Title: The Golf Pro Has Heart: Secrets of Couples Still in Love After 50 Years
Author: John A. Gehrisch
Publisher: Quiet Thunder Publishing
ISBN: 9798862030440
Pages: 287
Genre: Memoir / Self-Help/Sports/Romance
Reviewed by: Rahul
Pacific Book Review
Love and golf have more in common than you might think; both take patience, dedication, and a bit of humor to navigate successfully. In The Golf Pro Has Heart: Secrets of Couples Still in Love After 50 Years, author John A. Gehrisch draws from his experiences in life and on the golf course to share the secrets of lasting love. This book artfully blends autobiographical elements with practical advice, offering readers a unique perspective on sustaining successful relationships through the lessons learned both on and off the green.
The book begins with a heartfelt look at the author’s father’s endeavor to build a local golf course, Sycamore Springs, setting a thematic foundation of community and perseverance that resonates throughout the text. This story not only serves to hook the reader but also beautifully parallels the initial investments and ongoing efforts required for lasting relationships. John writes, “Just as my father sculpted the earth to create fairways and greens, so must we sculpt our interactions and behaviors to nurture love and mutual respect.” This personal touch is a golden thread throughout the book, as John candidly shares his missteps and learnings in love, which gives the advice a layer of authenticity and relatability often missing in more prescriptive self-help books. For instance, John describes his journey from the pain of divorce to discovering what makes relationships work in the long term, distilling these observations into practical advice for his readers.
Each chapter or “Hole” in the book corresponds to a particular stage or aspect of a relationship, cleverly paralleling a game of golf where different skills and strategies are required as the game progresses. For example, in “Hole #5: Dream Delayed,” John discusses the importance of timing and patience in relationships, using his golfing experience to underline how personal growth and timing impact relationship success. This approach of using metaphors enriches the narrative and makes the insights more memorable.
The book is also noteworthy for its comprehensive and fair assessment of relationships. The author openly discusses challenges like communication breakdowns or trust issues that couples often encounter. He backs his observations with examples from couples he knows or has interviewed, ensuring the advice is grounded in real-life experiences. For instance, he shares stories from elderly couples who exemplify each trait he considers vital for a lasting relationship, giving credibility to his claims.
The Golf Pro Has Heart is a great read for anyone interested in improving their relationships. The prose is accessible, the examples are engaging, and the advice is actionable. This accessibility broadens its appeal to a diverse audience – whether they are newlyweds eager to build a strong foundation, middle-aged couples seeking to rekindle their connection, or senior partners looking to reflect on their journey together.
