Preferred Lies: A Journey to the Heart of Scottish Golf | Weidenfeld & Nicolson

Overview

Preferred Lies invites readers to walk the fairways of Scotland and beyond with Andrew Greig as guide. The narrative traces how golf emerges from place—its coastlines, towns, and windswept links—into a living story. From the storied greens of the Old Course at St Andrews to the quiet miners' courses of Yorkshire, Greig maps more than holes; he maps culture, memory, and belonging.

The author’s voice blends observation and reminiscence, turning each shot into a moment of reflection. He plays in varied company—alone, with friends, with brothers, and with ghosts—seeking the heart of the game where simplicity and complexity collide. Sensory details—the salt air, the creak of old timbers, the texture of turf underfoot, the hush after a putt—become language for a shared human experience that transcends scorecards.

A centerpiece of the book is North Ronaldsay's free nine-hole course, described as a place where the essence of golf might be found. The journey is less about technique and more about atmosphere, history, and the spaces between shots where culture and geography mingle. The narrative invites readers to consider how golf travels across borders, and how landscapes shape the way the game is played and perceived.

What you’ll discover

• A sweeping travel narrative that threads golf, history, and place into one textured journey.
• Vivid scenes from iconic Scottish courses and lesser-known regional greens.
• Insights into how social meanings and local character influence the game.
• A lyrical, accessible style that invites quiet contemplation without sacrificing clarity.
• A reflection on the human moments—companionship, solitude, memory—that accompany a round of golf.

Is this for you?

• Golf enthusiasts curious about heritage, landscape, and culture.
• Readers of literary non-fiction and travel writing seeking thoughtful storytelling.
• Lovers of Scottish coastlines and evocative landscapes who enjoy reflective prose.
• Readers who appreciate a respectful, non-prescriptive look at the game.

Product details and packaging: this edition is new and mint condition, with dispatch on the same day for orders placed before 12 noon, guaranteed packaging, and a straightforward returns policy. This ensures your copy arrives as described and ready for immersion into Greig's evocative journey.