A Course Called Scotland: Searching the Home of Golf for the Secret to Its Game | Simon & Schuster

Overview

Simon & Schuster presents Tom Coyne's New York Times bestselling travel memoir, A Course Called Scotland. In this spirited quest, Coyne sets out to play every historic links course in Scotland—the cradle of golf—across castles, cliffside fairways, and wind-streaked dunes.

What emerges is more than a sport memoir. It’s a portrait of landscapes that shape a game and the people who live among its greens. Coyne blends humor, history, and keen observation as he travels from St. Andrews to Turnberry, Dornoch, Prestwick, Troon, Carnoustie and beyond, chasing a sense of place and a few perfect shots.

What makes this book feel alive

The book invites you to imagine the sensory details that define a round: the smell of salt on the breeze, the crunch of turf under a well-worn shoe, the satisfying clack of a well-hit ball. It’s a journey through weather-worn fairways and friendly course-side conversations that make the game feel like a shared ritual rather than a solitary pursuit.

• More than 100 legendary links courses are referenced through Coyne's enthusiastic narration
• Stories of friendship, humor, and quiet introspection weave through each chapter
• A historical lens on golf’s roots, clubs, and rituals across Scotland

Readers will notice the careful balance of travel narrative and golf lore. The prose captures both the grand history of the sport and the everyday moments on the road—the train rides, the bunkers, the weather that refuses to cooperate, and the small, triumphant rounds that linger in memory.

Why you might pick up this book

• Perfect for golf lovers seeking a memoir that celebrates the sport’s origins and ongoing allure
• Great for travelers who enjoy vivid, location-driven storytelling with practical travel vignettes
• A thoughtful gift for readers who enjoy humor, friendship, and personal discovery in nonfiction

Whether you’re chasing a personal best or simply curious about what makes the birthplace of golf so deeply resonant, this book offers a glimpse into a lifelong pursuit and the possibilities that come with a loyal quest. It’s a tribute to the game, a travel journal, and a reminder that some journeys are as meaningful as the rounds themselves.