Subjects:  1. Biography & Autobiography    2. Biography/Autobiography    3. Golf - General    4. Personal Memoirs    5. Sports & Recreation   

Reviews (19)

Golfs Greatest Biography
This is a great book. Not sure if it would be a keeper, I asked my public library to get a copy, put a hold on it and was first to read it. Less than 24hrs ago it landed in my hands after having just completed a quick round on the local pitch and putt and with golf on my mind. Like others, I couldn't put it down.
Heartfelt, Unique - Future Golf Classic
I currently am a single digit player from New Orleans and have studied the game for about 35 years. I once had a collection of over 500 golf related books. Phil Reed's book on Mike Austin was one of the top 3 books I've ever read on the game. In fact I've re-read it several times over and not just for the golf parts. Mike's struggle with advancing age and illness and the courage and philosphy of life that he displayed is a lesson to all of us and has given me a different outlook on life in light of my own recent tragedies (home lost in hurricane Katrina). We have truly lost a great man.
Entertaining on many levels...
This book "In Search Of the Greatest Golf Swing" is inspiring to anyone that has played golf. It is interesting, heartfelt, insightful and most of all "enjoyable." This book makes you wish you were around to meet Mike Austin and see what he accomplished on the golf course. Phil Reed has put more than words into this book and I want to express my thanks to him for a truly great endeavor. Joe DiPietro, Hudson, NH
Read more

Subjects:  1. 1910-    2. Austin, Mike,    3. Biography    4. General    5. Golf    6. Golf - General    7. Golfers    8. Sports    9. Sports & Recreation    10. Swing (Golf)    11. Teacher-student relationships    12. United States   

Reviews (1)

Terrific Read!
Just finished reading Payne at Pinehurst--couldn't put it down.Read more

Subjects:  1. (1999 :    2. 1957-1999    3. Biography    4. Biography & Autobiography    5. Biography/Autobiography    6. Golf    7. Golf - General    8. Golfers    9. History    10. Pinehurst, N.C.)    11. Sports & Recreation    12. Sports - General    13. Stewart, Payne,    14. U.S. Open (Golf tournament)    15. United States    16. Sports & Recreation / Golf   

Reviews (9)

Awesome!
I have read a lot about Ben Hogan but this was by far and away one of the best books I've read. I will read this again from time to time.

Interesting insights!!
It's fascinating to me that a guy as reclusive as Hogan could command so much public adoration and curiosity. This is a book that offers a lot of neat stories about Hogan that I had never read. A bunch of people who knew Hogan, both well-known and not so well known, tell their stories about Hogan in their own words---in oral history form. I've read a couple of other books on the Hawk and those were nice reads in their own way as well. I read the other reviews on this page and don't understand why "clucas" called this a "duck hook." It isn't--it's not John Feinstein-caliber, but it's still worth the price. Sounds like some bitterness being expressed by clucas, probably someone who doesn't know anything what it takes to win at golf or can recognize good book writing.

you'll either love it or hate it...
there seems no in between. I have 800+ golf books and have read everything just about everything on Hogan. (What club did he REALLY hit at Merion in the famous photo?). Due to the negative reviews I didn't get to this one for a while. When I did, I truly enjoyed it. Is some info repeated? Sure. But this is mostly new, original and genuine investigation, not reguritation. If you are a golf and golf history BUFF I think you will enjoy. If not, pass and read the more current books. (a 2 iron.) ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 1912-    2. Anecdotes    3. Biography / Autobiography    4. Golf - General    5. Golfers    6. Historical - U.S.    7. Hogan, Ben,    8. Sports    9. Sports & Recreation    10. Sports - General    11. United States    12. Biography: sport    13. Golf   

Reviews (14)

Gripping story of heartbreak & triumph !!!
Too young to know Ken Venturi as anything but the voice of CBS golf, his story as a golfer is phenomomal.His heartbreaks in the game were many and tend to overshadow the triumphs but this a great story of the human spirit. Some of the most interesting parts of the book are the stories behind the 3 Masters defeats('56,'58 & '60) and the 1964 US Open victory.The "inside" the ropes stories about some of the "Gods" of golf will make most rethink the images that have been fed to us through the years.Don't get me wrong as you would expect, Venturi does it with class.The other thing that will surprise his fans from the broadcasting days is his behind the scenes intensity as a player and as the winning captain of the 2000 Presidents Cup team.I checked it out from my library but will be buying it because it is a story I want my sons to read some day.You will not be disappointed!

Story of a hard life, a good life
Ken Venturi as the voice of golf on CBS is one of the most popular sportscasters of his day. Now retired, he finally has a chance to say things that he couldn't say on the air or anywhere else. In this book he talks about his life as a golfer, his life as a sportscaster, and his life as a man.
A fair book from someone who's been there
Not only read Ken Venturi's book, but read the many different reviews here.To those who accuse Ken Venturi of sour grapes and whining about his close Masters losses, I say that every golf tournament has two stories to tell.Everyone loves a winner obviously, but the guy who tasted victory and had it snatched from his hands also has an interesting story to tell. If Greg Norman or Tom Weiscopf ever write their autobiography, or Sam Snead could tell his story of the '39 US Open, it too would strike some as just sour grapes.Doesn't make their stories any less valid.As for stories of gamesmanship, rule bending, and maybe even (borderline) cheating, why do so many golf fans show a willingness to believe it about some major champions (like Seve Ballesteros, Vijah Singh, Gary Player) but find it implausable when discussing someone like Arnold Palmer?Are they still so childlike in their awe of their golf hero that even firsthand reports are automatically dismissed?Reminds me of what Tommy Bolt always said about news stories of his club throwing.He said that Arnie threw as many clubs as he did, but the stories never stuck.Anyway, a good book, Ken.And I too miss your voice on TV, particularly at the Masters. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography    2. Biography / Autobiography    3. Golf - General    4. Golfers    5. Sports    6. Sports & Recreation    7. Sports - General    8. United States    9. Venturi, Ken   

Subjects:  1. Biography    2. Biography / Autobiography    3. Golf    4. Golf - General    5. Golfers    6. Literary Criticism    7. Poetry    8. Political aspects    9. South Africa    10. Sports - General    11. Sports and state    12. Biography & Autobiography / General   

Reviews (1)

Heart of True Champion On and Off the Links
Determination and trust in himself and now God make Zinger one of the most popular players.Read more

Subjects:  1. 1960-    2. Azinger, Paul,    3. Biography    4. General    5. Golf    6. Golfers    7. Inspirational    8. Sports    9. Sports & Recreation    10. United States    11. Azinger, Paul   

Reviews (2)

Solid Balanced MacKenzie Volume
This is my third review after Bahto's "Evangelist of Golf" covering C.B. MacDonald, and Klein's "Discovering Donald Ross".
The Life and Work of Dr. Alister MacKenzie
A collaboration of love - not only for Dr. MacKenzie but the essential history of the game of golf.Insightful, textured prose combined with correspondence, primary architectural renderings by Dr. MacKenzie and photographs, this work is the finest published on his life,and his life's work. This book comes with my highest recommendation and should be an integralRead more

Subjects:  1. (Alexander),    2. Artists, Architects, Photographers    3. Biography    4. Biography & Autobiography    5. Biography / Autobiography    6. Biography/Autobiography    7. Golf - General    8. Golf course architects    9. Great Britain    10. Mackenzie, A    11. Mackenzie, A.    12. Sports - General    13. b. 1870    14. Golf    15. Individual architects    16. Landscape art & architecture    17. Sports & Recreation / Golf    18. Sports   

Features

• Bargain Price

Reviews (9)

Tiger as a Seismic Event
Beyond the aggrandizing sports articles and simplistic examinations of Tiger's stroke or sheer ability lies the story of his effect on the PGA. Tiger as a Seismic Event
Beyond the aggrandizing sports articles and simplistic examinations of Tiger's stroke or sheer ability lies the story of his effect on the PGA. Wait for the paperback -- if at all.
I have enjoyed Sampson's writing in the past, but this book disappointed. As advertised, it really is a book about the chasing of Tiger Woods -- by competitors, fans and media. One can enjoy the "behind the scenes" looks at the tour, and if you are interested in Charles Howell III, you will get a bunch of info here. I felt the book headed off in too many directions, the metaphors were WAY overblown, and the lack of focus was frustrating. If you are interested in the peripheral insights to be gained, or simply love Sampson -- wait for the paperback! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography / Autobiography    2. General    3. Golf    4. Golf - General    5. Sports    6. Sports & Recreation    7. Sports - General    8. Woods, Tiger    9. Sports & Recreation / Golf    10. Bargain   

Features

• Bargain Price

Reviews (11)

Great Gift For Golfer
I don't golf.Never did.Never will.I think golf is borrrring.... but, I bought this book for a guy who loves golfing.Absolutely loves it. He claims to be good at it.Well, he loved the book.He was laughing when he told me about how much he enjoyed it.I think he really appreciated getting the book, especially getting it from someone who doesn't know a thing about golf!I recommend this as a gift for anyone who golfs.Especially someone who would enjoy the history of the presidential golfers.

For Presidents, "only the golf course says no."
Author Van Natta, a New York Times correspondent and 100+ golfer, believes (like most golf-lovers everywhere) that you can learn everything you ever wanted to know about someone by watching him/her play golf.He takes it one step further, however, finding golf particularly revealing of a President's personality and values."Nearly every person in a president's privileged life says yes...Only the golf course says no." golf widow
I'm a classic golf widow who happened to pick this book up in the bookstore for my husband. He loved it. But, to my surprise, I loved it, too. I wound up learning a lot more about presidents, and what makes them tick, than I ever expected. It's a breezy, fun read, full of quirky surprises and amusing anecdotes. Rather than bore you with too much golf lingo, the book actually brings the game and the presidents to life without tumbling into cliches. I highly recommend it. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Golf    2. Golf - General    3. Political Process - Leadership    4. Political aspects    5. Presidents    6. Sports    7. Sports & Recreation    8. Sports and state    9. U.S. President    10. United States    11. United States - 20th Century    12. Biography: general    13. Political leaders & leadership    14. USA    15. Bargain   

Editorial Review

It's hard enough to carry the name of a famous father. Davis Love III took on even more pressure when he stepped into his famous father's spikes and went out, like his father before him, to earn his living on the Professional Golf Association tour. Fortunately for the son, the father was not only a fine player, he was also one of the country's most respected golf teachers, and he taught his son well. Love III's homage to Love Jr., who was killed in a plane crash, is a literal love-fest, a gracefully emotional hybrid of personal memoir and golfing wisdom. Like Harvey Penick's Read more

Reviews (12)

MICHAEL BAMBERGER, EVERY SHOT I TAKE IS A CHEAP SHOT
I have no respect for you for doing what you did to Michele Wie.You claim to have integrity and a knowledge of golf but don't believe you do.If you have so much integrity, why did Sports Illustrated remove your name and your email address?If you have so much integrity, then face the public and defend yourself you COWARD!!!!
Every Shot I Take...
Every shot I take is a classic peace written by my favorite golfer, Davis Love III. This book portays his relationship with his father and how this father, Davis Love Jr., helped him on his way to success and on his way to becoming a great golfer and American. This book tells about this Davis Jr., Masters debut in 1988. The U.S.G.A. Book of the year was truly amazing and I would read it again and again.

You the Man, Davis!
Davis is so classy a person and a talented golfer.What about that shot on 17th at Augusta?This book tugs at your heart relating the death of his father.Then the episode with his first major and the rainbow.His brother caddying.The eleven cent putting drill (I keep the putter and eleven cents in the den for practice since then.)This endures many who never pulled for this humble man cheer for another big win for DL3 and the rest of his legion fans pull for another title for our hero!Keep on being you, DL3.You and Freddie are our guys.Thanks for this read. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 1964-    2. Biography    3. Biography/Autobiography    4. Golf    5. Golf - General    6. Golfers    7. Love, Davis,    8. Psychological aspects    9. Sports & Recreation    10. United States    11. Biography: sport    12. Love, Davis    13. Sports & Recreation / Golf   

Reviews (6)

At Home on the Range
As recently as 10 years ago, Moe's Norman's very existence was considered apocryphal.A few American golf pros, Paul Azinger and Lee Trevino come to mind, told stories about an eccentric Canadian with a strange swing so accurate he could stand on a driving range and hit the 250 yard sign repeatedly with his driver.Or they told of the time he hit three balls off the tee that were later found huddled together like mushrooms in the middle of the fairway.Then there's the time that, upon hearing someone in the gallery say he was a poor putter, he proceeded to hit a hole-in-one, boasting "I guess I won't be putting today."They said he was so good that if a hole called for a 3-wood and an 8- iron, he'd play it 8-iron/3-wood just to keep it interesting.The stories always held the not-so- subtle claim that if Norman had played the US tour, no one would have ever heard of Jack Nicklaus. You should see Moe in action
Having lived in the North Florida town where Moe and Craig Shankland give golf clinics every Wednesday of the winter, I have watched Moe in action many times, continually to my amazement. One day, during my 1000 balls aday stint, Moe gave me a lesson I will never forget. He's wonderful. I onlywish the jerks on the tour could have accepted his idiosyncracies and madehim feel comfortable out there. But who wants to make someone who can beatthe pants off you feel comfortable?

The best ball striker ever didn'tmade it to the top.
This is a great story of a relatively unknown personality who could not be a part of the "system". His whole life is unconventional; however, his golf is exceptional. An upolished man, Moe Norman neverachieved PGA greatness in the US, but is a legend in the amateur ranks inCanada, owning 33 course records and several rounds shot in the 50's. I wasfascinated by the many examples of his ball striking capabilities, likehitting over 1500 drives in one afternoon. Each one traveled over 220 yardsand each was in a 30 yard wide fairway. The average golfer loves thisstory. A guy like you and me CAN hit the ball well! That is what we allwant. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 1929-    2. Biography    3. Canada    4. General    5. Golf - General    6. Golfers    7. Norman, Moe,    8. Sports    9. Sports & Recreation    10. Golf    11. Norman, Moe   

Reviews (2)

Hilarious!
This book is the autobiography of a golf hustler.Crump criss-crossed the country for decades bilking all sorts of people out of money with wacky bets and crazy schemes.At the end of the book is a guide to many different gambling games to play on the course.You won't find any tips to improve your game, but you will be entertained!

A fun read
Leon Crump's Drive for Show Putt for Dough was a truly enjoyable read.This book lets every golfer see what it is like to be the best golf hustler ever born.As with most memoirs the writing style wouldn't knock the socks off your high school english teacher, but, unlike most memoirs, they isn't a boring page in the whole book.Definately a recommended book to buy. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 1935-    2. Biography    3. Biography & Autobiography    4. Biography/Autobiography    5. Crump, Leon,    6. Golf    7. Golf - General    8. Golfers    9. Sports & Recreation    10. Sports - General    11. Sports betting    12. United States    13. Crump, Leon    14. Sports & Recreation / Golf   

Editorial Review

For a writer, formula can be dangerous. For a marketer, there's no harm in perpetuating what works. Martin Davis, a marketer par excellence in this niche, continues his run of golf tribute aces with a lovely appreciation of Lord Byron of the links. Like Davis's previous oversized homages to Ben Hogan and Bobby Jones, Read more

Features

• Illustrated

Reviews (1)

Perfect for the coffee table or "rec" room!
Visually striking layout... fantastic photos of Nelson and some of golf's greatest from that era.Book initially requires sequential reading, then opens up later into short, choppy highlights of tournaments where Byronprevailed.Makes a wonderful book to place somewhere visitors might wantto browse through without committing to tons of reading. GREAT GIFT for agolfer. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 1912-    2. 1912-2006    3. Biography    4. Biography & Autobiography    5. Biography / Autobiography    6. Biography/Autobiography    7. Golf    8. Golf - General    9. Golfers    10. Nelson, Byron    11. Nelson, Byron,    12. Sports - General    13. United States    14. Biography & Autobiography / Sports    15. Biography: sport    16. Sports & Recreation / Golf    17. Sports & Recreation/Golf - General   

Reviews (3)

"Must" reading for all golfing fans and enthusiasts!
Gettin' To The Dance Floor is a unique and memorable history of Americangolf by former editor of Golf Magazine, Al Barkow. Included are first-handaccounts from legendary golfers such as Lighthorse Harry Cooper, ByronNelson, Sam Snead, Gene Sarazen, and others. Gettin' To The Dance Floordescribes how much of a grind it was for a player to be part of the Tour.Scraping up enough cash to eat, finding a ride to the next tournament,finding sleeping arrangements, all the while searching for a better golfswing with nowhere to practice and not time to do it. All this whilekeeping a club job and a family together while traveling around the countryin the middle of the Depression. Gettin' To The Dance Floor is"must" reading for anyone who ever dreamed of going on Tour orwho has admired those who did.

Barkow Can Dance !And Write !
I had an opportunity to read "Gettin' To The Dance Floor" five or six years ago, having found it in the golf collection of the main branch of the Washington, DC, public library. Gettin to the Dance Floor is chocked full of good stories
Gettin to the dance floor is a book full of stories which can create inspiration in any golfer. To truly appreciate the game of golf you must know something about its past. This books covers the stories of BillSpiller, Gene Sarazan, Sam Snead, and much more.... If you are curiousabout them or the history of golf this is a must have book.. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography    2. Golf    3. Golf - General    4. Golfers    5. History    6. Sports    7. Sports & Recreation    8. United States   

Reviews (4)

What isn't to like?
Books by golf architects tend to be on the dull side for most people. They don't tell you a story of their development as architects, or how their courses evolved during the design phase, but just seem to begin and end with "see, wasn't this brilliant?"
Work of a serious golf architect
Having played several of Dye's famous layouts, you realize this guy knows the game and challenges all facets of your shotmaking abilities (or should I say streches them.)Enjoyed the organization by layout.Must seem like real chapters in his life.Great book from a great architect.

Pete Dye isn't out to get you.
Some think Pete Dye's golf courses are tricky or too hard.The courses Pete designs are built to be fair but punnishing for the right reasons.Played right, Pete's courses offer memorable rounds to the golfer.Now,it's not Pete who designs the course but a strong team of Pete, his wifeAlice and his sons Perry and P.B. (architects in their own right) as wellas the site managers and crews that are hired to do the building.Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography    2. Dye, Pete    3. Golf    4. Golf - General    5. Golf course architects    6. Golf courses    7. Sporting Facilities Architecture    8. Sports    9. Sports & Recreation    10. United States    11. Biography: sport    12. Sports & Recreation / Golf   

Features

• Bargain Price

Subjects:  1. Biography    2. Conduct of life    3. Golf    4. Golf - General    5. Golfers    6. Nicklaus, Jack    7. Sports    8. Sports & Recreation    9. United States    10. Sports & Recreation / Golf    11. Bargain   

Reviews (2)

Book falls short of Demaret's stature
Demaret was one of the most vivacious, colorful, beloved characters in the history of golf. I expected the book to be as much. Instead, it rambles here and there, with too few quotes and stories and too much history of secondary characters in Demaret's life. All in all, it fell short of my expectations. It lacked wit, humor and a behind-the-scenes account of Demaret's life.
Great find
I received this book as a gift and actually ended up enjoying it, although I never had much interest in the life of the legendary player, Jimmy Demaret. This book takes you along on his journeys and it takes you inside the memories of him from his fellow golfing pals. Takes you play-by-play to every win, lose or draw of his career. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography    2. Biography / Autobiography    3. Biography/Autobiography    4. Demaret, Jimmy    5. Golf - General    6. Golfers    7. Sports - General    8. United States    9. Sports & Outdoor Recreation    10. Sports & Recreation / Golf   

Reviews (1)

Perspective and appreciation for the greatest of them all
Any one from recent generations wanting to learn about Bobby Jones needsto get this book.You will learn of Jones the golfer,family man,gentleman, academic, and lawyer.Jones was a winner in golf and life butnever waivered from his philosophy of "playing it as it lies".Acollection of stories and photos unmatched in other Jones biographies.Themanner in which Jones dealt with his success, and then his disablingillness is a lesson for all. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 1902-1971    2. Action & Adventure    3. Biography    4. Erotica - General    5. Fiction    6. General    7. Golf    8. Golfers    9. Jones, Bobby,    10. Sports    11. Sports & Recreation    12. Sports - General    13. United States    14. Biography: sport    15. Jones, Bobby   

Subjects:  1. Sports    2. Biography: sport    3. Golf    4. Torrance, Sam