While not a bad read, this book is not in league with "Golf in the Kingdom" and "The Legend of Bagger Vance." I would recommend "Nine Iron John" as a light read for those who enjoy golf stories but don't expect enlightenment.


Move Over Shivas Irons   May 12, 2002
 1 out of 1 found this review helpful

After reading Shapiro's brilliant, "Golf's Mental Hazards," I had to check out the literary skills of this noted sports psychologist and I must say, was quite impressed. Nine-Iron John is a tale about a golf outing to a mythical island off the coast of South Carolina, where a young man and an older friend of his, set out to par a hole - known as the Savage - that has NEVER before been parred. That's right - NEVER BEEN PARRED! Now, this sounds awfully silly, but in the context of this fast-paced, quick-read, it is all entirely believable. This is a book that gets into the heart of the male psyche and does so with poignant moments and a whole lot of very funny scenarios. Shapiro proves that in addition to being a masterful psychologist, he is also a very gifted writer. Nine-Iron John will make you laugh and make you cry, and every golfer who who has ever looked to find himself in his golf game, who has used golf to avoid problems in the "real world," who questions the nature of his place on this planet, will love this book. A wonderful fantasy, that seems entirely real, I rate Nine-Iron John right up there with "Golf in the Kingdom" and "The Legend of Bagger Vance." Bring on the movie!


Travel the Breadth of Extremity   April 21, 2002
Its a good thing that Doc Shapiro's writing skills far exceed his golfing ability ! If you are ready for a rugged journey into the mentality of the golfer and the plight of the common man, this book will not disappoint. So grab your xanax and a shot of tequila and enjoy the ride.