Golf's Holy War

The Battle for the Soul of a Game in an Age of Science

By: Brett Cyrgalis

Narrated by: Kyle Tait

As Michael Lewis’s bestseller Moneyball captured baseball at a technological turning point, this “highly entertaining, very smart book” (James Patterson) takes us inside golf’s clash between its hallowed artistic tradition and its scientific future.

The world of golf is at a crossroads. As tech­nological innovations displace traditional philosophies, the golfing community has splintered into two deeply combative factions: the old-school teachers and players who believe in feel, artistry, and imagination, and the technical minded who want to remake the game around data. In Golf’s Holy War, “an obvious hole-in-one for golfers and their coaches” (Publishers Weekly, starred review), Brett Cyrgalis takes us inside the heated battle playing out from weekend hackers to PGA Tour pros.

At the Titleist Performance Institute in Oceanside, California, golfers clad in full-body sensors target weaknesses in their biomechanics, while others take part in mental exercises designed to test their brain’s psychological resilience. Meanwhile, coaches like Michael Hebron purge golfers of all technical infor­mation, tapping into the power of intuitive physical learning by playing rudimentary games. From historic St. Andrews to manicured Augusta, experimental com­munes in California to corporatized conferences in Orlando, William James to Ben Hogan to theoretical physics, the factions of the spiritual and technical push to redefine the boundaries of the game. And yet what does it say that Tiger Woods has orchestrated one of the greatest comebacks in sports history without the aid of a formal coach?

But Golf’s Holy War is more than just a book about golf—it’s a story about modern life and how we are torn between resisting and embracing the changes brought about by the advancements of science and technology. It’s also an exploration of historical legacies, the enriching bonds of education, and the many interpretations of reality.

Amazing listen

This book was everything I could have hoped for and more! such interesting insight into then hard to define qualities of golf.

Narration is a little dry at first but overall it's a good performance.

Highly recommended!

A Modern 'Cliffs Notes' of Golf History

One of greatest last lines in a book, ever!
Felt like 'time' wasn't a factor.
The ability to provide such information but allow this listener to paint a picture is an accomplishment. Especially me being an inspiring golf coach, yet with the mind of a certified master club fitter. I learned so many different techniques; it has allowed me to want to develop my own methodology. The idea we, as modern day golfers, have become so enamored by logistics has damaged the ability to create through imagination. That imagination can self teach because our bodies can create motion to match. How can I as a golf coach that knows all this technical information, certified to teach and club fit, help you understand what this game can truly mean? Time is valuable. Value is cost related, essentially today. However, remember what you consider valuable isn't the same as another, so time is crucial to one's definition of value. "But what if you can control time playing golf? Why wouldn't you play?"

Tremendous

A must listen for every Golfer! Great analytics detail and human element interwoven to produce a tremendous feeling.

Thought provoking

Good presentation of how golf teaching has changed over time. And incorporates The theories of Shivas Irons, because we know golf has mystical properties.

Amazing insight

One of the best golf books I’ve ever read/listen to!!! Highly recommend for avid golfers.