1 comments about The King of Swings: Johnny Goodman, the Last Amateur to Beat the Pros at Their Own Game (.).

1. Great stories these days are hard to find, so reading the King of Swings was a rare treat. Michael Blaine's golf descriptions of actual tournaments from 70 years ago brought each match to life as if I was watching on TV as I was reading. I couldn't wait for another match to begin with Johnny Goodman taking on the best in the world. He was a unique and special person and I treasure being introduced to him. This has been a book that resonates within me months after my reading experience.

4 comments about Clearview: America's Course, the Autobiography of William J. Powell.

1. this book is one of the most inspirational and motivational books I have read in a long time. It teaches many lessons for people of all ages, especially to never give up.



2. Once I began reading "Clearview:America's Course" I simply could not put it down. It is a personal historical account of the transition of our country from a place where only some enjoy freedom to a country where finally we can boast that all people are free. We see the past 7 decades through one man's vision, uncluttered by resentment and bitterness at the unjust treatment he endured simply because he was black. Dr. Powell is an inspiration to all. Ms. Nosner writes in a manner that is easy and enjoyable to read.



3. This is a story of triumph over discrimination based upon the color of one's skin.

   Imagine serving your country to win a war, and then returning to your homeland, and not having available to you the resources available to others who worked by your side.

   Be amazed that there is only one golf coure in the United States in the year 2001 that is designed, built, and maintained by an African-American family.

   Consider that the Professional Golf Association of America eliminated its white-only policy in the early 1960s.

   Become inspired by imagining or playing this golf course that is available to any person, regardless of level of skill; for the love of the game.

   Ellen Nossner's writing of this man's story is focused, fluid, and revealing.

   America has come a long way, in part, due to triumphs of spirit like that of Mr. Powell. We must not lose sight that we still have a ways to go.




4. An excellent work to understand the cultural and historical issues facing blacks in pre civil rights history and beyond. It is a penetrating and inspirational look at overcoming obstacles in pursuit of a dream. It is not contexted solely in racial struggles of minorites but goes beyond this to the courage and deliberation required for any of us that have dreams and aspirations to accomplish something to make this a better world.

3 comments about Just Let Me Play: The Story of Charlie Sifford, the First Black PGA Golfer.

1. This book took me to a time when all african -americans could look to their heritage with pride. Jackie Robinson was a great man and I place the accomplishments of Charlie Sifford right along side of his. He showed us what real intestinal fortitude is all about. This should be required reading for all youngsters interested in participating in sports. I would highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a great story of courage under enormous pressure. This book teaches us about the strength and character we all posess inside.



2. I read this book a few years back before it was offered through normal distribution channels. Mr. Sifford was actually distributing this book from his home. Being from Greensboro and a golfer, I was extremely impressed by Mr. Sifford's commitment to the game and his determination to play as a PGA professional. You truly wonder what the golfing world has already missed by not allowing Mr. Sifford and other African American golfers to pursue their dreams. When Mr. Sifford was attempting to break the "color barrier" there were more black professional golfers than there is today! His story is heartbreaking and encouraing, what he and other black golfers experienced (to include in my hometown of Greensboro NC) is almost beyond belief! I would strongly recommend reading this book.



3. The story of Sifford is a very inspiring one. The book was just written in a horrible way. Every other sentance starts with the word "hell". It gets boring afterwards. The first half of the book moves very slowly, but the second half picks up a little more speed. This book will let people know that before Tiger Woods, there was Charlie, Lee Elder, and a lot of other guys too. It is a very good book. What Sifford went through was just horrid, but that's the reality of the world we live in. I could never blame him for being so bitter after all these years of obstacles and not being praised for what he has done. Never mind praise - just for not being allowed to play the game of golf. My limited grasp on golf parlance probably made it a little boring to read this book. But it's a good book, although it may make you a little sleepy.

2 comments about Tiger Woods.

1. This is an exciting, and compelling biography about the hottest player on the PGA Tour. This biography begins from when Tiger was two years old, and already hitting plastic golf balls in his front-yard. From not being allowed to play on certain golf courses, to being paid hundreds of thousands of dollars to play in tournaments, Tiger Woods is the jump-start that the PGA Tour needed. The bond between Tiger and his father grows from when Tiger won his first tournament as a youngster to his record setting performance at The Masters Tournament. This bond is seen throughout the entire biography. This biography is thilling, and threaded with compassion. Definetly for the avid golfer.



2. I truly enjoyed the biography of Tiger Woods by Bill Gutman. I thought it gave good insight into what makes him the champion that he is. It is the story of one family's search for the American dream and the glory of finding it. It details how the dreams of Tiger's faher became his own. All the sacfrifice that he and his family made are detailed and makes his accomplishments all the more spectacular. I think this is a great read for all those who are fans of drive and determination and not just for those who love golf.

5 comments about Bury Me in a Pot Bunker.

1. 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 wife Alice and his sons Perry and P.B. (architects in their own right) as well as the site managers and crews that are hired to do the building.

   You'll learn that Pete designs courses on a sheet of paper and this is where his skills lie - understanding the land offered for the course and knowing how the wind and terrain will match in creating a great experience. Courses like PGA West, TPC Stadium (Sawgrass), The Pete Dye Club, Harbour Town and many others are discussed. One chapter per course.

   Pete talks to you in this book. It's not an interview but it is presented as if Pete is telling you his life's story.

   For a golfer looking for lessons, these are a different kind of lesson - from the eyes of a designer (and historically gifted golfer too). You will play better golf after you read this.

   When you play a Pete Dye course, you'll remember Pete's words and how Alice was a main contributor to the design you're playing.




2. 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.



3. 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?"
   
   Pete Dye is something of a mystery to many. His designs are "unique", which can be bad or good for most people. Where did his ideas come from? What influences him the most? What stories are behind his greatest feats?
   
   In this one book, we get pleanty of answers, all in a tale that feels like you are sitting down and listening to it as it is being told. Even golfers tend to think course architecture is a dull subject, but hopefully this will change a few minds. Architecture isn't some great mysterious practice. It is an art, and the artist is often times less seperated from us than we care to imagine.



4. You are going to love this book despite if you are a golf lover or not. It's the story of some of Pete Dye best golf courses described in a chapter base. Those who know Pete will enjoy the book since it is like talking to him in person because of the simplicity of the words chosen and the graphical description that he makes of how each course was conceived.
   
   The story of the famous island green 17th at the Stadium Course at TPC is one of a kind. I particularly enjoy the story of "Teeth of the Dog", a course that could hardly be replicated in history since it was practically built by hand decades ago at Casa de Campo in the Dominican Republic. It is not only the best Golf Course in the Caribbean -according to Golf Digest and many other publications- but also the birthplace of golf in the DR at this enchanted destination. I consider this course as the "Prima Donna" of the Caribbean and one of the top 20 in any most play list. I hope that in a next edition he could also include one of his most recent courses "Dye Fore" also at this destination which I partially saw in the book Caribbean Architecture: Exclusive Designs by Gianfranco Fini in Marina Casa de Campo and has a breathtaking view all over the Chavon Cannon, the Casa de Campo Marina and, of course, the Caribbean Sea.
   
   Pete's book will help you understand why there is such connection between the player and his courses, how he makes it happened and best of all the anecdotes behind the creation of each one of them. This book is a keeper and it rating is 5 out 5 starts with any doubts. The pictures are touching; the text is like talking to Pete himself and; is a most for any golf aficionado.



5. Pete Dye has long been one of my favorite course designers and this book gave me some great insight into the mind of a master. I recommend this book to anyone who has played one of his courses and cursed Dye's name, it will make you appreciate all the design elements that you may have missed.

No comments about Annika Sorenstam (Discover the Life of a Sports Star II).

5 comments about Tiger Woods: The Makings of a Champion.

1. Rosaforte is one of the very astute watchers and commentators on the PGA Tour. He admits here that much is rehash of publicity we've all heard over and over. Yet, he places it into the context of what has and was going on inside Tiger's family and circle during his transition from college player to pro.

   I found this valuable towards how one views this amazing talent, especially his views of parents and how his fellow competitors accepted him from the start. The personal insights here are well worth the read. We all now know what Tiger did about fulfilling some of the potential spoken of here prophetically.

   His continued climb into golf's greatness will be more easily framed and understood with this foundational look.




2. Although the story dragged in the beginning, I found the book Tiger Woods The Makings Of A Champion very interesting and entertaining. It was also a very well written book. It struck me with awe when I read that Tiger started swinging a golf club at 10 months. The book also shows people how hard Tiger's childhood was. That he couldn't even play at some golf courses because he was black. It showed how great a golfer Tiger Woods is, and how he could possibly be the player of the future.



3. At age twenty-one, Eldrick "Tiger" Woods became the youngest individual to win the Masters Tournament. This young phenomena ushered in a new age for golf and sports fans all over wanted to know, who is this rising champion? Sports writer Tim Rosaforte provides that answer by penning one of the first biographies of Tiger.

   Does a young man of twenty years of age deserve a 70,000 word biography is the question Rosaforte raises. His answer is a resounding yes as he presents before the phenomenal rise of golf's greatest champion of all time. He tracks the early career of Woods from his Junior Golf years all the way up to his 1997 victory at the Masters. Through his journalism you get a comprehensive overview of his career.

   Rosaforte divides his book into three sections which entail a biographical sketch of Woods' parents and their impact on him. His second section is devoted to his wins in junior golf, high school and college. Finally we deal with Tiger coming out on his own by turning professional. As one of the first biographical books on Woods, the author does a decent job in giving us insight on this remarkable golfer.

   I would caution readers to not look at this book as the "definitive" work about Woods. Rosaforte admits that he didn't have the help of the Woods family in compiling his work. In many instances the author's voice takes on a self-serving attitude as if his writing is responsible for taking Woods to greater heights. Although he shares with us little known facts about Woods such as his mugging at Stanford and problems with the NCAA regarding his eligibility, we are left without a clue about the young man himself. His golf achievements and statistical records are reported but what is absent is the inner life of Woods and little interpretation as to his importance for golf's future years. Perhaps Tiger and his family were wise not to work with the reporter.

   Regardless of those faults Rosaforte's book is worth having in terms of getting some insight about Woods as a champion golfer. In this area the author does a great service but as a biographer he falls short of the task. Obtain this book as a collector's item on one of Golf's finest players.




4. When I first started reading this book I had a tough time putting it down. It takes us back to Tigers early golf days right up to the winning of his first Masters Tournament in record numbers. Tim Rosaforte really makes this book come alive. You will not be disappointed in this one.



5. This lively little book, chronicles Aldrick (Tiger) Woods phenomenal rise, to the pinnacles of the professional golfing world. It is a love story between father and son, as tiger's father saw greatness in him from the moment he picked up a golf club at the tender age of 18 months. He then pushed, cajoled and showered him with love, mental-toughness and camradarie, until he emerged as a tough-minded pro, equipped with "all the essential goods" ready to become "America's Golfer of the 21st Century." This father-son duo is unique in the annals of American history.
   
   Even as early as four, learnt golf pros saw something unique in the way Tiger was maturing -- in both body, soul and technique -- into the "ways of a professional golfer." By the time he was ready to graduate from high school, he had signed a contract with IMG, one of the world's largest public relations firms. He elected to go to Stanford U, and spent three years there before cashing all his chips in to turn pro.
   
   Even though there had been many "child golf prodigies" before him, all of whom had fallen flat on their faces never to rise again, everyone knew that Tiger was "that special one" who would succeed. And succeed he did. Before turning 20, he had already won a string of amateur tournaments, and two pro majors. And, as the saying goes: the rest is history.
   
   Just this pass Sunday at the Arnold Palmer Invitational tournament, Tiger won it in an electrifying way reserved only for "that Tiger thing;" a "save" on the 18th hole: by sinking a "must" 25-foot birdie. With it, Tiger passed yet another milestone of having won 64 "majors" in his brief career.
   
   The book is one of those overnight "made on the computer books" and is not very good. But those interested in "just the facts," will enjoy this easy read.
   
   Two stars.

3 comments about Bobby: The Life And Times Of Bobby Jones.

1. This book includes anything and everything on Jones, his family, O.B. Keeler etc. And the book itself is divided into several sections for the various stages of Jones' life and career. There is a great deal of interesting material presented within. My only criticism is that the book is frankly a little tough to follow at times. The writing seems to meander in a stream-of-consciousness manner, somewhat like a "what I did this year" letter from an aged relative. The photographs (which are the main reason many will buy this book) are dispersed without much of a theme, and there is also some repetition of the photos. Many photos include no captions, leaving you to wonder what the significance might be. The random arrangement of the photos almost give one the impression you are leafing through a scrap book. Don't get me wrong. There is a lot to be had here, it's just not the most polished piece of work you're going to run into.



2. An excellent book and the perfect gift for a golfer. Anyone that appreciates the history of golf will love it.



3. This is a wonderful book for those interested in a photographic journal of Jones' life. Many images are rare and this book is a treat to read. Jones' career record is also recorded, which, as strange as it may sound, is hard to come by in one book, as most focus only on his major championships. Matthew has done a great job capturing the man and the player and all I can say is that in my 30 years of golf and research into golf's history, you won't find a better single volume that graphically portrays Jones. His return to St. Andrews in 1936 is particularly poignant.

1 comments about The New Encyclopedia of Golf: The Definitive Guide to the World of Golf--Courses, Champions, Characters, Traditions.

1. This is not a guide to technique, it is more of a reference book. This newly updated and expanded version also includes the latest international tournaments and elebrated names as well as new championship courses.
   
   I'll let you guess who's picture is on the first page.
   
   The Contents Include:
   
   The Early Game
   The Modern Game
   Championship Courses of the World
   The Hall of Fame
   Records and Reference
   
   If you want to know about the history of golf, where championships are held and who is famous in the game of golf, there is absolutely nothing like this book!
   
   Some of the great features include:
   
   Modern Club Design
   Women in Golf
   The evolution of the Golf Ball (Featheries and Gutties)
   How Clubs are manufactured
   Championship Records
   
   ~The Rebecca Review

No comments about Tom Crow: King of Clubs.