What do you think?
Rate this book
Dream On: One Hacker's Challenge to Break Par in a Year
'I have a friend, a guy called John, who is undertaking a golf challenge. He has a full-time job and a wife and child and he's trying to shoot a level par round within the year. When he started the challenge he couldn't break one hundred. So he's trying to take thirty-three strokes off his game in one year and he asked me to find out your opinion on that.' Sam Torrance laughed, then slowly contemplated the question. 'Well, you can tell him from me to dream on.' Meet John Richardson, a regular bloke who enjoys a round of golf in his spare time. That is until he sets himself the challenge of playing a level par round within a year. With no natural talent, precious little time and no fitness level to speak of, can John pull it off? In spite of Sam Torrance's scepticism, John remains resolute and so begins an exhausting but exhilarating year of living, breathing, eating and sleeping golf. A rollercoaster ride from beginning to end, "Dream On" is funny and inspirational, and a must for any golfer who dreams of improving their game.
- GenresSportsNonfiction
256 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 1, 2009
31 people are currently reading
120 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
September 12, 2022
I feel like this is a solid book. I really wish I could give half stars because I think I’d give this 3.5 stars. Overall, it’s a good story about a man who has a dream to shoot a level par round of golf in a year’s time. It then goes through the story about the sacrifice that he makes to try to achieve that goal. I think I got bored with the story at times, but that’s because it was life. There probably were a lot more days hitting hundreds of balls that weren’t described. This story doesn’t need to be exciting, but should be accurate. I feel like it did a good job of telling the story.
Overall, I think the take away is that John worked really hard and did what he felt he needed to. I’m sure many people would have quit, and he didn’t. There is inspiration in seeing someone work hard to achieve the goal. Especially if they feel like it is getting to a point they won’t achieve it. It’s a good book and is worth a read for most golf fans. I also think it can be beneficial for others as well. I’m studying for a professional certification and at times have felt like giving up or not studying for a day. John’s story has helped me realize the importance of consistency and trying each day. I’d love to hear the reaction from the forums that he mentions. Sad we didn’t get an update on that.
Overall, I think the take away is that John worked really hard and did what he felt he needed to. I’m sure many people would have quit, and he didn’t. There is inspiration in seeing someone work hard to achieve the goal. Especially if they feel like it is getting to a point they won’t achieve it. It’s a good book and is worth a read for most golf fans. I also think it can be beneficial for others as well. I’m studying for a professional certification and at times have felt like giving up or not studying for a day. John’s story has helped me realize the importance of consistency and trying each day. I’d love to hear the reaction from the forums that he mentions. Sad we didn’t get an update on that.
March 23, 2023
Readings John journey from shooting over 100s to shooting a round under par was a pretty inspiring story. The obsessive goal shows that anyone can accomplish what they want if they put the work into it. However at what cost, John very likely ruined his reputation with co-workers and if not for an understanding wife could have damaged his marriage and relationship with child. I appreciate his dedication but wonder if his goal was a little too obsessive. Overall a fun read and shows that with a good mindset and good work ethic anyone can accomplish a round under par.
July 8, 2009
I actually discovered John through his coffee shop book "Wake up and smell the profit" which has essentially become the bible for the independent coffee shop industry in the UK. I had no idea he was a golfer too and was intrigued to read this book since apart from my own coffee shop, golf is pretty mush my life!
Through years and years of hard work I reached the peak of playing off scratch (since drifted out to 1) so I think I have a fairly good grasp of just how tough this challenge was.
The thing that strikes me most is just how honestly and openly he writes with much of the same humour that he puts into his coffee shop book and talks. The book is a roller coaster ride of highs and lows and it's impossible not to get caught up in this journey alongside him. And even though I knew he ultimately succeeded I found myself on the edge of my seat towards the end as he entered the last few weeks with his world seemingly falling apart.
As a golfing obsessive I totally relate to this. Golf may be an object of ridicule (or even a "good walk spoiled") for those who don't play but if you do play this part will resonate completely with you. I've read dozens and dozens of golf books but this more effectively encapsulates the madness and passion that golf manages to create in us than anything else I've read by quite a long way.
It made me think way beyond golf too. I suppose it's the antithesis to all that "The Secret" nonsense where you theoretically sit around and wish for a new car or more money or whatever and expect it just to arrive because you've focused hard enough. This book shows that you can achieve the "impossible" (regardless of what Sam Torrance or Darren Clarke say) through the application of extremely hard work.
John - I applaud you mate and hope your wife has forgiven you for the madness you put her through for a year!
Through years and years of hard work I reached the peak of playing off scratch (since drifted out to 1) so I think I have a fairly good grasp of just how tough this challenge was.
The thing that strikes me most is just how honestly and openly he writes with much of the same humour that he puts into his coffee shop book and talks. The book is a roller coaster ride of highs and lows and it's impossible not to get caught up in this journey alongside him. And even though I knew he ultimately succeeded I found myself on the edge of my seat towards the end as he entered the last few weeks with his world seemingly falling apart.
As a golfing obsessive I totally relate to this. Golf may be an object of ridicule (or even a "good walk spoiled") for those who don't play but if you do play this part will resonate completely with you. I've read dozens and dozens of golf books but this more effectively encapsulates the madness and passion that golf manages to create in us than anything else I've read by quite a long way.
It made me think way beyond golf too. I suppose it's the antithesis to all that "The Secret" nonsense where you theoretically sit around and wish for a new car or more money or whatever and expect it just to arrive because you've focused hard enough. This book shows that you can achieve the "impossible" (regardless of what Sam Torrance or Darren Clarke say) through the application of extremely hard work.
John - I applaud you mate and hope your wife has forgiven you for the madness you put her through for a year!
September 1, 2017
As a golfer myself, who doesn't tend to read a lot of golf books, I saw this one on Amazon and it sounded intriguing and thought I would give it a go. The author was a decent golfer as a youngster but over the years has tended just to be a 'social' golfer, that is, until he decides to undertake a personal challenge, to train and practice, so that within one year he would be able to play a par round at his home golf course. I won't spoil the story by giving the end away though.
As I previously said, I'm a golfer, who has recently returned to the game after several years, when due to work/family commitments I was unable to find the time to play. As such, I could identify with a lot of the struggles that the author goes through in striving to achieve his target, albeit my goals are no where near as high as his ! Along with the actually physical endeavour, anyone who has played will know that it is the mental side that is just important, as it is in many sports. The author employs various different techniques to try and overcome this aspect of the game, all to varying degrees of success. The book is also very humorous and I found his conversations with his imaginary 'Seve' to be very funny at times. I could also relate to the authors discovery of 'e-Bay' and the endless purchases that he acquires, all of which you think will be a short cut to a better game.
A great read for all golfers, that I'm sure, like me, will be able to identify with the author and the enormity of his challenge.
As I previously said, I'm a golfer, who has recently returned to the game after several years, when due to work/family commitments I was unable to find the time to play. As such, I could identify with a lot of the struggles that the author goes through in striving to achieve his target, albeit my goals are no where near as high as his ! Along with the actually physical endeavour, anyone who has played will know that it is the mental side that is just important, as it is in many sports. The author employs various different techniques to try and overcome this aspect of the game, all to varying degrees of success. The book is also very humorous and I found his conversations with his imaginary 'Seve' to be very funny at times. I could also relate to the authors discovery of 'e-Bay' and the endless purchases that he acquires, all of which you think will be a short cut to a better game.
A great read for all golfers, that I'm sure, like me, will be able to identify with the author and the enormity of his challenge.
September 27, 2016
The book's title is from the response Sam Torrence (a famous golfer) gave to the author's whimsical thought that in just one year he could go from being the 'hacker' golfer he was (taking 100+ shots to play a round of golf) to managing to go around in the 71 shots that is par at his local golf club.
It doesn't take a literary expert on narrative arc to realise that during the course of the book the goal is achieved; the pleasure is supposed to be derived from the sharing of the journey rather than the tension of will-he won't-he. However, the book never recovers from an early revelation of a false premise: Richardson is not a real hacker. He played off 15 as a teenager. Discovering that Torrence was (and is) right is a real let-down, and robs the book of much of its interest.
But there's worse to follow. The book could and should be half the length of its 200-odd pages. Richardson not being a writer might have been surmountable; his editor not being an editor is not. There's far too much detail-for-detail's-sake, far too much banality that offers no insight. Richardson may have learnt not to send his ball into the rough, but clearly no one told him that keeping his reader on the fairway is just as important.
It doesn't take a literary expert on narrative arc to realise that during the course of the book the goal is achieved; the pleasure is supposed to be derived from the sharing of the journey rather than the tension of will-he won't-he. However, the book never recovers from an early revelation of a false premise: Richardson is not a real hacker. He played off 15 as a teenager. Discovering that Torrence was (and is) right is a real let-down, and robs the book of much of its interest.
But there's worse to follow. The book could and should be half the length of its 200-odd pages. Richardson not being a writer might have been surmountable; his editor not being an editor is not. There's far too much detail-for-detail's-sake, far too much banality that offers no insight. Richardson may have learnt not to send his ball into the rough, but clearly no one told him that keeping his reader on the fairway is just as important.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 30, 2011
Really enjoyed this. A great book for anyone who sets themselves challenges or just wants to accomplish something.
Not just for golfers by any means! Although it's made me consider taking up the sport again...
Not just for golfers by any means! Although it's made me consider taking up the sport again...
September 5, 2019
The author played a bit of golf in his youth and thought about turning pro but didn’t. Years later as a middle aged bloke with a job, wife and kids he sets himself a challenge of playing level par golf round in a year. At the time he starts he is shooting +100. It’s a short book and it’s fascinating just how many ‘perfect golf swing’ methods the author tries. In the end what really matters are the fundamentals (grip, posture) and practice. Practice, practice and more practice. The odd lesson from a pro to check the fundamentals and more practice. If anything, this will get more people to the driving range or even out in the garden practicing and not just turning up at the course and expecting great things.
March 30, 2019
Truly inspirational reading
This has now rekindled my own dream that I set myself 9years ago of shooting a scratch round before I'm 45years old. I'm 43 now and now my quest seems ever more valid even though the past few years of playing haven't been what I would have hoped, reading this book has now lit a new fire in my belly. Thanks so much for giving me back the spirit I have lost over the years. I'll be back to tell you if I succeed or not
This has now rekindled my own dream that I set myself 9years ago of shooting a scratch round before I'm 45years old. I'm 43 now and now my quest seems ever more valid even though the past few years of playing haven't been what I would have hoped, reading this book has now lit a new fire in my belly. Thanks so much for giving me back the spirit I have lost over the years. I'll be back to tell you if I succeed or not
September 8, 2017
Enjoyable read
Good story that sums up alot of what high handicappers go through times a hundred. Fair play to his wife that's all I'll Say.
Good story that sums up alot of what high handicappers go through times a hundred. Fair play to his wife that's all I'll Say.
October 15, 2018
Interesting Read
A fascinating insight into an obsession that I share.I can't say I'll be trying this any time, well ever.an interesting read nonetheless.
A fascinating insight into an obsession that I share.I can't say I'll be trying this any time, well ever.an interesting read nonetheless.
August 6, 2021
Unterhaltsame Geschichte rund ums golfen. Ist schnell gelesen.
February 8, 2022
Spannend und witzig zu lesen, wenn man selber Golf spielt.
June 12, 2022
Very enjoyable
January 20, 2015
Dream On by John Richardson is a story of a bad golfer's journey to dramatically improve over the course of just one year. More specifically, he aims to shoot a par-level round or better. This book is nonfiction and a true story. It comes from the perspective of the author, John Richardson. John has been a very poor golfer for much of his life. One day after having an exceptionally poor round, he decides that is enough is enough. He realizes how much he wants to improve, and sets himself the challenge to do so.
As he starts his challenge, he is scoffed at by critics. Golf pros and people on web forums say that he has no chance to achieve his goal. They say it would require at least 2-3 years, even with intensive practice. "I would have to say no...especially with only two hours' practice a day...it took Greg Norman three years to get to scratch...he won't have a family by 40." John uses this criticism to fuel his determination in the challenge. However, John does not have unlimited time to devote to his practice. He still has a full-time job, in addition, to a wife and daughter. John says, that his goal is to successfully complete the challenge, and keep his marriage and job. Throughout the course of the year, John experienced many hurdles, both physically, mentally, and emotionally. He has to deal with injuries that restrict his practice, mental obstacles when facing certain holes, and emotional tension due to dividing his time between golf, work, and family. Along the way, John experiences many setbacks. For example, he realizes that his fitness level needs to improve before he can continue improving much more. John fights through these obstacles, as he continues to strive for his goal. He has to spend most of his day at work, before he comes home and goes straight to the practice range. John plays at least once a week with a witness, just in case that is the round where he breaks par. His life for the year is consumed almost entirely by golf. He must sacrifice being fully present for his job and family. He sneaks to the range during his lunch break, and sometimes stays as late as midnight. Although John spent most of his practice time alone, he does not accomplish his goal solely on his own. He receives the occasional lesson from his local PGA Professional, and purchases training aids and videos. He shows the impact it had on his game, by saying, "She would simply point out my errors- my swing plane was wrong, or my grip was still off- and in ten shots she'd have me back on track." JOhn tried many new techniques throughout the challenge, but always had to focus on the fundamentals. His exceptional determination, optimism, and perseverance shine through in his book.
This book is a classic success story that shows that with hard work you can accomplish anything. This story has an inspiring message and gives hope to anyone trying to achieve a difficult goal. John went from a struggling golfer that typically shot 30 over par, to an elite golfer that is better than 95% of all players. He devotionally spent a few hours practicing almost every day for an entire year. No matter how poorly he was doing or frustrated he got, he never gave up on his ambitious goal. John says towards the end of the book, "But any challenge like this one cannot fail to change your perspectives on life. It is impossible to expose yourself to something as intense as realising an 'impossible dream' without being forced to change your thinking about how you live your life." This book will be most interesting for golfers. It includes a large amount of golf terminology, but it does include a glossary at the back. Non-golfers can still enjoy this story, but more for the underlying theme, rather than the specific techniques and strategies that are discussed.
Overall, this story is very engaging and interesting. The reader develops a strong sense of attachment to John. I often felt myself rooting for him, hoping that today would be the day. His narrative is very detailed that included vivid description across his entire year of golf. I was interested in the story throughout the entirety of the book. He does a good job to include enough details of his daily improvements, but not bore the reader. I would recommend this book mostly to golfers, but I think anyone could enjoy the uplifting storyline.
As he starts his challenge, he is scoffed at by critics. Golf pros and people on web forums say that he has no chance to achieve his goal. They say it would require at least 2-3 years, even with intensive practice. "I would have to say no...especially with only two hours' practice a day...it took Greg Norman three years to get to scratch...he won't have a family by 40." John uses this criticism to fuel his determination in the challenge. However, John does not have unlimited time to devote to his practice. He still has a full-time job, in addition, to a wife and daughter. John says, that his goal is to successfully complete the challenge, and keep his marriage and job. Throughout the course of the year, John experienced many hurdles, both physically, mentally, and emotionally. He has to deal with injuries that restrict his practice, mental obstacles when facing certain holes, and emotional tension due to dividing his time between golf, work, and family. Along the way, John experiences many setbacks. For example, he realizes that his fitness level needs to improve before he can continue improving much more. John fights through these obstacles, as he continues to strive for his goal. He has to spend most of his day at work, before he comes home and goes straight to the practice range. John plays at least once a week with a witness, just in case that is the round where he breaks par. His life for the year is consumed almost entirely by golf. He must sacrifice being fully present for his job and family. He sneaks to the range during his lunch break, and sometimes stays as late as midnight. Although John spent most of his practice time alone, he does not accomplish his goal solely on his own. He receives the occasional lesson from his local PGA Professional, and purchases training aids and videos. He shows the impact it had on his game, by saying, "She would simply point out my errors- my swing plane was wrong, or my grip was still off- and in ten shots she'd have me back on track." JOhn tried many new techniques throughout the challenge, but always had to focus on the fundamentals. His exceptional determination, optimism, and perseverance shine through in his book.
This book is a classic success story that shows that with hard work you can accomplish anything. This story has an inspiring message and gives hope to anyone trying to achieve a difficult goal. John went from a struggling golfer that typically shot 30 over par, to an elite golfer that is better than 95% of all players. He devotionally spent a few hours practicing almost every day for an entire year. No matter how poorly he was doing or frustrated he got, he never gave up on his ambitious goal. John says towards the end of the book, "But any challenge like this one cannot fail to change your perspectives on life. It is impossible to expose yourself to something as intense as realising an 'impossible dream' without being forced to change your thinking about how you live your life." This book will be most interesting for golfers. It includes a large amount of golf terminology, but it does include a glossary at the back. Non-golfers can still enjoy this story, but more for the underlying theme, rather than the specific techniques and strategies that are discussed.
Overall, this story is very engaging and interesting. The reader develops a strong sense of attachment to John. I often felt myself rooting for him, hoping that today would be the day. His narrative is very detailed that included vivid description across his entire year of golf. I was interested in the story throughout the entirety of the book. He does a good job to include enough details of his daily improvements, but not bore the reader. I would recommend this book mostly to golfers, but I think anyone could enjoy the uplifting storyline.
November 21, 2010
From the whizzkids of Silicon Valley to golf bores of The Old Country. One is as weird as the other frankly, utterly immersed in their chosen fields (although golfing from morning to night is, I think, the healthier choice.) This book is about the author trying to score a par round at a local golf course in a year, starting when he was a 100+ hacker trying to improve. The book is a record of how he did it. He almost gets way-laid in trying to achieve his goal by becoming fitness obsessed over the winter. He's definitely range obsessed and always guru obsessed, fixating on the next mental trick that just has to see him through this challenge.The author, whether he likes it or not, is an oddball, caught up in a kind of self-improvement/goal obsessed world where everything takes a backseat to the next fixation. Marriage, work, social life all go on the back burner as he hits ball after ball after ball on the driving range to the point that you wondered just how often he played real golf? What he likes to do is mullah the ball straight up the middle and leave himself a short chip and putt(s) to complete, but it's the former that he readily admits to really enjoying.
He completes the challenge with two days to go, allegedly, and his final mental battles are amusing to read. Golf is ninety five percent a mental game, and the other five percent is mental too. That, and many other sage tips pepper the book. Despite the faults, and the feeling the author is more than a bit of an arse, I found this book inspirational, all too human and chock full of good golfing advice. In the end, however, I was happy to leave the gob-shite at the nineteenth hole.
He completes the challenge with two days to go, allegedly, and his final mental battles are amusing to read. Golf is ninety five percent a mental game, and the other five percent is mental too. That, and many other sage tips pepper the book. Despite the faults, and the feeling the author is more than a bit of an arse, I found this book inspirational, all too human and chock full of good golfing advice. In the end, however, I was happy to leave the gob-shite at the nineteenth hole.
August 3, 2011
A great book if you are a golfer wondering if you could ever shoot par - and a great book for those that do not even like golf as it is a wonderful portrayal of the power of the human spirit and perserverance. Richardson had very few believers on his quest to shoot par and it is a testament to his will that he withstood all of that to stick with his challenge. I won't tell you how it ends, you'll need to read it - but for anyone that has ever had a dream they wished they had tried to reach (i.e., all of us), I suggest you pick this up and Dream On.
As a side-note, I have read both Paper Tiger and this book and while both revolve around golf challenges, I think Dream On is much more suited to the masses as it speaks more to the spirit than Paper Tiger.
As a side-note, I have read both Paper Tiger and this book and while both revolve around golf challenges, I think Dream On is much more suited to the masses as it speaks more to the spirit than Paper Tiger.
June 4, 2014
Although I would never set myself a target like the authors but I do admire the way he accomplished his goal. The story has successfully demonstrated the value of correct techniques, right equipment, and hard work, if you want to really improve your golf game. But for me, as much as I enjoy hitting fantastic shots, i also quite relish my hacks from time to time. Maybe because I have spent so much time hitting all sort of duff shots, which has developed some sort if attachment for me? Nevertheless the book was very important motivator for anyone looking to improve his/her game, for it covers most the techniques available to improve the enchanting game.
December 13, 2012
Great book if you're a serious golf fan. An ordinary guy with a job, marriage and family decides he will go from bogey golf to par in one year. When the pro at the local course tells him, "Dream on!," he gets motivated to achieve this aggressive goal. Well written in a conversational tone.
September 29, 2014
Likeable story of a man looking to up his golf game in a unrealistic time frame. This was pretty enjoyable and the story was well told.
As a high handicap golfer i could relate with alot of this and that may have played a part in why i enjoyed it.
As a high handicap golfer i could relate with alot of this and that may have played a part in why i enjoyed it.
May 18, 2016
Inspirational story for any golfer
Having read a few books on golf by professionals and betting a golfer who would life to improve, reading this was truly inspirational. Great read and some great tips.
Having read a few books on golf by professionals and betting a golfer who would life to improve, reading this was truly inspirational. Great read and some great tips.
June 9, 2013
Really enjoyed this book. I have played Blackwood and for some reason can't seem to play the 7th either!
Read
October 6, 2010Golf books are mostly badly written. This is no exception. It is interesting to see what he went through to get his goal. We should all be so maniacal. At least temporarily.
July 13, 2011
3 Stars, needed a ghost writer for the humor.
April 25, 2012
Interesting to see the lengths he went to to get his game down to par ... feels like it shouldn't be this hard, but probably just shows what I know ...
October 21, 2013
inspirational!!! In a very easy to read relate, Mr. Richardson story shows that hard work does pay off and the power of dreaming is very powerful.
April 6, 2015
Excellent read on how to meet a challenge with the success and failures encountered. Should be read by all golfers but it is also of interest to non golfers
August 29, 2016
Very enjoyable
Very enjoyable light read. If your a golf nut its a must. Would love to have the time to take this challenge on.
Very enjoyable light read. If your a golf nut its a must. Would love to have the time to take this challenge on.
August 27, 2014
Very good golf story. Inspirational
April 15, 2017
The lower ratings and reviews I think are in part assessing the literary merits of this book. This completely misses the point. This is about a poor golfer's journey in trying to achieve a significant goal. It's something many golfers could relate to. It's a must read for every golfer.
October 10, 2017
Excellent Read
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews