The Shivas Irons Society is an international organization based in Southern California that promulgates the message and teachings contained in Michael Murphy’s seminal masterpiece, “Golf In The Kingdom,” first published in 1972.”
The semi-autobiographic novella is a magical retelling of the novelist’s interactions with an aging Scottish Golf Professional, Teacher, Seer, and Philosopher, Shivas Irons, and the lessons Shivas conveyed to the author while playing a round of golf. A round of Golf that reveals to Murphy a much deeper and hidden meaning of the sport, along with the philosophical abstraction that the Game of Golf is a metaphysical metaphor probing for the mythical powers of true gravity that, while influencing and controlling the golf swing, also govern and control the much broader and larger Game of Life and all its implied spiritual characteristics, ambiguities, and mysteries.
True gravity is a universal force, an ethical imperative, and an overwhelming spiritual experience
When Michael Murphy, a child of privilege, was coming of age in the postwar, romanticized environs of Southern California, he duly entered Stanford University, seemingly preordained to follow his father and grandfather’s footsteps into the field of medicine.
True gravity permeates the universe.
But, alas, like so many young men whose personal fantasies and fields of dreams were turned asunder by fateful happenstances enjoined in college, Murphy’s attendance at a throwaway course in comparative religions was the catalyst that permanently altered the life journey of the young, receptive, and impressible Murphy who had grown up playing golf on the idyllic and verdant golf courses of Central California and the Monterey Peninsula.
“The Game is a mighty teacher-never deviating’ from its sacred roots, always ready to lead us on.”
Changing course from medicine to psychology while meditating daily, the young Murphy sought answers to the mysteries and vagaries of life after abandoning his goal of becoming a doctor.
Murphy graduated college and then entered the army, passing his enlisted time dreaming of traveling the world exploring the alternative, free-thinking, and counter cultures prevalent in that era’s bohemian and beatnik generation.
Every moment on the course, like every moment in life, is to some degree unique and unrepeatable
In June 1956, while traveling on his way to Pondicherry, India, to study Far Eastern religions, cultures, and the gospel of Sri Ramakrishna, Murphy, succumbing to his passion for golf and the allure of the Old Course at Saint Andrew’s, interrupted his journey to the Ashram of Aurobindo and stopped in Scotland where he played at the birthplace of golf, providing the foundation and backstory of where and how he met, interacted, and succumbed to the legend and teachings of the mythical Shivas Irons.
Tae enjoy yer’self is the thing, and beware the quicksand of perfection.
This combination and merging of Eastern mysticism with the integration of golf’s peculiarities and mysteries led to the compilation of Golf in the Kingdom and the worldwide acclaim it holds for its legions of admirers and fans.
Gowf is an exercise in perspective, every shot requires you to estimate where you are in relation to the target. Enough Gowf springs you free from your attachment to any point.
The book has sold over a million copies and has spawned a cult-like following among golf devotees, and places high on the lists of the greatest and most influential books ever published in golf’s long history.
“Fascination frees our journey through the worlds and opens the doors to where we wan to go.”
On a personal note, in 1992, I covered the United States Open in Pebble Beach, California, won by Tiger Woods in record fashion. A message on the Media bulletin board that week invited members of the press to an informal gathering that would form an organization providing a forum for admirers of Murphy’s work. Having read and enjoyed the book many times and having heard Michael as a guest lecturer at a National PGA seminar, I eagerly attended the inaugural meeting of the Society.
Trying’ too hard is the surest way tae ruin yer game.
The organization was created and born that sultry June night in Monterey, California, by Steve Cohen, a passionate advocate for Shivas’ musings and teachings.
From the organization’s original mission statement: “The Shivas Irons Society is dedicated to furthering golf as a mindful pursuit and as a tool for personal growth and development. We inspire, connect, and support all who are interested in exploring the transformational aspects of the game in the spirit of Michael Murphy’s 1972 novel “Golf in The Kingdom,” the original inspiration for the Society and one of the best-selling and most influential golf books of all time.”
Yes, a man’s style of play and his swing certainly reflect the state of his soul.
“Our supporters believe that golf is a better, more rewarding game when played in a way that’s intentionally conscious and respectful of its core roots and values-a style of lay that Shivas Irons himself would recognize and endorse, and one that is often at odds with much of what the modern game has become.”
Then there are the ones who are always over-dubbing and landing’ in the next tee. It’s an x-ray of the soul, this game o’ gowf.
Sadly, Steve Cohen passed away in 2017, and Society struggled without his leadership. Fortunately, a group of like-minded devotees took up the challenge of resurrecting the ideas, beliefs, philosophies, and foundations of the Society and set about reviving the programs and opportunities that would continue the primary mission and ideals Shivas Irons first affirmed to a young Michael Murphy in 1950 and will continue into the future.
With special thanks to the continuing efforts of this dedicated board of trustees who share the old Pro’s and Michael Murphy’s vision of what “True Gowf should be.
You may access the Shivas Irons website for more information here. Home | Shivas Irons
Ye’ll come away from the links with a new hold on life, that is certain if ye play the game with all your heart.
I sat down with the Society’s Executive Director, Ben Kline, for an informative conversation on the Society’s status and his vision of the future for the organization.
Please Listen Here.
Jeff Waters is a PGA Master Professional, a member of the Golf Writers Association of America, and the Shivas Irons Society.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
