow.

jimjo

Yeah I’ll look forward to reading his review, I cant see him saying anything remotely negative, not that your book deserves it! As I said before I feel it’s a really good read.

My constructive criticism would be that you favoured links courses too much, think some one else picked up on that also. However you did say in one of the opening pages that you’re as a links man, so I can see why you rate them so highly. Another course which got an undeservedly low score for its quality was Luttrellstown, the course is fantastic, very difficult and the way the course is manicured is something else, surely to god it deserves more than 79! The clubhouse is like something out of a 5 star hotel!!! In comparison to another course South County (which I really like by the way and not in any way trying to put down, just using as an example) which you gave 81, doesn’t really add up with me. Luttrellstown has to be two levels above South County in both terms of course and facilities, but I suppose each to their own.

Before playing a course I haven’t played before I give your book a quick skim over, on one or two occasions your reviews have even altered my days golfing, simply put I was meant to play Highfield but after reading your review I ended up playing, off all courses, South County instead! And needless to say really enjoyed it!!

mag

links courses are just better!

Kevinmarkham

Here's the link

Irish Times

And in answer to one of Philip's main questions - I'm working on the follow up.

K

Adiaga 2

Pretty good review all in all. I agree that the travelogue idea would have made the book more of a page-turner. It's not the type of book I would read cover to cover but is a great reference book. Seems even he found a few bones with the scoring system but you'll never please everyone with something like that. Look forward to your follow-up!

Johnny_Fontane

hmm interesting review - my own view of the book is that its not about the big courses - we all know about those. Its the hidden gems, the courses that you wouldnt ordinarily think about. I think Philip maybe hasn't actually 'used' the book as it should be. And thats in the front pocket of the car with 14 clubs in the boot looking for somewhere to play golf.

clg23

When I got the book I was a little disappionted that it didnt have the narrative that your blog had, but I have found the book really useful and consult it before I play any new course.

Can you tell us what the new book is about?

Kevinmarkham

Johnny_Fontane wrote: »

hmm interesting review - my own view of the book is that its not about the big courses - we all know about those. Its the hidden gems, the courses that you wouldnt ordinarily think about. I think Philip maybe hasn't actually 'used' the book as it should be. And thats in the front pocket of the car with 14 clubs in the boot looking for somewhere to play golf.

And that, Johnny, was the exact purpose of the book. Ta very much!

clg23 wrote: »

When I got the book I was a little disappionted that it didnt have the narrative that your blog had, but I have found the book really useful and consult it before I play any new course.

Can you tell us what the new book is about?

I guess I'm trying to decide whether a book of my travels would make an interesting read. A lot of the time I was on my own in the camper van, and playing on my own at 7am, so that's not exactly enthralling, but there's probably enough to produce an entertaining book - the blog is a great reference point and I'm just sorry I didn't start it sooner.

Tosher

Out of interest, why as asked in IT were two of the 'big' clubs marked down - Portmarnock and Royal Dub? Was it because you perceived them as 'big clubs' and not 'hidden gems'?

Burgerman55

Bit clinical alright though in fairness

Kevinmarkham

Tosher wrote: »

Out of interest, why as asked in IT were two of the 'big' clubs marked down - Portmarnock and Royal Dub? Was it because you perceived them as 'big clubs' and not 'hidden gems'?

Not at all, I just didn't think they were that exciting compared with other links courses. That may sound like sacrilege (Portmarnock particularly) but it just didn't 'wow' me like The Island did.

Based on responses to "The best course you've ever played" thread on here, I know how popular Portmarnock is. Don't get me wrong, it's a brilliant course, but it's not for me.

A great test I was given by an American friend was: if you had to play two courses 100 times, how many times would you play one vs. the other. Apply that test to Portmarnock and The European, and I'd play The European 70 times and Portmarnock 30.

As for Philip's question: Do you believe that Markham displays a social conscience in his rankings of the likes of Portmarnock, Royal Dublin and The K Club? 'Social conscience' had nothing to do with it so I'm not sure how he's dug that one up

ipitydafool

Firstly congrats on success of book, a great reference guide for the ordinary jo soap golfer. IMO opinion i thought Mr Reids reveiw today was poor, as johnny pointed out earlier he didnt get point of the book or its target audience, and the fact that he harped on about your ranking of portmarnock, k club and royal dublin shows me what has been wrong with alot of the golf journalism in Ireland since pre ryder cup days.All they want to write about our the big trophy courses with no regard for the other 90% golf courses on this island. That is why your blog and book has been a breath of fresh air for golf journalism.

Johnny_Fontane

Its be interesting to know where Philip Reid plays golf. Is he a member of somewhere does anyone know?

f22

I agree that the whole point of the book (which I love) seems to be lost on him a bit.

I agree with him on Portmarnock but it's all about personal taste and opinion so there is no right or wrong. I'm sure mood on the day, recovering greens etc could easily knock a couple of marks off any course ona a given day, and a return date with greens recovered, better mood and a bit of sunshine could sometimes put a different complexion on a course (for me anyway).

The K-Club however is the most over-rated course I have ever played in this country. I have played it on corprate days many times and it's lost on me why anyone would pay top dollar for the "privilege".