by Jeff Skinner
Shivas Irons is coming to the big screen. After years of unsuccessful attempts to make Michael Murphy’s book, “Golf in the Kingdom” into a movie, filming has finally begun. In 1972 Michael Murphy wrote “Golf in the Kingdom” and it became recognized as the classic book on the spirituality of golf. The novel takes place in a heavenly setting called the “Kingdom” on a course called Burningbush and any resemblance to the Kingdom of Fife or St. Andrews is purely coincidence. Murphy tells the story of his meeting and friendship with Shivas Irons. Shivas Irons is a golfing mystic who is part psychologist, part Old Tom Morris and part Bagger Vance. The book is enlightening and entertaining and if you are a real golfer, you must read it. There are only two kinds of golfers in the world; those that have read “Golf in the Kingdom’ and those that need to.
Anyway, the filming has started at Bandon Dunes. Bandon was chosen for its true, natural links surroundings. Murphy has said that the courses at Bandon Dunes are even more beautiful than the Scottish links they are meant to represent. This is a labor of love for Murphy and the entire creative team. Even the best golf movies have a tough time appealing to a mass audience. “Kingdom” will need a special touch if it is to do the novel justice.
David O’Hara is playing Shivas Irons, he was in Braveheart. He played the crazy Irishman that befriended and guarded William Wallace (Mel Gibson).
Check out the “old” movie trailer from 2007 and the links below to see more of “The Kingdom” and learn more about the production.
Movie News Link. Bandon Western World, Lisa Hull Link.
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