A sensei-disciple sports comedy with a spiritual core, Zenman is Cobra Kai meets Ted Lasso, but set in the world of golf. Exploring the pursuit of fame, love, and the true meaning of success, Zenman will not only resonate with readers of The Golfer’s Carol, Albatross, and Mustang Miracle (The Long Game on Netflix is the movie version), it will also appeal to both avid golfers and those who would scoff at the idea of being one.
When Oliver, a fledgling writer at a New Yorker-like magazine, lands his first big assignment—a profile of a rising-star amateur golfer winning golf’s biggest tournaments —he doesn’t know whether to rejoice or prepare to be fired. If Oliver aces the article, he might finally earn his family’s respect. If he fails, his editor, Snow, will likely do a victory dance. An icy beauty who only hired Oliver because the magazine’s owner took a shine to him, Snow is adept at keeping Oliver off balance, whether she reveals unexpected vulnerability that draws Oliver to her, or openly doubts that a former waiter from a nowhere university can meet her high standards.
Not that Oliver is without doubts himself. He knows nothing about golf. He knows less about being a sports reporter. But he does know something about the hunger for fame and success, having always been the loser in a family of competitive and cutthroat writers. With this article, Oliver sees his own chance for fame in chronicling the meteoric rise of Pepe Peet. Problem is, even as Pepe keeps winning tournaments, he shows zero interest in trophies, prize money, or press interviews. Which might have something to do with his having spent some years in a Zen Buddhist monastery. However, at a tournament press conference, Oliver asks Pepe a question that no one has ever asked him before. Though Pepe declines to answer, he does offer Oliver an exclusive—and decides to teach Oliver about golf.
From the lush landscapes and high-stakes thrills of championship golf on the most magnificent courses in the world, to practicing his swing and clearing out weeds in a tumbledown cemetery, Oliver learns how to slow down, listen, find gratitude, and shake off the pressure of life. And meditate—sort of. Perhaps Oliver can even figure out the unexpected shape his article—and his life—are taking. If, that is, he can meet an impossible deadline, keep his job, and find the courage to risk his heart with Snow.
AKA Zenman 