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Rating: 
Summary: An enjoyable experience for a non-golfer
Review: *****
I really enjoyed this book, although I am not a golfer. I read it because I enjoy the M. Scott Peck's other work. I found that it excited me about golf at whatever level I end up being involved with it in the future---as a spectator, as a friend of a golfer, or even as a player someday.
As a golfer's adult daughter, I confess that in the past I have thought that golf was just a "silly rich man's game" done for the amusement of those who have nothing better to do. This book blew apart my misconception that was, frankly, based on a total ignorance of the game. This book explains the connection between golf and life, the mysticism involved in the game, and how golf can be a great game just in itself, and too, as so much more.
M. Scott Peck uses his design of a fantasy golf course called Exotica as a literary device to muse about what he has learned from many years of playing. He starts with the first hole, describes it, and writes related things about golfing and life and relationships and mysticism. As he goes, he explains the game so that people like me who have no idea about golf terminology can follow and appreciate what he is saying. He brings in a religious focus too at times, but an intensely personal one (he is a Christian and calls God "Her"), so that each reader can evaluate his religious ponderings in light of their own religious beliefs and see what would hold true for them.
This is not a book about golf tips or instruction, although there is some of this that is really interesting; it is a unique view of golf through the eyes of a long-time golfer that I admire. He is not an especially good golfer (although dedicated) and he is older (60's), too; I loved this perspective as it is where I will be if I do indeed learn to golf! I have learned much from the author in this book, and am eager to become more involved in the world of golf (which surprises me greatly)!
One thing I have already done is bought the book used on audio tape from Amazon to listen to, and am looking to hearing it all again---it's that type of book---I expect to get even more out of it the second time around.
If you are considering taking up golf, or wonder why people play it and think of yourself as just not that type...perhaps you are even a "golf widow" or golfer's adult child...then this is a great book, especially if you are spiritually or intellectually oriented, or if you like Peck's other work.
*****
Rating: 
Summary: A Golfer's Disappointment.
Review: Despite the fact that he admittedly is a hack at the game of golf, I'd still play a few friendly holes with Dr. Peck. However, I wouldn't recommend his book. To apply a spiritual perspective to golf is a great idea, but one must be proficient in at least one of those two areas. I can forgive him for being a hack with a golf club, but he has some serious work to do on theology and spirituality. He is indirect, unclear and subjective to the point that his words lack authority of spiritual matters. I found myself saying, "Who says?" all the way through the book. He refers to the Bible--that's great, but his take on it is loose, whacky and irreverent! Since when is it okay to curse God (p. 137)? Hello, isn't there a commandment against that? Golf is spiritual, but readers will find themselves grasping at only whispy vapors of that truth in this book. Anything good here? Yes, I agree with Peck that golf humiliates and empties us, and that is a reason to like golf, not hate it. But where do I go with the newfound reality that I am less than I thought I was? Forget this book. Golf on Saturdays and take the humiliation the game offers with you to the pew the next morning. You will gain more.
Rating:
Summary: A Hole In One!
Review: I listened (more than once) to the very well read audio tapes while traveling. You must pay attention the detail is superb.As a golfer for 46 years and earning three letters at Indiana University, I can attest that golf can teach a great deal about life, pursuing happiness, developing patience and spiritual growth if you go beyond your score. Especially as you take the competition out of golf can you realize what this game has to offer and how you can grow as a person from it. Peck designs a wonderful exotic golf course with all the hazards and obstacles similar to which you find in life. He provides great analogies, excellent knowledge of the game which can help someone unfamiliar with the sport, and makes it all very interesting. The tapes are excellent because you can go back again and again, each time gaining new insights to golf and yourself. A great companion reader to Golf and the Spirit tapes is Pecks book, "The Road Less Traveled." Happy reading and Spiritual growth.
Rating: 
Summary: Peck makes the cut
Review: I'm a long time fan of Dr. Peck's books and also a golfer. I was so pleased to see he had written this book and enjoyed it very much. Hate to see all the negative reviews, it's just an fun and inspiring book.
Rating:
Summary: Peck makes the cut
Review: If you like Peck and like to play golf, this book is a tap in birdie. More about life and golf as spiritual journeys than about technical golf, Peck connects golf (life condensed) and our spiritual side. Very readable and humorous at times with basic practical tips for golf and life woven in throughout the round. It may inspire you to approach your next round differently and possible apply some of the ideas to your non-golf life. Great book for spiritually alive golfers.
Rating:
Summary: Golf?
Review: Lighten up critics. This is not a book about golf. Just a book about using the GAME of golf as part of your life journey. You may not learn how to play golf, but let Peck teach you something else.
Rating:
Summary: Very slow play.
Review: M. Scott takes forever to get to the point in this one. Jeez, M.Scott the group behind us wants to play through. Pick up the pace buddy or pick up the ball. This is NOT a golf book and I feel somewhat cheated by the author and publisher for foisting this on me.
Rating:
Summary: This is a great book, a fun and insightful read
Review: While not ground breaking I enjoyed Golf and the Spirit by M. Scott Peck. The audio was both witty and insightful. The author takes us through a imaginary round of golf on the fictional course Exotica. Like many courses, Exotica has roughs, sand traps and water hazzards to sufficiently challenge golfers of all levels. Dr. Peck's audio however has less to do with the physical hazzards of golf. The book delves more into the spiritual and inner aspects of the game of golf. The book uses golf as a methphor for life. Golf like life has many challenges and success in both requires introspection.
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