GOLF - a course in life

GOLF: a course in life - A few things golf can teach us about life and business

John Hanlon 2012 Paperback 148 pages - Snowy River Books- rrp $35.00

That golf reflects life is not a new thought.

What John Hanlon has attempted to do here is to extend the metaphor, to examine it in depth and apply it to both the mental and physical sides of golf, as well as the business and personal sides of our everyday lives.

He is not a scratch golfer or a qualified golf teacher, merely a competent golfer who is a master of metaphor and strives to do his best in all areas of a multi-faceted life.

‘I’m only a competent golfer’ says John, ‘but the 72 lessons in the book reflect my attitude to life’. 

Each chapter heading relates to the mental and physical sides of golf, and the personal and operational sides of everyday life.

The book is structured with the left hand page identifying a golf experience, and its facing pair commenting on the life lesson that can be drawn from that experience.

From the Foreword; ‘I’m well aware some will consider my view of the world to be anachronistic, naïve and idealistic and, I admit, in some ways I doggedly cling to what many regard as old-fashioned values. However, I make no apologies for this. I have little time for cynics or so-called realists who abandon tradition in the name of progress or decry idealism as weakness. Cynicism is a close relative of apathy in my view and a man without ideals is a man without a soul. If you don’t know what I mean when I say this, this book is not for you.’

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

As well as being a creative partner of Sydney communications agency, LOUD, John Hanlon is a successful singer-songwriter and recording artist, and a writer who has a way with metaphor.

At least two generations of New Zealanders have been born since John Hanlon was a regular feature on our airwaves. Those old enough to remember him will recall songs like the iconic protest Damn the Dam, the soaring melody of Higher Trails and jaunty pop beat of Lovely Lady. True fans would be aware that he dominated New Zealand’s Record Awards during the mid 70s collecting Album of Year and Songwriter of the Year awards three years in succession. A feat never achieved by any other artist before or since. As well, he won the APRA Silver Scroll two years in succession.

Available in NZ at  http://www.betterbooks.co.nz/