Changing Course

This wonderful book tells the inspiring story of the author, who until 2006 was the CEO of a successful Internet company. He had a deep vein thrombosis in his leg and subsequently a stroke while on holiday in Arran. This brought his business career to an abrupt halt and he spent the next period gradually recovering his faculties. His wife suggested that he try caddying at his local golf club in North Berwick, and this proved a fascinating introduction to many wealthy people for whom he carried bags around the course. Naturally, Neal was not your average caddie in terms of his business experience, so fellow players opened up to him and shared insights about their own success. The result is an inspirational book, and not only for golfers, although I have just shared this information in an email with golfing friends, recommending them buy themselves the book for Christmas.

The 25 chapters are divided into a number of sections discussing the foundations, mindset, traps, discoveries and lifestyle. Each draws on the story of a particular visitor and generalises this to benefit the reader. For instance, does your work make you want to jump out of bed in the morning? Are you really excited and passionate about it? One striking story concerned Jake, who, in the middle of the round, went over to three green keepers and spontaneously gave them £30 as a token of appreciation for their fantastic work. You can imagine how surprised they were at this gesture. Another golfer called Scott was a scratch player who was a surgeon in a New York hospital and on the board of the leading art organisation, which meant he was combining his golf trip with a visit to the Edinburgh Festival - his insight was that there are in fact 24 hours in a day rather than 7.5 and that efficient time management can enable you to achieve a great deal. Whether you are a golfer or not, I urge you to read this inspirational and hugely enjoyable book.