Golfers and non-golfers alike will be moved by this powerful story of transformation revealing the secrets to success in life beyond success in our game or work. Luke Chisolm is a talented young golfer set on making the pro tour. But when his first big shot turns into a very public disaster, he escapes the pressures of the game and finds himself unexpectedly stranded in Utopia, Texas. There, he meets Johnny Crawford, an eccentric rancher with a passion for teaching truth, whose faith forces Luke to question not only his past choices, but his direction for the future. Written by author and performance psychologist Dr. David Cook--who has worked with NBA World Champions, National Collegiate Champions, PGA Tour Champions, Olympians, and many Fortune 500 companies--this remarkable and encouraging story reminds us to get our game, and our life, back on course. Now a major motion picture starring Academy Award Winner Robert Duvall and Lucas Black! Also published as Golf's Sacred Journey . All golfers should read [Seven Days in Utopia]. It's a book that will change the way you think and the way you live. -- Tom Lehman, British Open Champion 1996, U.S. Ryder Cup Captain 2006 I personally couldn't put this book down. [Seven Days in Utopia] gives you many great insights and a different perspective on the game of golf and then finishes with truth about life. -- Aaron Baddeley, PGA Tour Winner I read this book in one sitting. It stirred my heart. What a fun and stimulating read. -- Max Lucado, Bestselling Christian Author Read it. Devour it. Keep it as a reference book. You'll be glad you did. This book 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 has again revealed the wisdom of David Cook as a teacher, coach, and encourager of life. This is one trip you can't afford to miss. Enjoy the journey! -- Stan Utley, PGA Tour Winner and Leading Short Game Expert 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 Author, speaker, entrepreneur, and mental training coach are the roles Dr. David L. Cook has assumed over the past two decades. His clients have included NBA World Champions, National Collegiate Champions, PGA Tour Champions, Olympians, and many Fortune 500 companies. He is the author of the bestselling book Golf’s Sacred Journey. He and his wife, Karen have been married for over 35 years, have two daughters, and live in the hill country of Texas. Golf's Sacred Journey Seven Days at The Links of Utopia By David L. Cook ZONDERVAN Copyright © 2011 David L. Cook All right reserved. ISBN: 978-0-310-33549-8 Contents Foreword by Tom Lehman.......................11Acknowledgments..............................15Introduction.................................171. A Fork in the Road........................192. The Links of Utopia.......................313. Conviction................................394. Shadow-Casting............................495. Signing a Masterpiece.....................636. Tradition vs. Truth.......................717. Pilot's Checklist.........................898. Hickory Sticks............................1039. Buried Lies...............................12310. A New Voice..............................13911. Destiny Knocks...........................145Epilogue.....................................159 Chapter One A FORK IN THE ROAD how can a game have such an effect on a man's soul? It was a scene all too familiar. I had entered this tournament with high hopes. This was going to be my breakthrough. Finally, after years of hard work and practice, my time had arrived. I entered the last round of this mini tour event within two shots of the lead. With an errant shot here, and a poor club selection there, and a three putt on the par five that I hit in two, I came to the back nine needing to make something happen. A 36 on the front left me three back with nine to go. I began to press as I headed into the final nine. I knew better, but the adrenaline seduced my logic. Unbeknownst to me, I had just engaged the melt-down sequence. On the tenth I pulled my shot slightly into the trees left. I pulled it because I feared the water hazard to the right. I found my ball in a small thicket of oaks. I figured I had to make a move on this nine so I decided to take a risk. After all, half the field birdied this hole on the previous day. I saw an opening between the trees, so I tried to hit a low hook and get home in two on this short par five. Instead, it caught a limb and kicked deeper into the trees. I couldn't just chip out now. I would be giving two shots to the field. My playing partner stood in the fairway with an iron in his hand seeming to be irritated that I was taking so long. I made a qu