The adventure starts here!
Grip it and rip it!
Matchup at Adventure Land Golf
Matchup Music Video
“The Simple Solution“
Take a wild ride through Adventure Land to the tune of “The Simple Solution,” written by Gene Walden.
(For the sub-caption version, go here: Simple Solution }
Matchup at Adventure Land Golf follows two fearless boys through deserts, cliffs, and melting icebergs, battling bears, bats, bees, bulls — and each other — in their thrilling quest for the Ice Cream Trophy!
LEARN MORE . . .
Matchup in the News
Gene signs books at the American Library Association 2026 Convention in Chicago (left), and at his book launch in Michigan (right), along with the real life boys who served as the models for the stars in the book. (See more)
Watch: The Making of Matchup
Watch the 5-part short reel series by Gene Walden on The Making of Matchup at Adventure Land Golf, Including (1) The inspiration for the book; (2) A star is born; (3) Training a co-star: (4) I meet the great (now late) golf artist, Bud Chapman: (5) Setting the Artistic Style (with a nod to Roger Rabbit and Andy Warhol.
Library Crisis in America: From funding cuts to book bans
(2026) This 3-part short reel series by Gene Walden lays out some of the key problems facing libraries and how you can help:
Part 1. Brain drain. The race to erase funding for libraries and education
Part 2. Saving history. When libraries fall, history is lost
Part 3. Book bans and burnings. Unconstitutional and UnAmerican
Shout out to two library advocates whose articles provided much of the information for this presentation, including Patrick Sweeny, Political Director of the EveryLibrary Institute and a lecturer at the San Jose Information School where he teaches courses on politics and libraries (see his article here), and Cristin Dorgelo of the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities (see article here).
Book launch nets $5,000 for food shelf
During the Matchup book launch and signing event, Gene Walden donated his royalties and worked with community businesses to raise nearly $5,000 for a rural Michigan food shelf. The two boys from the book, one from Minnesota, the other from Michigan, met in real life for the first time, and had a great time. Read more.
Children’s Book Lessons from the Streets of Minneapolis
Check out Gene’s 5-part video series on using images to support and expand your underlying messages — from the turbulent streets of Minneapolis in early 2026.
Videos include Part 1. Using images to support and amplify your message; Part 2. How images can amplify and expand your message; Part 3. What did I say, what did you hear, what message will you remember? Epilogue. Part 1. Words worth a thousand pictures; Epilogue, Part 2. Heroes of the Siege.
Check out our other Short Reels
From Girl Scout Cookies and spring golf swings to mindless kid’s literature and Gene’s frigid cryo-fusion submersion, these short reels are Gene’s lame attempts at proving he leaves his desk sometimes.
“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. . . 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®
“A beautiful book in theme and pictures.”
- Fox 6, Real Milwaukee
“Matchup educates as it entertains, subtly weaving in the terms, tradition and history of golf as the boys traverse the treacherous 18-hole course.”
- Golf Central Magazine
“It’s got a Jumanji feel about it, where things just start coming out of the game. Anything could happen, which makes you want to turn the next page.“
“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.”
- Steve Daffer, Founder and CEO, Wellness USA
Watch the Matchup Golf Trailer!
“The characters traverse deserts, mountains, and icebergs, encountering numerous animals and challenges along the way. Each hole on the course offers a little adventure and a lesson, from finding common ground to good sportsmanship.“
“Especially and unreservedly recommended for family, elementary school, and community library sports-themed picture books for children ages 5-10.”
“I read Matchup at Adventure Land Golf by Gene Walden to a group of 3rd graders at Minneapolis Public Schools 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, they 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.”
- John Woehrle, actor, playwright, educator
NetGalley.com Media and Reader Reviews
“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!”
- RW
“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.”
- JS
Read some Matchup pages
“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.”
- GK
“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!”
- BC
“Vibrant illustrations and a very interesting story. I look forward to sharing this one with the grandkids.”
- MH
“As an avid golfer since I was 15 years old (now 60), from the first 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. I truly enjoyed it and would recommend it to any golfer and non-golfer parent as a great child’s book.”
- MV
“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.”
- SG
“I enjoyed so many things about this book — the wonderful rhymes, the clever illustrations, and the story itself. 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.”
- RG
“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 other’s 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!”
- LS
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Our favorite pictures from Matchup
There are a total of about 120 illustration in Matchup at Adventure Land Golf. And many of them took well over a week to create. Want to see the author’s favorites? Just click on the link, and page through some of these awesome scenes. See more.
Coming Next Season:
When Teacher Sysinki Says ‘Nenky’
Sneak Peek – Watch the full animated e-version:
A fully immersive experience!
(Best enjoyed with headphones or buds.)
Order Matchup Now + Save 33%!
Paperback (11 x 8 inches) Reg. 29.95
E-book version just $2.99 (at Amazon)
Hardback version (11 X 8.5 in.) Reg. 39.95
Stay tuned. . . . much more to come!
Spin Speed Books, Minneapolis, MN