FAQ | Shivas Irons Society

Q. Who is Michael Murphy?

Michael Murphy is the author of ten books on the potential of the human being, including Golf in the Kingdom and The Kingdom of Shivas Irons. He is co-founder of the Esalen Institute in Big Sur, California, which hosts over 10,000 people from many parts of the world each year in more than 450 seminars focused on the exploration of human consciousness and transformation.  A graduate of Stanford University, he has studied philosophy there and at the Sri Aurobindo Ashram in India. Michael Murphy speaks at conferences and other events, and consults on organizational change.

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Q: Why should I join or donate?

When you join or give to the Shivas Irons Society you will join a group of like-minded men and women who gather to explore the beauties and mysteries of golf in ways both conventional and unconventional. You will have the satisfaction of knowing that you are helping to promote the values, traditions and benefits of golf, provide scholarships for deserving youth to have life-changing golf experiences, and encourage positive environmental practices in golf course development. What’s more, you will support the preservation and dissemination of the body of creative work, both literary and visual, that the game has inspired.

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Q: What are the benefits of membership in the Shivas Irons Society?

In addition to access to a group of golfers who share your appreciation for the game, you will also receive:

A personalized solid brass bag tag that is both beautiful and durable.
An issue of The Journal of the Shivas Irons Society, our award-winning art and literary journal.
Personalized membership card.
Listing in, and private access to, our online Member Directory, which provides great networking and playing opportunities at home and when you travel.
Member-only invitations to local, regional and national gatherings.
Discounts on many of the SIS logo materials, books, and other merchandise in our online catalogue.
Access to great golf travel and merchandise in our annual, members-only fundraising auction.

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Q: How long is a membership good for?

Membership is paid annually and expires on December 31st. New members who join after August 31st in any given year will have an expiration date at the end of the following year.

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Q: Are my dues tax deductible?

The Shivas Irons Society is a 501(c)3 non-profit corporation. A major portion of your dues are tax-deductible, depending on the level at which you join and the actual value of any goods and services you receive for your membership.

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Q: What if I am not a U.S. resident?

The Society has many international members and we welcome their participation in all our activities. Additional dues of $10 per year for Canadian and Mexican memberships and $20 for other foreign members helps defray the additional cost of postage and handling of other mailed materials. When you join online, sign up for Society events or purchase merchandise, your credit card will be billed in US dollars. [Join]

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