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Travis McKinley #2
Miracle at St. Andrews
If golf novels had a leaderboard, Miracle at St. Andrews would be at the top.
Though nobody has ever identified a single secret--no universally accepted truth--to the sport, every real player searches for one. Travis McKinley is one such seeker. A former professional golfer who feels like he's an amateur at the rest of life, he makes a pilgrimage to the mythical greens at St. Andrews. On the course where golf was born, every link, hole, fairway--even the gorse--feels like sacred ground. Ground that can help an ordinary player, an ordinary man, achieve a higher plane.
Though nobody has ever identified a single secret--no universally accepted truth--to the sport, every real player searches for one. Travis McKinley is one such seeker. A former professional golfer who feels like he's an amateur at the rest of life, he makes a pilgrimage to the mythical greens at St. Andrews. On the course where golf was born, every link, hole, fairway--even the gorse--feels like sacred ground. Ground that can help an ordinary player, an ordinary man, achieve a higher plane.
257 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 8, 2019
926 people are currently reading
1810 people want to read
About the author
James Patterson
955 books355k followersOfficial US Site
Official UK Site
JIMMY Patterson Books
ReadKiddoRead
James Patterson is the most popular storyteller of our time and the creator of such unforgettable characters and series as Alex Cross, the Women’s Murder Club, Jane Smith, and Maximum Ride. He has coauthored #1 bestselling novels with Bill Clinton, Dolly Parton, and Michael Crichton, as well as collaborated on #1 bestselling nonfiction, including The Idaho Four, Walk in My Combat Boots, and Filthy Rich. Patterson has told the story of his own life in the #1 bestselling autobiography James Patterson by James Patterson. He is the recipient of an Edgar Award, ten Emmy Awards, the Literarian Award from the National Book Foundation, and the National Humanities Medal.
Official UK Site
JIMMY Patterson Books
ReadKiddoRead
James Patterson is the most popular storyteller of our time and the creator of such unforgettable characters and series as Alex Cross, the Women’s Murder Club, Jane Smith, and Maximum Ride. He has coauthored #1 bestselling novels with Bill Clinton, Dolly Parton, and Michael Crichton, as well as collaborated on #1 bestselling nonfiction, including The Idaho Four, Walk in My Combat Boots, and Filthy Rich. Patterson has told the story of his own life in the #1 bestselling autobiography James Patterson by James Patterson. He is the recipient of an Edgar Award, ten Emmy Awards, the Literarian Award from the National Book Foundation, and the National Humanities Medal.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 273 reviews
June 6, 2019
James Patterson and Peter de Jonge return with another of their stories that stirs up sentimentality with a little humour and will have the reader hearing ‘fore’ wherever they go. Travis McKinley enjoyed a lovely time on the senior golf circuit, but all good things must surely come to an end. When he no longer qualifies for his card—the placeholder on the circuit—Travis is forced to wonder if he should return to the real world and get a job. While he was no phenom, he is offered a spot helping with some of the commentary for television golf. This has its moments, but Travis knows that he was made to play, not offer anecdotes about those who are currently in the field, even if one includes Tiger Woods. Choosing to relax by taking his family on vacation, they decide on the United Kingdom, with a focus on the Scottish Highlands. There, Travis discovers the origins of golf and how a little determination can surely go a long way, peppered with some luck. As Travis grabs hold of a life-long dream, the reader is transported through this wonderful tale to see that the passions we all hold dear can sometimes be the portal to happiness. A great and wholesome read that exemplifies that not all good pieces need to be full of killing to make an impact. Recommended to those who like a little uplifting piece to get through the day, as well as the reader with an affinity for golf and its nuances.
I have long bemoaned collaborations with the published giant James Patterson, though there are a few who can cut through the hype and deliver something worth reading. Peter de Jonge is one such collaborator and he does well in this piece to show just how important a rooted co-author can be to make a story work. It is apparent throughout that Patterson and de Jonge—like a great golfer and caddy—can read one another well and know just where to send the plot to keep the book flowing well. Travis McKinley, for those who have followed this enlightening series, may have a little sweetness to him, but his wholesomeness comes with entertainment value. The reader can see his progress throughout, especially after he is forced to redefine who he is in the ‘real world’. There is no lack of development or character advancement, as long as the reader can accept that this is less a gritty journey and more a heart-lifting experience. Others make their presence known and keep the piece moving forward, including a quasi-cameo by Tiger Woods and other greats in the golfing world. The story is light and uplifting, which is a nice alternative to what I have been reading. Filled with golf lingo and discussion of the game, the book is not a primer or too over the top about things so as to lose the casual reader, but can touch the heart and be a great filler for those readers who are used to the bloodier or more passion-filled novel. I needed this to reset my thinking and remind me that miracles do happen to those who seek them. It is patience that many lack to see each shot through, rather than rushing ahead and hoping for a hole-in-one each time.
Kudos, Messrs. Patterson and de Jonge, for showing me just how entertaining a lighter novel can be. I needed this and you’ve helped me see it, in your own way!
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
I have long bemoaned collaborations with the published giant James Patterson, though there are a few who can cut through the hype and deliver something worth reading. Peter de Jonge is one such collaborator and he does well in this piece to show just how important a rooted co-author can be to make a story work. It is apparent throughout that Patterson and de Jonge—like a great golfer and caddy—can read one another well and know just where to send the plot to keep the book flowing well. Travis McKinley, for those who have followed this enlightening series, may have a little sweetness to him, but his wholesomeness comes with entertainment value. The reader can see his progress throughout, especially after he is forced to redefine who he is in the ‘real world’. There is no lack of development or character advancement, as long as the reader can accept that this is less a gritty journey and more a heart-lifting experience. Others make their presence known and keep the piece moving forward, including a quasi-cameo by Tiger Woods and other greats in the golfing world. The story is light and uplifting, which is a nice alternative to what I have been reading. Filled with golf lingo and discussion of the game, the book is not a primer or too over the top about things so as to lose the casual reader, but can touch the heart and be a great filler for those readers who are used to the bloodier or more passion-filled novel. I needed this to reset my thinking and remind me that miracles do happen to those who seek them. It is patience that many lack to see each shot through, rather than rushing ahead and hoping for a hole-in-one each time.
Kudos, Messrs. Patterson and de Jonge, for showing me just how entertaining a lighter novel can be. I needed this and you’ve helped me see it, in your own way!
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
April 16, 2019
Ok, so I have never played golf a day in my life, nor am I really inspired to do so. Knowing nothing about the game aside from living in a burg where the Master's is held and visitors descend upon the city en masse, but that's one's only indication that something's going on, because everything is Top Secret.
So, I decided to open the book this week and see where our main character Travis was heading to in the next installment; in this case, he putts around in a couple of matches and then tries a stint at broadcasting, which he hates, and then off to Scotland to have an adventure. And what an adventure it is.
Without giving spoilers, I will say that Travis is a likeable character, he has a great family, a neat way of looking at life and meets some people that end up being more than chance encounters in his golf journey.
The collaboration of Patterson and De Jonge in the Miracle books is that you can read along and know what is going on and not have to know all the technical terms of the sport. The reader gets the point of the story by the feeling created through the setting and context of the story. Enjoyable story with many tidbits of wisdom woven in, for those of us in midlife. We understand Travis; some of us are asking ourselves the same questions at this point in life that he was. Loved the Scotland setting and descriptions of everything.
Please do another Travis story on a golf course in another country again.
So, I decided to open the book this week and see where our main character Travis was heading to in the next installment; in this case, he putts around in a couple of matches and then tries a stint at broadcasting, which he hates, and then off to Scotland to have an adventure. And what an adventure it is.
Without giving spoilers, I will say that Travis is a likeable character, he has a great family, a neat way of looking at life and meets some people that end up being more than chance encounters in his golf journey.
The collaboration of Patterson and De Jonge in the Miracle books is that you can read along and know what is going on and not have to know all the technical terms of the sport. The reader gets the point of the story by the feeling created through the setting and context of the story. Enjoyable story with many tidbits of wisdom woven in, for those of us in midlife. We understand Travis; some of us are asking ourselves the same questions at this point in life that he was. Loved the Scotland setting and descriptions of everything.
Please do another Travis story on a golf course in another country again.
July 23, 2019
James Patterson and Peter de Jonge return with the 3rd in the Travis McKinley series...I read "Miracle at Augusta" and enjoyed it immensely, as a golfer, and in the described personal and parenting philosophies...Travis loses his Senior PGA card and must assess the next phase of his life, but gets a big break while he and the family are visiting "the old sod"...just a neat little book...Love this series!
August 20, 2019
I didn't think I would like this book because in the first few chapters there was too much golf speak. But the plot thickened, and I finished it liking it. It's a little far-fetched, I think, but in golf, anything can happen. There are two other books before this one, "Miracle on the 17th Tee" and "Miracle at Augusta." I think in might read those.
April 28, 2019
This book three in Patterson's “golf”series.
As with the first two, it is a quick simple read and a feel good story.
As with the first two, it is a quick simple read and a feel good story.
May 4, 2019
Not a huge golf fan. But still a good book. Never give up on your dreams.
February 27, 2023
Travis McKinley is back, and once again defies the odds. While it may be unrealistic, the story would capture the hearts and minds of readers all across the globe, from Scotland to Djibouti to the US of A. It even features the great Jim Nantz and the controversial prankster Tiger Woods!
May 25, 2024
Another great book in the “Miracle at…” series. The setting was the best part being in the heart of the origin of golf. Great ending to the series.
September 10, 2019
If Tiger lost it would have been a 5!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 6, 2019
This is a heartwarming story about a golfer who hits a real slump and is out of the professional golf circuit, just...like...that. In his travels, he meets an awkward high school student who repels him, but he beats back his negative feelings, creating a tentative friendship. This friendship involves teaching the game of golf to this gangly, un-self confident young man. What happens in this story will make you blubber.
January 3, 2020
Entertaining, though very lightweight .. .it's kind of a "kids book geared to adults". You won't need to invest much time (or brain power) into this book. It's only sightly more than 200 pages so it can be read entirely over 2 cups of coffee on a warm spring Saturday morning on your back deck. So even if it's really not a great book, those other factors made it an enjoyable reading experience.
April 15, 2019
A very quick read...I am usually not a fan of sports books...but this one is about a golf pro who is in a slump, finds the true meaning of winning and losing, and puts to perfection. A “feel good” book.
September 12, 2019
A funny, fantastic story. An unbelievable golf story. A great ending to the 2 books before. The books are a dream of all golfers, especially the last book. It is a fantasy that is entertaining and funny. A joy to read and the ending is perfect.
June 28, 2019
Great little book....helps if you are (or were) a golfer but still enjoyable if you aren't.
September 9, 2019
Golfers will enjoy this one!
March 23, 2025
This one is the 3rd Travis book I’ve read and is a bit repetitive from the previous two. The best one was 17th Green, then Augusta. I was hoping for it to follow on from the previous story with the Jerzy character but there was no mention at all which was strange.
September 25, 2019
Nice easy read. Not much suspense and not a lot of character development. Kind of a ho hum novel
January 26, 2020
Not one if his good books but it was okay.
April 14, 2020
Fast read. I am sure it is well-liked by golf lovers.
December 23, 2020
Fore!
As in birdie four on a par 5. A light hearted look at the game of golf and what matters most.
As in birdie four on a par 5. A light hearted look at the game of golf and what matters most.
February 26, 2023
The last book in the McKinley series tells us a David vs Goliath story and the importance of integrity in life. Great ending as well!
August 31, 2023
James Patterson knocked this out of the park….
November 23, 2024
My local bookstore had this as a “blind date with a book” with “Mystery, Golf” as the very brief synopsis. When I read the actual, full synopsis after purchasing it, I didn’t really think I would like it. But I have good news that I enjoyed this much more than I expected!! Not too sure why the bookstore labeled it as mystery though, this was definitely not a mystery. Travis was a very likable guy and I was rooting for him the whole time. For a while I thought Seamus was just a figment of his imagination or something, but this was not the case. Very heartwarming ending.
April 23, 2019
Honestly, I did not like this book at all until the last 75 pages. In my opinion, one needs to be a golfer in order to understand and enjoy the story.
October 1, 2019
Easy, entertaining historic-ish fiction. Enough detail provided for those non-golfers, but not so much to overwhelm. Made a good story.
August 17, 2025
Fun ending to a fun series! Throughout all of the stories it’s been so fun to read about golf and the wild absurdity that the main character goes on! Super easy and light reading!
December 13, 2019
This book was a little different to what I usually read, but I really quite enjoyed it.
The story is about a U.S. Touring golfer who didn't make the cut and dropped out of golfing. He tried a short stint in the golf media and found it wasn't him.
He decided to take a trip to Scotland with his family and was playing golf at some of the great courses there when he ran into Seamus, his future caddy in a very big event at St Andrews golf course by some twist of fate.
A good read, even for those who don't even like golf!
The story is about a U.S. Touring golfer who didn't make the cut and dropped out of golfing. He tried a short stint in the golf media and found it wasn't him.
He decided to take a trip to Scotland with his family and was playing golf at some of the great courses there when he ran into Seamus, his future caddy in a very big event at St Andrews golf course by some twist of fate.
A good read, even for those who don't even like golf!
February 22, 2020
This book started out slow but got good towards the end. Really thought he might win it.
September 4, 2019
How I wish authors would do a little research before putting pen to paper. Road map is a little off for no one in their right mind would go through Dundee to get to Perth and you don't go "up" to North Berwick from Dornoch but "down". Portmahomack lighthouse is 3rd tallest, not tallest, for that goes to Skerryvore with North Ronaldsay in 2nd place. Next point, to me, is mind blowing to think that someone believes salmon can possibly swim in lochs - salmon inhabit rivers and oceans ... could it be author doesn't know difference between a loch and a river? Good wee story, BUT ...... !!!!! Do begin to wonder if some of the mistakes are deliberate to see how much attention the reader is actually paying to what he/she is reading.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 273 reviews