Joe Loughran announces the upcoming release of THE OPEN (A Novel): The Making of Golf’s First Major, published by Pine Ridge Publishing LLC, an epic historical narrative chronicling the evolution of golf from medieval Scotland to the first Open Championship in 1860.
A limited premium hardcover edition is available for pre-order up to and including July 1 and this includes entry into a promotional sweepstakes.
The official release date is July 16, coinciding with the start of golf’s oldest major championship.
Blending myth, history, and sport, the novel brings to life the cultural, religious, and political forces that shaped both a nation and its game. The story traces centuries of transformation in Scotland — from early religious influence and the Scottish Reformation, through political upheaval and shifting monarchies, to the emergence of golf as an organized sport.
The novel features historical figures including John Knox, Mary, Queen of Scots, and Prince Charles Edward Stuart alongside golfing pioneers such as Allan Robertson, Tom Morris, and Willie Park.
The narrative builds toward pivotal moments in golf history, including the formation of the first golfing society, the first written rules of golf, the development of the guttie ball, the founding of Prestwick Golf Club, Allan Robertson’s unexpected death, and the playing of the first Open Championship.
“This is not just a story about golf,” Loughran said. “It’s about how traditions are formed — how something enduring takes shape across centuries of human history.”
Book Details
- Author: Joe Loughran
- Title: THE OPEN (A Novel): The Making of Golf’s First Major
- Genre: Historical Fiction / Sports History
- Publication Date: July 16, 2026
- ISBN (Hardcover): 978-1-948541-15-2
- ISBN (Paperback): 978-1-948541-16-9
- Page Count: 388
- Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook
- Website: Back9Books.com
Availability: Premium hardcover pre-orders are available at Back9Books.com through July 1. Hardcover, paperback, and eBook editions release July 16.
