Seven Days in Utopia: Golf's Sacred Journey

by David Lamar Cook

NOW A MAJOR MOTION PICTURE
starring Robert Duvall and Lucas Black
This book is about influence and inspiration and a deeper, more profound way of looking at life. The story is based on thousands of athletes who author and performance psychologist Dr. David Cook has counseled, and the great mentors and teachers from whom he has learned.
Told through the lives of two characters---an eccentric rancher with a passion for teaching truth, and a young golf professional at the end of his rope looking to escape the pressures of the game---they represent each one of us in our various stages of growth. And through them we are reminded that, in life, we must be willing to coach and be coached.
Life is never the same once you've been to Utopia.
'Read it. Devour it. Keep it as a reference book. You'll be glad you did. Golf's Sacred Journey is a remarkable and encouraging story with an entirely different approach on how to succeed in your golf game.'
---Zig Ziglar, leading motivational expert and bestselling author
'This book is full of wisdom that will enhance your game and I believe it just may change your life.'
---David Robinson, NBA MVP, 1992 Olympic Gold Medalist, Two Time World Champion

Genres: Sports, Fiction, Christian Fiction, Christian, Self Help, Inspirational, Religion

177 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2006

About the author

David Cook is one of the country's top Peak Performance coaches and seminar leaders. He served as "Mental Training Coach" for the San Antonio Spurs from 1996–2004 that included two World Championships. David received his undergraduate degree from Baylor University in 1980. He completed his Ph.D. in Applied Sport and Performance Psychology from the University of Virginia in 1984. He is married to Karen and has two daughters. They live in Fredericksburg, Texas.

Reviews

[Kyle · Rating 2 out of 5]

An interesting book regarding perspective on golf (and life in general) but the last few chapters shoe-horn religion into to story in a way that left me a bit unsatisfied; I felt that the message would have been better served without it.

[Jo · Rating 4 out of 5]

I first saw the movie "Seven days at the links of Utopia" - Starring Robert Duvall - LOVED it... It's a soul searching - movie with strong spiritual undertones... Next I watched the clip they had on the internet about the project and then listened to a couple of sermons by the author David L. Cook... So then I got the book... Different from the movie - but very good... A bit more golf detail (and I'm not a golfer) so not as gripping - but the overall experience would rank a 4 for me... I love books about finding God in the different parts of our lives - and realizing that we are spiritual beings simply having a mortal experience...

[Joshua · Rating 3 out of 5]

Steven Goldy gave me this book to help me get out of the funk I have been in I since I got here, and really since I've been unable to perform at the level that I want to perform at in any level of my life. In a lot of ways this book reminded me of waking up, one of my favorites. Both emphasized how success and happiness come from intuition and not from overthinking. To find yourself you must lose yourself. Practice trumps all. And the first nine chapters of this book did an excellent job of convincing me of that. There were even some great moments in the final two chapters dealing with compassion and focus. Yet three stars. Because of the shoehorning of religion into this wonderful story.

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was asked to read this book. I hate being told to read a book because I find something wrong with it right away. There was a lot of golf talk that I didn't get. But, this book amazed me! It was an easy read and I got a lot out of it! I would HIGHLY recommend it to everyone!!!!

[Jeff Wong · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had not heard about this movie and saw this book at a discount book store. It is a parable novel based around faith, golf, fly fishing and seeing the big picture about what's truly important. It's a quick and entertaining, but not a deeply profound, read -- something to knock out on a slow evening. I think most people will learn some things that can be helpful with this book.

[Christine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Greatly appreciate being gifted this book by someone I deeply respect. I actually read it twice through.

Not a traditional novel or literature, but a Zig Zilglar sort of book: a tale with a message, a conversion story, and an approach to life that’s important for anyone… although golfers will truly appreciate the backdrop for the story.

It can be a game changer for someone who is driven by fear of failure, strives for performance while sometimes losing perspective, or finds themselves unhappy despite their success.

[Joshua Peterson · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.2

Honestly, I did not want to like this book because the movie was terrible and my dad made me read it. Read the first two chapters begrudgingly and then realized that this book was super applicable to my life. It follows a PGA golfer whose life is based on his golf score. That is where he gets his significance from. Then after some poor form finds himself in a goat ranch of a golf course in the middle of nowhere with... you guess it a mentor who revamps his mental side of golf. Only to drop a bomb on him about Christ and tie everything to Him. I found a lot of his teachings about feel and trusting yourself really useful and was reminded of the fact only one thing defines me. And I cannot look for a creation to give me something only the Creator can give. A really short and quick read but left me feeling thankful that how well I kick a ball isn't the end.

[Elizabeth · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read this book because Sam read it and told me I should read it and that it would make me cry. And, to some extent, I did enjoy reading something that Sam enjoyed reading. Perhaps if I were a man, or a pilot, or into golfing or fishing, I would have liked it more. Unfortunately, I am none of those things.

Man, though. With this coming right after terrible Pioneer Woman debacle, I am in a reading rut. I need something great!

[Yogilee · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a golfers story, and one with heart. My husband, The Golfer would give it 5 stars and has recommended it to everyone. I enjoyed the Texas Hillcountry scenery, the down home wisdom, and the lessons for life. I would have enjoyed it more with less golf. There are a few gems I plan to take into my life....that is quite a lot for a little book...maybe it deserves an extra star.

[Tim · Rating 3 out of 5]

Decent book - good story, interesting ideas. A little light on the plot and significance of the main character. He was a bit shallow and not really worth rooting for. The Johnny character was appropriately mysterious.

[Anne · Rating 3 out of 5]

I hate Golf, so it was challenging in that respect. when i started to think of it as an allegory rather than a "golf story" I liked it much better and felt like it actually said something to me about growing, changing,and faith.

[Mark Parrish]

The most amazing golf book I have ever read! Loved the story, message and how your spiritual aspect of golf was a big part of the Main characters renewal in golf.

[Stephen Self · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m currently staying in Vanderpool, Texas, just up the road from Utopia where this story takes place. Today, I had lunch at the Lost Maples Cafe featured in this story. That’s where I purchased my copy of the book. I had begun reading it, however, yesterday in our AirBNB practically next door to the Lost Maples State Nature Area. I had just been looking at the Cafe’s website, planning our stop, and saw that it had a section about their run-in with Hollywood fame. That’s where I read about this book. I mentioned it to my wife, and she then walked over to the shelf and plucked it from among the several Bibles and some romance novels nestled together there. She had remembered seeing the title among the motley bunch of offerings the day before. Serendipity or something more? I don’t golf, don’t watch golf, know nothing about the game, and indeed have always felt a kind of antipathy toward it as elitist and, in the words of comedian George Carlin, a tremendous waste of land. However, this story has such heart and touched me tremendously, even though I at times had no understanding of the game play or shots being described. (Maybe the biting but funny remarks of a cynical comedian aren’t too unlike Judas complaining of Mary’s “waste” of expensive perfume as a show of extravagant love and devotion?) Some takeaway moments: “You have to let go of perfect to be an artist…Here use this. It doesn’t have an eraser. No turning back. Just see, feel, and trust.” (p. 67) “I respect tradition, but I have a passion for truth.” (p. 80) “…and the roads were too bumpy to hurry. Maybe the pace of life is relative to the roads we choose to drive. Whereas good roads may quicken our step to our next destination, Gandhi once said: ‘There is more to life than increasing its speed.’” (p. 89) Also, visit Utopia and the Lost Maples Cafe. The lamb sliders are to die for. And the homemade pies with black coffee are like heaven. We had lemon with old fashioned meringue, fudge pecan, cherry, and of course the buttermilk. Thank God for the Sabinal canyon in Hill Country, for welcoming small towns, and the unexpected grace of a good book you never saw coming. Kind of like how the protagonist found Utopia and Johnny.
PS While we were at the cafe, an older cowboy type arrived and then came out to where we were sitting with our dogs tied up on the front porch. He motioned to a pickup with a horse trailer in tow parked alongside the building, taking up several parking spots. He told us that yesterday, another truck had come in and parked there, and a large container of several gallons of honey in its bed had overturned and spilled honey all over the parking lot. Bees swarmed in. He told us all this because he was making sure we weren’t being bothered by leftover bees. I think he may have been the proprietor’s husband. Anyway, he moved the truck, revealing a bunch of cat litter that had soaked up the spill and a few straggler bees still trying to feast. If that golden cascade of gallons of sweet honey spilling in the parking lot of the Lost Maples Cafe isn’t a metaphor for this book and its story, I don’t know what is.

[John Jenkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dr. Cook puts an unconventional approach to golf and life in a positive perspective. The book's protagonist is given some creative methods to make him a better golfer, and more importantly a better human being. The Foreword, written by Tom Lehman, indicates that he believes that this book contains a powerful message. He is correct.

It would be difficult to overstate the value of the message of this book, but there are two far-fetched elements of the plot:

1. Goat Ranch Country Club course record - The protagonist breaks the course record using clubs with hickory shafts and a balata golf ball. I understand that Dr. Cook is making a point - that a person's attitude toward situations in life is more important than any tangible advantages or disadvantages that he or she might have - but golf equipment has come a long way since hickory shafts and balata golf balls, and this accomplishment strains the reader's credulity.
2. Face-On putter - Dr. Cook's belief that this is the future of putting might not be realistic. His belief that the search for truth supersedes respect for tradition is absolutely sound; but, if his advocacy of this putting style has merit, why haven't Tom Lehman or any of the other professional golfers who have read and endorsed this book embraced this concept of putting? Interestingly, I do see that Gary McCord (who has not endorsed the book) gives this putting method a mild recommendation.

The reader does not learn very much about the protagonist. We do not know whether he has a girlfriend, or any friends; in fact we do not even know his name. Dr. Cook keeps his plot concise and tries to avoid events and verbiage that might detract from the theme of the book, but that does not mean he is incapable of being literary. I like his word pictures such as "the small crowned tee boxes looked like large sea turtles strewn across the landscape."

[Matthew Liberio · Rating 5 out of 5]

Seven Days in Utopia is a sort of parable about an aspiring golfer who implodes during a tournament and finds himself reeling and running, aimlessly to Utopia, TX. There he encounters a kindhearted golf course owner who turns out to be the mentor and coach that he didn't know he needed. Thick with imaginative methods of instructing--a sort of Miyagi style--this book addresses the root habits, fears, and insecurities that prevent us from succeeding in our goals.

There is a lot of golf terminology in this book, but not too much to overcome the lay person. In fact, I found it kind of interesting, having fairly poor understanding of the game myself.

An added bonus for me was that this book is a Gospel-minded story. I didn't realize it when I picked it up, but one of the big themes here is attached to the identity and purpose we receive from the Lord. An unforseen discovery for the protagonist and often for many of us as well. I enjoyed this book much more than I expected and I may have use for it again in the future.

[Tony · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve watched the movie countless time. I love the unorthodox ways Johnny mentors the young Luke in the mindset of golf. Teaching him how to improve at golf all the time letting him know golf is a game and life is more important. Some complain that in the end religion is brought into the story line. In reality, religion, or belief in Jesus Christ, is the storyline. The story of golf 🏌🏿 is used to illustrate that belief. To see it, feel it, and trust it. Therefor putting things into perspective and trusting what we feel, and feeling what we see can help us in other avenues in our life. It really is a story about balance and patience in our life, finding a rhythm that that can help us find joy and peace in the things that really matter. If your a person who enjoys improving yourself, along with golf,
fly fishing, art, flying and unorthodox, yet parallel ways of learning things then spend seven days in utopia. You won’t be disappointed.

[Willie Coetsee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book about golf, life and everything. It is a sports drama about overcoming – not just golf’s challenges – but also life’s challenges.
The book is about a young professional golfer's search for the foundation of true self-worth: winning a PGA tournament or finding one's place in life and believing in someone far greater? Many people are struggling to find a genuine spirituality and awareness of God. This book models an authentic spiritual search for life's meaning instead of just following a religious routine. It explores what it is like to have a genuine spiritual relationship with God.
The mentor tells his protege that the truths of life are about faith, relationships, character, and integrity. God has a calling and purpose for all of us.
This book is in the same class as N.H. Kleinbaum's Dead Poet's Society or Ellison & Rich's Finding Forester.

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

You will get a few "somethings" to improve your golf game after reading this book and, after reading it, I can almost guarantee you will mentally say "see it, feel it, trust it." I sure did, and continue to do so almost three years after reading it for the first time.

You will also have deeper insight into the fictional character of the story as he struggles with personal and profession frustrations, failure in a recent gold tourney, and overcoming life's obstacles. No matter your affiliation in life, if you read this book with an open mind you will have your own personal attitude adjustment in your walk in life.

[Iconic Greatness · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a hybrid book combining story and self-improvement.
The story is what makes all the lessons interesting and more memorable.
It's not just meaningless advice.

Each day in Utopia has a different lesson and I'm amazed I remember them all without having to study them.

These are lessons that can change your life if you apply them.
It has questions if you take a piece a paper and truly try to answer them will transform you.

The Conviction Chapter is worth the price of the book alone plus the SFT Technique.
To have conviction you must know why you do what you do and how you do it?

Read this book and learn how to sign your own masterpiece.

[Dan · Rating 4 out of 5]

At first I was confused as I am familiar with the author, and found that the book seemed to be only a story about a broken golfer and I am not a golfer. I bought the book for my father who is a golfer and thought he might like it and get something out of it. I was right, he finished his copy before I finished mine. He has read it a couple of times over now.

I enjoyed the finish very much, and look forward to reading the next book in the series soon.
It has not helped my golf game much, but that is more due to lack of interest on my part

[Jim · Rating 3 out of 5]

I told a friend of mine earlier this week that “some lawyers are people too.” I think that really is the lesson of this book. SFT are the initials that show up throughout the book. See Feel Trust. This is a spiritual book. SFT applies within oneself in his or her own areas of interest and activity. But it also applies to the simple message that Christ died for the forgiveness of our sins so that we may be with him and he with us now and forever. SFT that! JIM

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sometimes you read a book and the timing of it is just a little suspicious when compared to the events of your actual life. I’m not a golfer and I likely never will be, but the sports psychology and life philosophies were what I needed to read this month. That’s more a reflection of my 2022 than anything else, but I’m glad to have read this book. The story is engaging and I stopped to do some of the exercises for myself. It was a great read for some self reflection.

[Reid · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorite character was Luke because he was a very determined person. While the ending was abnormal I would not change it because it was proof that the book was not all about golf it was about life. I was surprised when hey did not tell me if he made the putt or not because most books do not end that way.
-Reid Phillips

[Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

This would be a really good book if it was just about golf, but it is about so much more than just golf! I have to agree with other reviewers that have said this book should be kept on the shelf as a reference book. The advice sprinkled throughout the story is applicable to life's journey and we all need "STF" written on something so we can see it every day!

[Brady Wyant · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really helps ground you, and think about life as a whole. Perspective can get you worked up, when you have the "Win All" mentally. This story shows you how you can make a bigger impact on the world, but not always "winning it all".

Truly appreciated the audiobook. Great story, short and sweet, with a lot of meaning. Also takes place only hour drive from our house, so going to golf Utopia, soon.

[Vanessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this and saw the movie. It is a great story of what is important in life. Your decision to have a relationship with Jesus Christ is more important than becoming a better golfer. In this story the priority is on God and yet he becomes a better golfer too.

I don't play golf and don't want to learn it, yet I still loved this story and its message.

[Ken Grant · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story that takes you through one person's journey from despair to significance. Outstanding for golfers, but a wonderful read for anyone seeking a new direction in life or who has lost themselves along the way.

[Maria Vaught · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book spoke loudly to me while I was playing competitive golf. It might not be anything extraordinary for others (you have been warned), but I gave it 5 stars because of the influence this book had on both my life as a golfer and as a person in general.

[Shannon Walker · Rating 4 out of 5]

I discovered the book after watching the lovely film by the same name. It's an inspiring fictional story that compiles years of similar experiences into one tale. I love Golf and God, and this story weaves the two together in a uniquely appealing manner.

[Cynthia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I never give five stars. I couldn’t put this book down. The messages buried in this fictionalized account of a golfer down on his luck who happens upon a rancher in Utopia Texas who imparts his incredible wisdom and life changing philosophy are pure gold.