Golfshake Ambassador Andy Picken reviews Common Grounds by Richard Pennell.
Richard’s first book called Grass Routes is a favourite golf book of mine.
Both books detail the golfing adventures and travails of a man who has held most positions within a golf club from greenkeeper to managing secretary and all roles in-between. He has a wealth of golfing knowledge obtained over years at the golfing club face.
His latest book Common Grounds is written in his usual prosaic style. Having met in person and played golf together, his words leap from the page with me being able to hear his voice reading me the words.
He is not a man to take himself too seriously and he provides a wonderful commentary on some of the lesser-known golf courses within the British Isles.
These are all courses that have a unique quirk, style and appeal that is deserving of a further investigation and have previously been overlooked or missed by the general golfing media.
Read this book and expect your bucket list of golf courses to be extended exponentially.
Having seen him compete he is a demon playing with a half set and a manufactured golf shot. He is also a wonderful golfing companion both on and off the course.
Common Grounds is a signpost to an array of golfing wonders that undeservedly have gone under the radar of conventional golf related trips.
Each venue is special but with a theme of commonality running through the series.
This is delightful book limited to a first edition of 1,000 at this stage. I would thoroughly recommend being an early adopter as I anticipate that the stock will be emptied rapidly.
I just realised that my review notes were made as I read this draft on a flight to another Portuguese golf course, and it’s rapidly becoming a future travel list as I seek to share and replicate the joyous golfing experiences he details with such style.
So many golf courses, so little time!
The value of this book is through its ability to identify, signpost and flag golf related experiences that need to be prioritised and moved up the bucket list.
I have played some of the highlighted venues and agree with Richard’s assessment of them.
I consider myself to be an experienced golfer having played around 400 different venues around the world.
This book fills a gap in my golfing education, providing links to the earliest, most esoteric forms of golf.
Do not expect manicured perfection from the suggestions but expect great fun and unique golfing experiences tapping into his knowledge and understanding of this strange game we play.
I could easily list the courses from the chapter headings but will not do so to avoid spoiling the pleasure of the reader discovering these delights themselves. Each venue has its own chapter making the writings so much easier to digest and enjoy. I have found myself revisiting it since my first read and these repeat readings have provided me with as much joy as those I felt at the initial review.
Common Grounds features 27 golf courses across Great Britain & Ireland, with an adjournment in the heathlands above Paris and a wintery contest in the Swiss Alps. It is a celebration of the rustic roots of the game,
If you have a golfer in your life and you’re looking for an excellent Christmas present that will be cherished by the recipient, look no further.
For more information, please visit https://pitchmarks.bigcartel.com/product/common-grounds-by-richard-pennell.
Andrew Picken is a Golfshake ambassador and prolific golf traveller who writes course reviews, travel features, and destination guides. A passionate golfer for over two decades, he plays regularly across the UK and Europe and is involved in several golf societies and charity events. Andrew is committed to promoting the game and showcasing the variety of golfing experiences available to enthusiasts of all abilities.
