Machrihanish - Hardcover

Miller, Dan

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0986424439 ISBN 13: 9780986424434

Publisher: Dan Miller, 2015

Synopsis

John McAlonan is an American of Irish descent. Yet Scotland, specifically Machrihanish Golf Club hard against the remote and rugged Argyll coast, is the closest he's ever come to feeling truly at home. Meanwhile, his only daughter Kate seemingly has it all: She drives a Porsche, lives in a Los Angeles beachside condo and is on the fast track to partner at a global advertising firm. But when tragedy befalls her father en route to his beloved linksland, Kate must follow in his footsteps-turning her carefully constructed world upside down. Aided by her father's eccentric yet endearing Scottish friends, Kate embarks on a 5,000-mile journey that spans continents, cultures, genders and generations. Does she have what it takes to go the distance? More importantly, can she summon the courage to face the truths hidden deep within this royal and ancient game, her father and-ultimately-herself?

About this title

About the Author:

Dan Miller's parents met because their parents were friends and members of the same golf club. So it's not an exaggeration to say that, if not for the game, he probably would not exist. Perhaps that's why he's been in love with golf almost as long as he's been in love with writing and that the two have been, and likely forever will be, intertwined.

 Professionally speaking, he got his start in newspapers, transitioned to magazines as a freelancer (including Travel& Leisure Golf, Inside Golf and Golf Illustrated--though only one of those publications still exists) and established a foothold in the online world (on golf.com and, most notably, the late great Ham 'n' Egg on Golf). These days, he feeds his need through weeeggmon.com and--against all odds--this debut novel. Along the way, he's had the opportunity to experience many of the world's best links courses in Ireland and Scotland. With great joy and humble gratitude, he is proud to say that the latter is now his second home.

Given the choice, his first option is to play the game. But when the evils of darkness, atrocious weather and/or the day job intervene, he'll happily settle for Plan B: bantering about golf with his fellow adherents/victims. As such, comments, questions and condolences--sent to dan.miller@weeeggmon.com--are always warmly welcomed.

Fore!

Review:

"Dan Miller's Machrihanish is spirited and transporting. Bobby Jones once said that 'there is golf -- and tournament golf. And they are not at all the same thing.' Well, Miller doubles down on that insight. Reading his novel, you realize again that there is golf and there is Scottish golf, and they are not at all the same thing. I downed his book in one straight shot! Thank you for writing it, sir -- and nicely played!" - Michael Bamberger, Sports Illustrated and Golf.com, and author of To the Linksland

"FIVE STARS! In some ways, Machrihanish is a modern twist on the classic Golf in the Kingdom (1972) by Michael Murphy. It is teeming with love for the spirit of golf and vividly takes the reader to Scotland. Each character provides an insight into how the game is different and magical for them. Well written and very entertaining, with a charming plot, I recommend this book to any golfer who wants to be reminded of how special the game is, the friendships that are forged with those with whom they play and the potential transformation the game can offer." - Ben Kline, Shivas Irons Society

"Dan Miller has captured the magic and mystique of the Kintyre Peninsula. Machrihanish is a minor miracle -- a 'golf book' that rises to a higher level of meaning. Superb." - Allan McAllister Ferguson, author of Golf in Scotland: A Travel-Planning Guide

"FOUR STARS! The Scottish dialect is authentic, engaging and completely understandable. With every page, the odd but likable characters and growing plot become more charming. This is a book for a much larger audience (than just golfers)." - Portland Book Review

"Miller has woven an insider's homage to golf with a story about a father and daughter reconnecting, even after death. This blend of emotional epiphany and golf fandom makes for an enjoyable read." - Kirkus Reviews
"Boasts numerous delightful characters who offer diverse personalities as well as international backgrounds that keep the story lively and entertaining. A charming story about growing, golf and the game of life." - San Francisco Book Review
"It's a must read for those of us who love links golf. Actually, you can skip the links part and you'd still enjoy the journey. Peers into the soul of golf and why we love the game." - Barney Adams, founder of Adams Golf

About this edition

• Publisher: Dan Miller
• Publication date: 2015
• ISBN 10: 0986424439
• ISBN 13: 9780986424434
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 240