Four Iron in the Soul by Lawrence Donegan (1998-04-02) Paperback – 1 Jan. 1627

Before reading Lawrence Donegan's Four-Iron In The Soul, I knew very little about golf apart from the Rat Pack, Tiger Woods, Jimmy Tarbuck and, er. bogies. Indeed, for me, golf was just something that was on TV in the early hours in the days before proper 24-hour telly.And I suspect that I haven't learned much more about golf after reading Four-Iron In The Soul but the book is an absolute joy.Lawrence Donegan used to play the bass in a couple of tasty Scottish post-punk bands - The Bluebells and The Commotions. But in the '90s he decided to put away his childish things and become a journalist, working for The Guardian.Although I was well aware of Donegan's musical endeavours I can't say I paid much attention to his career in journalism. But a few weeks ago, somewhere on the internet, I bumped into Four-Iron In the Soul and took a punt. And I'm glad I did.In the mid-nineties, Donegan contacted the obscure - to me at any rate - Scottish golfer Ross Drummond and asked to be his caddy for a season. Drummond agreed and Donegan ended up following the golfer around Europe and beyond. Along the way, he encountered all manner of misfits and oddballs. There were highs and lows, comedy and disappointment. Lawrence Donegan is a cracking writer who can fire off sharp one liners as well as many a crime writer. Indeed, Four-Iron In the Soul is as gripping as it touching. Though I’m a bit surprised that no one asked him if his old man was a dustman Four-Iron In The Soul is highly recommended

Takes time to warm up and even when it does, it’s only tepid. Which is fairly indicative of Ross Drummond’s professional golfing career. The author, Donegan, never really loses his “temporary outsider” tag and hence the book doesn’t get under the skin of what it’s like to be a career caddy. It is readable though, but just like golf for most professionals, it’s no fairytale.

thought this book looked very intriguing - the world of golf through a caddies eyes - given that I've always wondered what it must be like, touring with some of the richest sportsmen in the world, and how well the caddies did out of it.Mr Donegan does a superb job of telling it like it really is - pretty hard going for most caddies - and more interestingly, for the players further down the food chain.I think the great thing about this book is the way you are swept along with his initial excitement, and are willing Drummond to do well. Once the disillusionment and the slow demise of their relationship kicks in, you can really empathise with the emotions both men are feeling.In summary, an excellent, entertaining, and eye opening look at the world of golf.

Very well written, entertaining, and revealing. A thoroughly enjoyable read. If you are at all interested the “behind the scenes” of professional golf, this is a must. Even if you aren’t, it’s a very good read.

Good insight into the world of a professional caddie.Lawrence Donegan gives a humorous view of life on tour.Very enjoyable.

This book is for anyone daft enough to want to be a professional golf caddie - One read of this and they will run a mile!!! Seriously though this is a very funny, very well written book that charts Lawrence Donegan's efforts at professional caddying. The characters in the book are epicly humorous and to be honest could describe many characters one comes across in daily life across the board. It is also a fascinating insight into how the best of golfers can have big down periods where ever their caddy's start to think twice about partnering with them. A very funny book that will appeal to all sports fans, not just golf, and makes you want to laugh out loud every chapter.Thoroughly recommneded.

I don't play golf and I hardly ever watch it, but I picked up Lawrence Donegan's book because I have to write speeches for golfers every once in a while, and I was looking for something to give me some inspiration and insight. This was a great choice. I loved reading Donegan, who is wry, self-deprecating and intelligent.It's a great story about being a caddy, and the ups and downs of Drummond, his professional. Donegan tells some excellent anecdotes and describes the underside of the glamorous world of golf. I felt I learnt something about what it's like to compete in top level sport. I'll certainly be keen to buy more of his books.

Although set 20 years ago the book provides any golf nut or normal human with a fantastic insight into what it was to be on tour from the unique position of a caddy. As a golf nut I found it entertaining, insightful and frequently laugh out loud funny. You won't be disappointed.