Initially, "Matchup at Adventure Land Golf" brought hints of Dr. Seuss from my childhood where clever rhyming was always an 'attention getter!'

I've read to an under 5 year old grandchild as a "chapter book" enjoying nine holes a night for two nights and once I read 6 holes for three nights. She loved the cadence of the rhyming and always pointed and touched the pictures with awe.

My 12 year old grandson read it in one setting and then we enjoyed talking about similar life experiences that he's been through with some of his classmates.

Young or old, this book is a must read for a fun, whimsical yet poignant storyline with many lessons or reminders to all!

I like the story and the pictures a lot. What I really appreciated about the book is how the boys worked through their problems. They started out as competitors, but as the book progressed, you can see how the boys approached the challenges and overcame the obstacles together.

A fun fantasy golf adventure for kids, this book turns a round of golf into an exciting journey full of dinosaurs, snakes, tigers, and other playful hazards. The action keeps young readers engaged while also weaving in a surprising amount of golf lore, making it both entertaining and educational. It’s a creative way to introduce kids to the game without ever feeling like a lesson.

I just finished Matchup at Adventure Land Golf by Gene Walden, and I have mixed but mostly positive feelings about it. It's a really ambitious children's book that tries to do a lot at once, and for the most part, it works.
The story follows two boys, Jordan and Zay, who start off as rivals in a big golf tournament at this crazy place called Adventure Land Golf. What begins as a normal competition quickly turns into this wild, over-the-top adventure that takes them through deserts, mountains, icebergs, even the Moon, while dealing with all kinds of animals. The book is packed with over 120 colorful illustrations that Gene Walden drew himself, and that’s honestly one of the best parts. The pictures are vibrant, fun, and full of energy – perfect for keeping kids engaged.
I really liked the rhyming style. It has that bouncy, read-aloud feel, kind of like a modern Dr. Seuss. Kids aged 5 to 10 will probably enjoy it a lot, especially if they like golf. The way Walden sneaks in golf rules, history, and etiquette without making it feel like a lesson is pretty clever. The main message about turning rivalry into friendship through teamwork feels genuine and warm.
That being said, the book isn't perfect. Because it tries to cram in so many adventures, animals, and lessons, it sometimes feels a bit overwhelming and rushed. Some of the rhymes feel forced, and a few parts in the middle drag on or start to blend together. The story jumps around so much that it occasionally loses focus. Also, while the illustrations are good for a self-published book, they’re not quite at the level of big publishing house picture books.
Overall though, this is a big-hearted passion project. You can tell Gene Walden really poured his love for golf and storytelling into it. It’s wholesome, adventurous, and different from most kids’ books out there right now.

Vibrant illustrations and a very interesting story. I look forward to sharing this one with the grandkids. I received a complimentary copy of the book. No review was required.

This is a really grand adventure! For a kids book it really is epic. I read it along with my 5 year old nephew and he loved it! He loved the pictures, the art work, and the different settings throughout the book (especially the dinosaurs and outer space)! I loved the lessons the kids learn throughout the book; working together and accepting each others differences! Both he and I would love to recommend Matchup at Adventure Land Golf to every kid and the young at heart; parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles. It is a great story, with an amazing message! Congratulations Mr. Walden on an excellent kids book!

I read Matchup at Wonderland Golf by Gene Walden
to a group of 3rd graders @ MPS and asked, what they thought of the story? They loved the rhyme style of writing, the larger than life wild animals going back to dinosaurs and the frightening events that occurred throughout the Match. But most of all the loved the relationship that was forged despite their many differences and the loyalty they showed to one another when it counted most. Beautiful adventure story for any kid that desires a friend.

I enjoyed so many things about this book -- the wonderful rhymes, the clever illustrations, and the story itself. I really liked how the boys started the tournament as rivals who didn't like each other, but slowly became friends as they played through all the animals and nature settings. I could also see how young kids could learn an appreciation for golf through this book. It's longer than I expected, but it was fun to read to the end -- and I really liked the ending and the additional information about the storyline in the back.

This book is a great adventure for young golf enthusiasts, but it is so much more than a book about golf! It is a whimsical journey through exciting worlds. Each "world" illustrates valuable lessons in resilience, teamwork, acceptance and many other social emotional skills! Such a fun read!

Matchup at Adventure Lane Golf is truly an epic odyssey, like nothing you've ever seen, or will ever see again! The rhyming narrative is surprisingly creative, and the illustrations are fun, colorful, exciting, and seem to jump off the page. I've golfed all of my life, so I love the story and appreciate the way the author introduces the traditions and basics of the game throughout the adventure. Most of my grandchildren golf, and this will be on my Christmas gift list for all of them.

As an avid golfer since I was 15 years old (now 60), from the 1st time I saw the book, I couldn't wait to open it and dive right in, and flip through it and check out the gorgeous golf settings that were in store for me. The images are so rich in detail and color, and filled with the clever mind of a child golfer.
As an adult golfer, I love it. And if this book was around when I was that little, I'm sure I would have loved it too. I strongly recommend it to any father and son or mother daughter golf family to download it or get a hard copy and get the joy all us avid golfers got from this read.

Adventure Land Golf is a hole-in-one for young readers or old people who read to them. The artwork is beautiful, colorful, and engaging. Gene did all the artwork himself without the use of AI. What really surprised me was my son's reaction. As we read together, he was perched on the edge of his bunk bed like Jim Nantz watching the final putt at the Masters.

The story follows two boys on a golfing adventure. Every time I tried to stop for the night, he'd say, “Just one more page.”

Fun, exciting, and wonderfully illustrated, this is a book that kids will enjoy and parents and grandparents will be happy to read more than once.
David Goldman, The Laughing Stockbroker ®