Reviving a Golf Course: The Heart of Community in "A Course Called Home"

A Dive into Tom Coyne's Journey

Tom Coyne's new book, A Course Called Home: Adventures of an Accidental Golf Course Owner, is an engaging exploration of not just the game of golf, but also the intricate relationship between community and land stewardship. As he takes on the daunting task of revamping a failing nine-hole golf course in New York's picturesque Catskills, he weaves humor and hardship into every tale.

The Ups and Downs of Golf Course Management

Set against a backdrop of lush greenery and challenging terrain, Coyne's journey isn't solely about golf; it is a love letter to the local community, showcasing how intertwined the health of the earth and the joy of recreation can be. As Coyne himself puts it, being a golfer is about more than just swinging a club: it's about understanding the field we play on—its history, its cultivation, and its significance to those who come together on it.

A Humorously Sharp Perspective

“Hands caked with mud, fingertips diced by a thousand tiny cuts… it had been the wettest Catskills summer in memory,” Coyne vividly opens.

This metaphorical and literal journey illustrates the hard, often thankless labor that goes behind creating a golf course. It is a cycle of grit, sweat, and a profound connection to nature that many golfers overlook.

The Value of Community

The author invites us to consider how golf courses serve as community hubs—not just places to play, but spaces where friendships bloom and memories are made. Coyne argues, “I've come to believe that golfers should know what it's like to ride a mower… to better know our playing grounds.” This sentiment beautifully underlines his mission: to foster appreciation for both the game and the men and women who maintain these beautiful landscapes.

A Broader Cultural Commentary

Coyne's heartfelt accounts challenge us to rethink how we interact with our recreational spaces. His reflections question the commodification of nature and how society often overlooks the stewards of the land—those who toil behind the scenes yet rarely receive acknowledgment. In his hands, a broken down mower is transformed into a powerful symbol of resilience, devotion, and the sometimes humorous reality of community service.

Not Just About Golf

As I read through his experiences, I'm struck by how similar themes resonate across various facets of our lives. Whether it's art, music, or social initiatives, the message is clear: to fully appreciate something, one must also appreciate the labor that sustains it. Coyne's tale prompts us to consider, what labor goes unseen in our communities? What stories remain untold in the pursuit of leisure and recreation?

Looking Forward

As the narrative unfolds, Coyne's struggle reflects a much larger conversation about sustainability, community engagement, and the role we play in maintaining the spaces that we love. What can we learn from his attempts to revive a community institution? It's about more than just saving a golf course; it's about preserving a piece of local culture that connects generations.

Conclusion: A Call to Action

Don't miss Lee Cowan's interview with Tom Coyne on CBS Sunday Morning May 3!

Let us take inspiration from Coyne's spirited endeavor. Golfers, hobbyists, and families alike—let's dive into those tangled weeds, muddy our hands, and embrace the stories waiting to be told about the land we cherish.

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Excerpted from "A Course Called Home: Adventures of an Accidental Golf Course Owner" by Tom Coyne. Published by Avid Reader Press/Simon and Schuster. Copyright © 2026. All rights reserved.