To the Linksland

by Michael Bamberger

A 30th anniversary edition of Michael Bamberger’s widely beloved golf classic recounting his honeymoon adventures as a caddie in Europe—including a new introduction by Golf in the Kingdom author Michael Murphy, a new afterword, and never-before-seen photographs.

Thirty years (and counting!) after publication, To the Linksland still enthralls readers who pick it up for the first time or who return to this timeless book for the sheer pleasure of it.

In 1991, Michael Bamberger, a newspaper sportswriter, gave up his apartment, took a leave-of-absence from his job and his life, and, joined by his newlywed wife, set off to explore the wide world of golf.

Bamberger’s first step in this madcap golfing adventure was to become a caddie on the European golf tour. On it, and up close and personal, the author encountered the game’s most dynamic players, including golf’s greatest artist, Seve Ballesteros. Crisscrossing the Continent with his bride, Bamberger caddied for a true original, Peter Teravainen, a Yale-educated golfer with a workingman’s spirit, capable of making brilliant, on-the-spot observations about the game. (“Good shots must come in groups of two.”) Over the course of one unforgettable year, Bamberger caddied in the national championships of Portugal, France, Spain, Italy, Belgium, Ireland, and, finally, Scotland, golf’s ancestral home. Once there, Bamberger fell under the spell of one of golf’s great teachers and thinkers, Mr. John Stark.

To the Linksland is the captivating memoir of Bamberger’s golfing pilgrimage. From an all-night caddie bus on the back roads of southern Europe to Stark’s secret six-hole course in the Scottish Highlands, Bamberger takes you on a journey into the heart of golf.

To the Linksland is a lyrical tale of discovery. It is a classic. This thirtieth-anniversary edition is bookended with a new introduction by Michael Murphy and a new afterword by Bamberger. In between them are a trove of new photographs. Triumphantly back in print, To the Linksland is a “great book for your golfing soul” ( Golf Monthly ).

Genres: Sports

272 pages, Hardcover

Published March 19, 2024

About the author

Michael F. Bamberger is a senior writer for Sports Illustrated and the author of multiple books.

Reviews

[Ric · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this one, and of course it made me want to go on a golf trip to Scotland. But the second half also made me appreciate how much more accessible golf is across the board in Scotland vs the United States, which has always been a qualm of mine about the game. A fun read for any golfer.

[Duncan Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved it. Makes we want to go to Scotland

[Rupert · Rating 5 out of 5]

A charming account of golf as it should be played

Michael Bamberger brings out the true romantic quality of golf. It’s often said how much it is like life itself. I would sum it up by saying that every time you tee off at the first hole you have no idea what’s going to happen for the next few hours; much like waking up every morning. A wonderful read that takes you to the very core of what makes golf the greatest of all games.

[Smh624 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book when I read it 30 years ago and maybe loved it more this time. Following Bamberger and his wife on a golf adventure through Europe to Scotland is a delight. His story of how to try to get better at golf is inspiring. This book will make you realize how much the world of pro golf has changed in the last 30 years, but also how the game of golf and the search to play better hasn't really changed at all.

[Jack Morris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Get comfortable with a wonderful golf tale

This beautiful story simply has to be experienced! I've just concluded my first reading and am already planning to read it again using some of the golf tips, er tips for living, that Michael has so generously passed on to us. After all, the game is about giving, isn't it?

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book. Ready to start a golf adventure in Scotland. Author did a great job describing the cast of characters that he encountered along his golf journey in Europe. Not sure how I missed this book when it was first published 30+ years ago.

[James Goetz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Equally golf and travel book that shows there is more to golf than posting scores. To the Linksland helps find the joy in life through a golf story.

[Billy Sullivan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Didn't think I loved it until the afterword for the 30 year reprint but everything into perfect context

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

This handsome 30th anniversary edition of much-loved golf classic captures both the reality and romance of the game. In the first section Bamburger peels back the sport’s mystique with a colorful, unromantic account of his sabbatical season caddying for Peter Teravainen, a journeyman golfer gutting it out in match after match to earn a middling livelihood on the European pro tour. Having captured the grit and grind of these club-wielding road warriors Bamburger pivots, devoting the book’s back nine to the the game’s legend, lore and history as he plays the great courses of Scotland from St. Andrews to Dornoch in search of the soul of golf. His Yoda is John Stark, a hipshot sage of the auld school whose counsel restores the cadence of the author’s swing, and his Brigadoon turns out to be Machrihanish, a remote and windswept natural links full of bewitching quirks. Although much detail and jargon will be lost on non-golfers, Bamburger’s rich descriptions and sincere, straight ahead account of striving and self-mastery holds plenty to interest all readers.