Four Iron in the Soul

by Lawrence Donegan

In this very funny sports book (a cross between Nick Hornby and Bill Bryson) young journalist Lawrence Donegan tells the story of the summer he spent caddying for Scottish golfer Ross Drummond, ranked over 400 in the world, on the European Tour. This is the inside story of the geniuses,the cheats, the gurus and the hangers-on that make up the golf scene. 'A joy to read. Not since Bill Bryson plotted a random route through small-town America has such a breezy idea for a book had a happier or funnier result' - Lynne Truss, "The Times". 'Funny, beautifully observed and it tells you things about sport in general and golf in particular that nobody else had thought to pass on' - Patrick Collins, "Mail on Sunday".

Genres: Sports, Nonfiction

Paperback

First published September 4, 1997

Reviews

[Rory MacMahon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyable read. A very witty account of a novice caddy and his client Ross Drummond, a journeyman pro on the European Tour. Highly recommend.

[Mairi Ross Bauchop · Rating 5 out of 5]

Firstly, I know absolutely nothing about golf - never played it, never watched it and I have not the slightest interest in it. I only picked up this book because I was at school with the author, and I had heard that it was very good (okay, so he was in the year below me, but who's counting?). Lawrence was a musician and also a clever, likeable big guy. I remember going to one of his first gigs in a village hall in Cambusbarron, before his time with The Bluebells and Lloyd Cole. Anyway, what I discovered was that you don't need to be into golf to enjoy this book; it is so funny and a breeze to read. He documents the ripped backside (as Iggy would say) of the professional golf tour with humour and affection. I loved it.

[Kyler Pool · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very funny writer, super easy read as well.

[Jmlanier1 · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a witty book by journalist Lawrence Donegan about his experience caddying for Scottish golfer Ross Drummond. Great insight into the lives and travels of European tour caddies and Mr. Donegan’s quest to become a proper caddie. And remember…golf caddying is not brain surgery…it is more important than that.

[Huw Rhys · Rating 3 out of 5]

I first read this book a few months after it was published when a relative rang me out of the blue and asked me if I knew a Lawrence Donegan, and if I remembered playing golf with him in Ireland - as he mentions me in the book.

So I rushed out and bought it, thoroughly enjoyed it, saw my name mentioned in it and then pieced together the story as to why this had come about.

When I saw the book on a friend's shelf recently, I was compelled top re-read it (some 20 years on) and it bought to mind a terrific tale about a former musician turned journalist who caddied for a "journeyman" golfer on the European Tour for a year, And had a round of golf with a "good friend" on a famous course in Ireland. My claim to fame!

[Michael Patton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very enjoyable read with some funny stories and interesting insights into Golf in the 90s. Wish I had picked the book up as a junior golfer and gave something similar a go. Brilliant excuse to work and travel.

[Tracy Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good golf memoir. Extremely funny in parts - the author has a real way with disparaging humour. I enjoyed it. Enough that I am looking to see what else Lawrence Donegan has written.

[David Bates · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyable read.

Great insight into the world of the caddy and journeyman golfer. As a keen amateur I enjoyed the same dreams he had of success for himself and Ross.

[Phil Hall · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very readable story, highly original.

[Dave · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderfully written. Insightful and funny.

[Jody · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really fun story. Lots of laugh out loud moments. Go have interesting and different life experiences!

[Gordon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Top class book about the real life of a journeyman European tour pro, Ross Drummond, and his caddie-for-the-season Lawrence Donegan. The book rightly made both a little more famous (quite a lot in Donegan's case, it effectively launched his career). Drummond is a decent golfer bit not quite good enough to make it, although Donegan's account is coincidentally of Drummond's best season. Donegan – a Guardian columnist – wants to portray Drummond as a Don Quixote figure, tilting at impossible windmills while he Donegan wants to be his Pancho, his practical assistant. It doesn't quite work out like that.

What emerges is a picture of real hidden poverty alongside obscene wealth; caddies who rarely find decent places to sleep at night, who fight to get on of seven places in a minibus from Spain to Germany or whatever. It's a poignant read, it's enlightening, it's funny, and above all it's brilliantly written.

No golfer should ever be allowed to turn pro without having to read this book, then being obliged to answer questions based on it.

[Alex · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this shortly after becoming interested in Golf. It's a lovely book and gives a great insight into the lonely and tough world of the caddy. Highly recommended.

[Therbs · Rating 4 out of 5]

A funny insight into the ranks of caddies who work for lower tier golfers.

[Stuart Airs · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great behind the scenes look at the journeymen, the caddies and the hangers on who struggle to make a living whilst others make their fortune in the world of golf. A funny, real and revealing tale.

[Fabbi · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very enjoyable book giving an insight into just how hard it is to be a professional golfer. Interesting enough to appeal to non-golfers as well as those who might not normally read a sports book.