A Yardage Book for the Soul
Life is not a straight line; it’s a course we learn as we go. Over fairways and rough, in moments of clarity and confusion, we are shaped by the way we pay attention, the way we practice, and the way we play. The Golfer’s Rule of Life was born out of that conviction — that golf, like the spiritual life, is a pilgrimage of presence, awareness, intentionality, and joy.
For more than two decades, I’ve lived at the intersection of ministry, spiritual practice, and the contemplative life of the outdoors. Golf became one of the places I most clearly heard God’s whisper — in the rhythm of walking, the humility of learning, the grace of beginning again, and the joy of being with others on the way. This book gathers those threads and offers a simple, soulful guide for anyone seeking a more grounded and grace-filled life.
What the Rule Offers
The Golfer’s Rule of Life is not a book about how to play better golf (though it might help with that). It’s a guide to living with deeper intention — a yardage book for your inner life.
Inside, you’ll find:
- Nine core practices shaped by Celtic spirituality, sports psychology, and monastic wisdom
- Reflections and invitations for becoming more present to God, others, and yourself
- Prayers, blessings, and walking practices drawn from the golf course and the natural world
- Stories, images, and insights from a life spent as a priest, professional golf teacher, outdoorsman, and spiritual companion
- A rule you can actually live — in your work, relationships, play, and leadership
It’s meant for golfers and non-golfers alike; for anyone longing for clarity, rhythm, and meaning in a world moving too fast.
Why I Wrote It
Over the years, people began to refer to me — half jokingly, half sincerely — as a kind of soul caddie. Someone who walks the course with others, helping them see what’s in front of them, breathe a little deeper, and trust the swing God has given them.
This book is my attempt to put that companionship on paper. To offer a way of living that is playful without being shallow, serious without being heavy, and spiritually vibrant without being complicated.
It’s a small book with a big hope: that you might learn to navigate your days with more presence, more gratitude, and more joy.
Begin the Journey
The Golfer’s Rule of Life is now available.
Visit ruleoflife.golf to learn more and order your copy.
Whether you’re reading it on the practice range, in a quiet morning chair, or on a long walk toward the next tee, I pray it blesses your life as much as the journey of writing it has blessed mine.
Come walk the course.
Joshua Case 