Books
Fairways to Heaven: One Shot at a Time
I am blessed to bring you my second book, Fairways to Heaven: One Shot at a Time… After completing my first book, Golf Is My Life: Glorifying God Through the Game, I became senior editor for Golf Tips Magazine and started a Christian golf feature for the magazine titled "Fairways to Heaven." The articles included scripture, a golf story, and a life experience to create a one-of-a-kind feature for a mainstream golf publication. The feature became very popular with the Golf Tips Magazine subscribers. The positive feedback from the readers inspired me to compile the articles and add new content to create Fairways to Heaven: One Shot at a Time...
The book also includes a tribute to my mentor, Phil Rodgers, with numerous testimonials to Phil from some of my former coworkers. Included are PGA of America National Award winners: Carl Alexander, PGA National Horton Smith Award (2012); Eric Eshleman, PGA National Golf Professional of the Year (2019); Fred Griffin, PGA Finalist Teacher of the Year (2019) and Kevin Weeks, PGA National Teacher of the Year (2023).
I am beyond grateful that friends and colleagues, including former NBA Player and CBS Analyst Clark Kellogg, former Golf Channel Studio Host Kraig Kann, Dr. Matt Mingione, and Dr. Angelica Napolitano, contributed to this book. I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it and collaborating with some exceptional people. In mid-July, Jon published his second book detailing his love of golf and God, Fairways to Heaven: One Shot at a Time. After completing his first book, Golf Is My Life: Glorifying God Through the Game, he became the senior editor for Golf Tips Magazine and started a Christian golf feature titled "Fairways to Heaven." The articles included scripture, a golf story, and life experience to create a one-of-a-kind feature for a mainstream golf publication. The feature became popular with Golf Tips Magazine subscribers, and the positive feedback from the readers inspired him to compile the articles and add new content to this new book.
The book is available online through: readersmagnet.com | amazon.com | bn.com | bam.com
Golf Is My Life: Glorifying God Through the Game
In 2016, Jon published his first book, Golf Is My Life: Glorifying God Through the Game. After publication, he created an accompanying Bible study. The Bible study along with the book use the game of golf to create a fun and educational atmosphere to grow Christianity, open lines of communication in small groups by using the game of golf to glorify God and His Son, Jesus Christ.
Golf Is My Life: My Audiobook Journey
In 2016, Jon published his first book, Golf Is My Life: Glorifying God Through the Game. After publication, he was adamant about not creating an audiobook. But many of his readers convinced him they were too busy to read his book, and an audio format would be perfect. Jon discusses the process and where it has led him and his readers.
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Book Reviews
“A book I can easily relate to as a WNC athlete and Wake Forest alumni. The story inside was a motivational guide to how God's plan is followed, and the path is not always as clear as a golf path to each hole. The way the book shares life experiences with scripture-based verses is very good. I recommend this book to all ages, especially the school-aged population, who will find guidance in their personal and spiritual lives inside the covers. Thanks for the tremendous work and time spent writing this book, Jon!”
— James Rumbough
“I've followed Jon Decker's career from a distance after having the good fortune to attend a local golf clinic years ago, where Jon was brought in as the guest instructor. Jon's persuasive enthusiasm and skills as a golf instructor made that clinic a positive experience for me and all the participants. After hearing he was working on a book, I looked forward to reading it with curious anticipation. Jon's unpretentious writing style and sincere storytelling won me over in reading the deeply personal stories of highs and lows surrounding his family life, friends, team sports experiences, golf dreams, and journey of faith. Reading the chapter titled 'Spirit' brought out a range of thoughts and emotions, including tears, when Jon recalled and described an early chapter reading he had given to a group of strangers. This book is not pretentious or preachy; just an inspirational story of life and faith that's told with heartfelt humility. It's a thoughtful, reflective, and personal life story that took guts to write and share with those fortunate enough to read it.”
— Paul Carter
“A well-written account by a professional golf instructor whose faith in Jesus grew as he faced/faced and is overcoming life's challenges and struggles. He lauds his parents' discipline, hard work, and honesty, which he carried into adulthood. Loved the story about his high school golf achievements when his mother was the coach. And he's just as proud of his brother's developmental challenges and current status as a gainfully employed husband. The use of Scripture for each chapter is good. His faith statements are apt and succinct throughout. Testimonies from others in each chapter lend authenticity to his character and effectiveness as a golf teacher to children, youth, and adults.”
— C. Blaisdell
“Engaging, page-turning account of a lifelong passion to set ego aside and embrace learning and paying forward a labor of love and Faith for the lessons we learn from an extremely challenging game. Golf tests our character, values, honesty, vulnerabilities, and most importantly...our FAITH! Jon’s lifelong commitment is highly engaging and relatable. You will challenge yourself, smile, cry, and gain a newfound enthusiasm for golf, life, loved ones, and Faith. Well done, Jon.”
— @jl8ngolfpro
“I really enjoyed this book. I have found myself thinking back to its remarkable stories for guidance many times when faced with a difficult situation. Each story in this book is linked to scripture and God's word. Reading how God used various events in Jon's life gave me hope and strengthened my faith since so many events in this book were undoubtedly God's work. Overall, this book is very interesting and I would totally recommend this book to anyone who enjoys human stories of faith, courage, and hope or wants a good read.”
— Susan Davis
“Recently, Jon gave a book signing and talk at my church. Growing up in the Southwestern part of Virginia, I had vivid memories as a high school student attending various conferences in the summer at Jon's hometown of Black Mountain. As a former golfer I began the sport as a child through adulthood. I also had a chance to follow outstanding golf as a mobile volunteer marshal working the LPGA tournament in Kingsmill outside Colonial Williamsburg. I experienced these many memories again through Jon Decker's book. It is a must-read about a man's passion for the game and faith. I could not put the book down for Jon captivated my spirit for more!”