A Course Called America: Fifty States, Five Thousand Fairways, and the Search for the Great American Golf Course Paperback – May 17, 2022

Tom Coyne is a talented writer and golf fans should feel fortunate that he chooses to write about golf. His writing is insightful and witty and never boring. I have read his two previous books about his travels in Ireland and Scotland and while this book is a mild let down compared to those two, it is still a five star read. The only criticism I have is that he rushes through too many courses and sometimes only give the briefest of descriptions. Aside from that, it is a great story. He lives a golfers dream, playing all the U.S. Open courses and traveling to all 50 states. Along the way he plays some amazing courses like Seminole, Winged Foot, Sand Hills and the Country Club.The best and most insightful part of the book is when he focuses on the people and personalities. His day spent playing with Jimmy Dunne at Shinnecock and the National Golf Links is worth the price of the book alone, because he gives very insightful comments about the man who is a member of something like 20 of the best private courses in the country but is still one of the nicest and most generous guys in the golf world. He provides similar insights into the pro at Oakmont and Seminole Bob Ford.Coyne shows his own generosity in his great story about Cypress Point, which I won't spoil for the prospective reader. The book reflects what is so unique about golf in that you can bond and become lifelong friends with people you have never met before after playing golf with them. Tom does a better job explaining what makes this magic formula than I have ever read.

Tom Coyne's latest work, "A Course Called America," became an instant companion for the first leisure read of summer. Initially intrigued because of local muni course that was featured (Grover Cleveland GC in Buffalo, NY), it proved to be so much more than book about golf courses.People and PlaceThe characters in Mr. Coyne's life play a huge role in making the text flow. From his long-suffering spouse and kids, to friends like Brendan, Mike, Fairway Joe, and countless more, it's a reminder that it's not the places that matter so much, it's the intersection of people and land that make an impact. His quest to find the Great American Golf Course stirs the itch to travel and to play, and his writing about his father is a non-fiction counterpart to other father - son relationships in literature and film, like the Kinsellas in Shoeless Joe/Field of Dreams.The courses that he finds mirror our nation. Some are pristine and closed off from much of society, while some are unkempt and open to all. Still others prove to creative, authentic, and democratic in their membership and spirit. On these varied links, our author finds, with very few exceptions, good people. People willing to share a game for four hours, with pride in their surroundings, possessing a scar tissue and empathy for their fellow travelers and pursuers of the game.Mr. Coyne knows the game and plays it well. He's passionate about all facets: from golf architecture, to podcasts, to course designers. You'll love golf more after reading this; I think you'll see your next round with new eyes. As your own travels in the game continue, you'll appreciate the places where you next tee it up, and those who join you. More than that, I bet you'll check your home course for tee times, call up some old friends, and play where you first encountered your love for the game.

The author crisscrosses the USA and combines human interaction stories and golf all the while describing the geography...all amusing!

Tom Coyne takes you on a magical golf tour of the US. From classic courses known to most golfers to hidden and obscure gems, you’ll enjoy learning about unique course facets and characteristics you never thought existed. Plus, you’ll be reminded of the challenges and camaraderie that make golf so addictive and enjoyable.

Coyne is a brilliant story teller. Quick and easy read. Strongly recommend to anyone who grew up working in golf, and still uses it as an escape from every day life.

This is an amusing, wonderful book— you don’t need me to tell you why it’s a best seller. What I will contribute is the idea that this will make a great Christmas gift for golfing friends—generally men for whom Christmas is usually a puzzle—belts, ties, and shot glasses no longer work.So Merry Christmas,from one of Tom’s friends…..

Out of all the books Coyne has written, this one hit closest to home. His prose is unmatched, at least in our niche genre of golfing vagabond adventures. The way he tells his stories always draws you in. I had a very tough time putting it down.Scotland was always going to be hard to match, but Coyne absolutely delivers. The structure makes you feel like you’re on the adventure along side him. Meeting all of the friends he made along the way is an added plus, and as someone who picked up a golf club for the first time because of my father, that storyline in particular is close to my heart.Well done, Tom! This one has the craic in spades! Cheers.