4 comments about Golf Dads: Fathers, Sons, and the Greatest Game.

1. Despite my two stars rating, I really enjoyed this book. Why the mediocre rating? Because I found myself wanting a lot more. As a weekend golfer and one who watches a lot of golf on televison -- I thoroughly enjoyed the stories about Wie, Trevino, Feherty and Jacobsen. But the rest of stories were just okay but not ones I can relate to. This subject matter had so much potential and I just think Sampson came up short. Recommendation: If you need a quick golf read, then find a used copy because its not worth the $20. I love Sampson's books but this one failed to live up to my expectations. I guarantee that if Mr. Sampson did a sequel it would be much, much better.



2. I loved it. More than any book I've ever read, this one included me, if that makes any sense. I would read for a bit and then find myself lost in some memory of my own father, reminded of it by something that Sampson had written and written well. Every emotion in life, both the good and the bad, was played out in a round of golf with Dad. This book touches them all.



3. Golf Dads: Fathers, Sons, and the Greatest Game is a terrific book that I found easy to read and interesting in its exploration of the complexity of relationships of fathers and sons and how golf affects communication between generations. I am not a golf enthusiast but I loved Curt Sampson's style of writing and illuminating content. The stories of fathers and sons / daughters is a book well worth reading. I would highly recommend this book.



4. Really good portrayal of the essence of golfing w/ your dad. All the experiences of the game w/ the emotional attachment of enjoying each others company!

5 comments about My Life in and out of the Rough: The Truth Behind All That Bull**** You Think You Know About Me.

1. I have to say that after reading some of the reviews, I'm almost ashamed to write my own. But unlike some of the reviews, I'll spare you any moral soapboxing on my part and not judge the man. Quite simply, the book sheds considerable light on the life (both the good and the bad) of a guy who happens to be a well-known professional golfer. Kudos to John for having the courage to share much of his private life with the public. John's not a saint and doesn't pretend to be (and pretty much says so in the book). He candidly admits to a plethora of self destructive indulgences and decisions yet balances such with discussion about many of his commendable deeds. His honesty is refreshing. He talks about sex, love, alcohol, anger, guilt, determination, etc. He's human for God's sake!
   
   I gave it four stars because it's an easy read and is written in a style suitable for the content. And if you're interested in learning about the life of John Daly, the content serves its purpose quite well. It's both entertaining and informative. It's not meant to win a literary prize. I enjoyed it for what it is - a good book.



2. John Daly has interested me for a long time. I suppose the
   whole under-dog thing, going up against the odds, etc. But
   I really enjoyed reading this book. Thought it was an easy read
   and well written since it was refreshingly naked in terms of
   a person just showing all there is to show. I would recommend
   it especially since it is so opposite of the whole stuffy
   professional golf player fraternity.



3. First off I must tell you that I am a fan of John Daly and his incredible natural talents. This book uncovered every detail of John's life from a kid, through two major wins, and onto where he is today. I enjoyed every page and was glad to see John tell it like it is. This book is an easy read, partly because it carries a 4th grade reading level. However, the book does a good job of revealing all the truths. Yes, most readers may have different views on John's alcoholic dependance, but one thing is for sure John didn't hide the details. If you are a fan of John or find yourself amused by watching his up and down golf game, then this book is for you!



4. What an awesome book. I think I read this in a day! I couldn't put it down. John is sure a good ole boy!



5. This is a sad autobiography from a man who could have excelled at a sport but failed to. He is admittedly self-destructive and the story is not all that fascinating. I'm glad I bought a used copy for very little.

5 comments about Down the Fairway.

1. If you not only enjoy playing golf but also cherish the game's traditions and values, and if you could purchase only one book about golf, this is it. Whether or not Jones is the greatest golfer ever is a judgment I eagerly entrust to those foolish enough to debate it. Suffice to say that he was among the greatest players and among the finest gentlemen ever associated with golf. Published in 1927 when Jones was just 25, three years before he won what has since been designated "The Grand Slam", this is a book in which Jones (in collaboration with Keeler) invites his reader to accompany him "down the fairway" of a life as well as a game. The first eleven chapters review the competitive process until what he characterizes as his "Biggest Year." In the final chapter of Part One, Jones observes that, "I started the year 1926 with one glorious licking and closed it with another. And it was the biggest golf-year I'll ever have." Or so he then thought. In that year, we're told, "Walter Hagen gave me the first drubbing, and of all the workmanlike washings-up I have experienced, this was far and away the most complete" and later, "George [von Elm] was too much for me....He simply outplayed me. It was coming to him....It was George's turn. So the biggest Year ended, as it began, with a beating. Still, I'll always feel kindly toward 1926."

   In Part Two, Jones shares just about everything he has learned (to that point) about the mental as well as physical skills needed to play golf well. What struck me, throughout the book, is Jones's candor. For example, "There are times when I feel I know less about what I am doing than anybody else in the world." He discusses putting ("a game within a game"), the pitch shot ("a mystery"), iron play ("I like it"), "the heavy artillery" (woods), miscellaneous shots ("and trouble"), and in the final chapter "Tournament Golf." The reader is provided with a generous selection of photographs, many of which I (at least) had not seen previously. "Early in this little book I made the statement that there were two kinds of golf -- golf, and tournament golf; and that they were not at all the same." When concluding this book, Jones acknowledges that he's been "awfully lucky. Maybe I'll win another championship, some day. I love championship competition, after all -- win or lose." What will it feel like when he days of tournament competition have ended? "It's going to be queer." Then he confides, as his "little book" ends: "But there's always one thing to look forward to -- the round with Dad and [other kindred spirits]; the Sunday morning round at old East Lake, with nothing to worry about, when championships are done." Three years after sharing these thoughts and feelings, Jones won the Grand Slam and then retired from tournament competition. Some people have expressed their preferences for those with whom they would like to share a "fantasy dinner." Were it possible, I would like to share a "fantasy round of golf" with Bob Jones, Walter Hagen, and Harvey Penick. Given the impossibility of that, I must seek their companionship in books such as this.




2. Bobby Jones shares his perspective on winning, losing, and his life-long battle against "Old Man Par". This is a must read for any serious student of golf history and tradition.



3. Great read, one all golfers will want to make, as Nicklaus suggests in the modern edition foreward.

   Why return to an outdated time of wood shafts and limitef flight balls? One finds it in this read, the character and strength of this great amateur.

   What impressed this reviewer was Jones' humbleness, and love for the game. He wasn't really into all the winning, which in fact caused him anxiety. Moreover he was into the challenge against Ole Man Par and himself. He relished the comradre with his fellow competitors and is most quick to give them praise rather than discuss what he didn't have in his game that round.

   Neat to realize that his prized trophy was the first, which he thought was improperly awarded to him, while Alexa Sterling should have won it, no question. This is what golf is about, not slugging it 300+ yds. to screaming fans playing for millions.

   Takes us back to what the game is and should remain. It's become far too commercialized.

   Will take a honored position in my growing golf book collection to be fondly recalled and reread.




4. Terrific insight to Bobby Jones - while O.B. Keeler must have "dressed" up the final product, the sense that so much came directly from a young man barely out of his teens coming to grips with the realization that he was the most famous golfer in the world... Just compelling reading!



5. Purchased after a program on XM radio's golf station mentioned this book. Excellent, easy read on the master of golf. What a guy in a different era. You can visualize the time and some of the matches. Highly recommend.

5 comments about The Seventh at St. Andrews: How Scotsman David McLay Kidd and His Ragtag Band Built the First New Course onGolf's Holy Soil in Nearly a Century.

1. Watch Video Here: http://www.amazon.com/review/RKVOPY91Y776E Believe it or not, golf architecture is one of the hottest topics in sports right now. Gummer's book brings this topic alive.



2. As a non golfer who has never even walked a course I enjoyed this book immensely. Mr. Gummer brings the entire process of course building to life and his book is populated with larger than life characters. A great read and a perfect present for any golfer.



3. Hi, I'm David McLay Kidd and I wanted you to know what fun is was working with Scott on this book, he captured both the artistic and social level of what I and my team do and MOST importantly WHY we do it. I have been amazed at the positive comments I have received from those that have read the book, it reallys seems to capture the imagination of golfers. I hope you enjoy it. David...



4. I purchased this book as a favor for my great-aunt who wanted this book as a gift for her son. She was told by a friend this would be a great book for my cousin as he is an avid golfer.



5. the book suits my tastes well. i'm always interested in how passionate people come together to develop ideas, overcome obstacles, and get things done. double-bonus that the theme is golf.
   
   i hope to play "the Seventh" someday and experience, first hand, whether the intense passion and unusual approach of the team and its leaders actually produced a good result.

5 comments about Ty and The Babe: Baseball's Fiercest Rivals: A Surprising Friendship and the 1941 Has-Beens Golf Championship.

1. I have now read all of Tom Stanton's books, and I have enjoyed them all. I am one of many that had certain perceptions of Ty Cobb's character based on stereoptypical opinion of Cobb in recent years. But Stanton sets the record straight in allowing us to get to know a different Ty Cobb; one who is a great competitor, but no where near the "evil" man that he has been portrayed as. The Babe is as fun loving as ever in this book and it is a fun read. I would recommend it to baseball fans, and golf fans too!



2. This book was very interesting and informative and obviously well researched since the author is a baseball historian. It makes you feel as if you know the players and are living in their time period but it isn't the most enjoyable book I've ever read. You rarely smile or laugh, there's very little that's amusing even though these are two very colorfull and bigger than life characters so I felt the book could have been a little lighter. Also check out two of my favorites - The Teammates by David Halberstam and When Life Was Baseball Teams and Egg Creams by Craig Howard, the last one being much lighter and more about life in the time period than baseball itself. Good nostalgia though.



3. This is a strange little book. For one thing, it presents a far more positive picture of Ty Cobb than one often encounters. Second, golf becomes a key part of the relationship between two bitter antagonists--Babe Ruth and Ty Cobb.
   
   Ty Cobb was an exemplar of the old fashioned "scientific" approach to baseball, bunts, stolen bases, sacrifices, etc. Babe Ruth was a harbinger of a new era--focusing on the home run.
   
   Cobb versus Ruth, while they were in the major leagues together, had a pretty negative relationship. Cobb had little respect for Ruth; Ruth despised Cobb.
   
   The book tells of their slowly evolving relationship, to the point where they expressed respect toward one another by the end of Cobb's career.
   
   Their rivalry took a turn after their respective retirements. Both became avid golfers. They took part in a series of golf matches, where there was much greater camaraderie than when they played baseball.
   
   The book chronicles that strange evolution in their relationship.
   
   There is a nice appendix, which chronicles those games in which they opposed one another. Interesting. . . .
   
   An offbeat little book that ends up humanizing Cobb.



4. An excellent resource for the Baseball fan, who is always looking for good books about the Legends of baseball.



5. Babe Ruth and Ty Cobb. Ty Cobb and Babe Ruth.
   
   Two of the greatest names ever to play Major League Baseball and a pair of the most fiercest rivals on the diamond. Ruth was the new-school slugger whose gargantuan homers matched his pursuits off the field. Cobb was the oldest of old-school, a master of "small-ball," who saw the game of titan shots with "juiced" baseballs as an utter abomination.
   
   "Cobb disliked much about Ruth. But one of the things that pricked him most was Ruth's lifestyle. The Babe lived with wild abandon, ignoring curfews, staying out all hours, drinking, partying, overeating, and snaking through towns in search of sex," writes Stanton. "Cobb was nearly fanatical about taking care of himself, about being prepared for games, and about the need to sacrifice for the long term. He felt confident that Ruth's nocturnal adventures would eventually undermine him."
   
   But in retirement, the pair were kept at arm's length by the top executives in the game - Ruth never got a shot at managing a club and Cobb was tarnished by a 1926 gambling scandal "cover-up" - though each eventually found the time to frequently chase a golf ball around 18 holes. Ruth was a five handicap and Cobb a nine.
   
   Author Tom Stanton tees up an interesting dual biography of the legends that is built around a 1941 charity golf match which pitted Ruth against Cobb. Along with coverage of every baseball game the paired played against each other, Stanton drives into the professional hatred which erupted into near brawls and vicious taunts, but eventually evolved into a cordial friendship.
   
   Even the biggest fan of baseball history will find some new gems, especially about Cobb, which is a salute to the solid short game of Stanton; meticulously lofting up to the green buried facts from the sand traps of historical fiction.

5 comments about Alice Cooper, Golf Monster: A Rock 'n' Roller's 12 Steps to Becoming a Golf Addict.

1. First, I'm old an school Cooper fan - it was a band, not a person. Second, I don't like golf; I think it's nearly as boring as Zipper Catches Skin. So I waded through the rock and roll chapters (skipping the clearly-labeled dozen golfing ones interspersed through the book) and finished it feeling not particularly wiser about Alice Cooper. In short, it is a very homogenized history of Cooper the musician. Like many reformed alcoholics, he'll tell you he was *the* hellman booze fiend of all time. I wished he'd spent more time discussing the minutia of his early days. (And let's face it, bar a couple of fluke hits, there hasn't been much of note from him since 1977). The tedium of his drinking is equalled only by that of his Christianity, but at least he doesn't proselytise. One can only hope that in time someone will write a true and accurate history of the original five Coopers, a band of trailblazers who have a story definitely worth telling.
   Now, to the golf. And this is where Alice is really scary. I decided to wade through the golf stuff and, to be honest, got more out of that than the rest of the book. In fact, by the end of his 12 chapters on golf, I wanted to go down to the local links and sign up for some lessons. Seriously. I still do, three days later. And I've never held a golf club in my life. My only complaint with the golf stuff - about which I know absolutely zilch! - was that it came across in parts as a big advertisement for a particular brand of clubs. But besides that, I'm thinking "Why not?". Hey, if it's good enough for J Mascis and the Coop...



2. Where do I start? This book not only arrived in mint conditon thanks to the wonderful service provided by Amazon, but was the absolute perfect addition to my collection of everything Alice Cooper! If you love Rock n Roll, if you love Alice Cooper, or even if you just love playing Golf and need some awesome Golf Tips you gotta buy this book! Great price! This book isn't all about Golf either, because anyone who has had an addcition problem can relate to this, and it's nice to know that even a celebrity can have normal issues that we all face in life and overcome them! GREAT READ!!!



3. This candid book tells the story of Alice Cooper as well as him giving tips on golf. If you thought it was only about golf, it is not. In fact it is so much more! Alice takes us from the very beginning of his life and keeps us hooked to the last page. He has some amusing stories to tell as well as some sad. You will learn the truth about the chicken on the stage incident and relive other highlights throughout his career..Alice is a true rocker and he still rocks hard today. The original shock rocker and still the best! Alice Rules!



4. When first seeing this book pop up on Amazon, i thought it was a book Alice Cooper had written about Golf. Kind of a text version of something like "Leslie Neilson's stupid little golf video"
   
   However I was surprised to discover that this is actually an autobiography written by Alice with focus' on gold chapters in between each chapter.
   
   To be honest, I read the first little golf bit and skipped the ones that followed and just read the biography chapters.
   
   Alice starts from when he was aged 10 and how his family would move from Detroit to L.A back and forth till finally settling in Arizona. And then onto what Alice did in high school and how he got into playing music and writing songs, and the struggle to make it as a successful group.
   
   Alice covers all the events that have happened with him from the mid 60's to mid 2000's. Pretty much all of the stories are there, the drinking, the chicken incident, first hit's, the break up of the original band, how he met his wife, alcohol abuse etc...
   
   I found this to be a pretty good read for the Alice Cooper fan. About the only story I thought was missing was when the python escaped down the hotel room toilet and popped up a week later in someone else's toilet.
   
   Instead of going for the usual tell-all tales, in between each chapter Alice writes a bit about golf, about 12 steps to to chapters how what he has learned from playing golf also adapts to the real world, and also lends a few tip's to anyone who plays golf... I don't, so i skipped most of that as I said.
   
   Overall it's a pretty interesting read, and it's amazing just how many celebrities Alice has met, known and been friends with over his 40 odd years as one of the greatest rock n roll legends of all time.



5. Being a huge golf fan and a pretty big Alice fan, I was excited to get this book. Overall this book was basically a autobiography and it seemed extremely self-indulgent. The jist? Alice is super rich, gets to golf every day, most likely better than you and if you want to join him on the course you better bring your checkbook. I threw my copy in the trash.

No comments about Pete Dye Golf Courses: Fifty Years of Visionary Design.

5 comments about Training a Tiger: A Father's Guide to Raising a Winner in Both Golf and Life.

1. Well, I think the fact there are only three reviews of this book before mine pretty much sums up how popular it is.
   As I write this, there is a show on TV called "American Junior" -- a take-off on "American Idol" in which children with prodigious singing voices try to become stars. The most striking feature of the show, however, is not the kids' talents but their parents' obsessions. They are trying to achieve vicariously, through their kid's success, the fame and fortune they were never able to achieve on their own. I think you probably get my analogy to Earl Woods.
   By the way: I have a point to make about Tiger that has nothing to do with this book, really, but that I want to get off my chest. It has to do with his wardrobe. He is in serious need of a fashion makeover. Here is his customary garb:
   1. "Poofy" (i.e., baggy-legged) pants. The effect is a little bit odd.
   2. A standard golf shirt -- but with the top, collar button fastened. This is a distinctly child-like feature; normally the only people with top button fastened are little boys dressed by their moms.
   3. A cap that is more rounded than that of other players; if you removed the bill and attached blades to the top, it would be a perfect propellor beanie.
   What I'm getting at is that his working clothes are childish. When combined with his natural baby face, the effect is comical. I predict that 20 years from now, film of Tiger in his 20s will look as silly as film of golfers in the 1970's with their tight, plaid pants, wide white belts, and super-sized lapels on their shirts.
   So Tiger -- please come up with a new look on the course to go with your fabulous game.



2. In Pete McDaniel's, Training a Tiger, Tiger Woods shows you basics and in depth steps to golf. This book will show you how to start a your child in golf, equipment, putting, short game, driving, practicing, and in to mental mechanics. The authors purpose for writing this is to show young kids how to golf. It is worth reading if you want to improve your golf game or your childs.



3. This book is great! Anytime you can read about wonderful parenting, it is a highllight in your day. As the mother of 2 boys I can only hope to be so self sacrificing as Earl Woods. Whether you are into golf or not, all children could benefit from more attention from their parents. This book is about putting the child first and helping them make their dreams a reality. While so many children watch tv all day, it sure is refreshing to read about a parent who demonstrates the real meaning of parenting-take the time to train the children up right and they will end up as you trained them. Earl is truly an inspiration. Thank you for writing the book if you read this email Mr. Woods.



4. This moron is a jealous racist. Everything he said is wrong. He should know what he is talking about before he speaks. Earl never asked Tiger to go golfing with him. The only way he would take him is if Tiger asked to go. Tiger is Stanford educated, insanely rich, the best golfer in history, never been in trouble and calls his dad his best friend. I would give anything to be sure my kids were half the person Tiger is. If you read this book and got nothing from it I feel bad for your kids. By the way he is the best dressed person on tour!!



5. I bought this book to help me take care of my new baby tiger, Thundercat. All I found was a bunch of crap about golf and black people. In the end, the tiger died. I tried to stuff a golf club down it's gullet but nothing happened except it threw up all over me and went to sleep. Overall, I do not recommend this book if you care about your new animal friend or are an animal lover AT ALL.

5 comments about Ben Hogan: An American Life.

1. An outstanding insight to the life and times of Mr. Hogan. So much was presented that never came to the public eye. And even though a discredit was given by one reviewer in his May 9, 2005 review, based on the fact that 10 birdies in an US Open on a par 74 course was not possible, this individual did not do his homework. The US Open was played on a par 74 course in Savannah, Georgia in the early 1930s. A great book, a wonderful revelation, a must read for those interested in golf history.



2. I would greatly recommend this book. It is a very comprehensive study into the life of a true legend and is also a very incisive insight into America during the thirties and forties. In the course of reading about such an outstanding career the name Tiger Woods inevitably enters one's thoughts. Just how would Hogan have compared to Woods during the prime of his career. Woods continues his gallop into history but Hogan's name will always be the one who was responsible for taking golf out of the country clubs and into the municipal courses.



3. As both an avid golfer, and Ben Hogan admirer, I was more than satisfied with this book. Once i turned the first page I couldn't put it down. The information shared on the life of who I consider to be the greates golfer ever is unparalleled. Although this will instantly become a cherished part of any Ben Hogan fan's book collection, anyone who enjoys American history, sports history, sports in general, and golf in particular, as well as those who like true stories of sucess against all odds, will enjoy this book. It's a well-written portrait capturing all the good and bad of Ben Hogan and his life, and there was plenty of both. Anyone who thinks they know anything about Ben Hogan the man owes it to themselves to read this book. As Arnold Palmer himself said of the book: "I thought I knew Ben Hogan pretty well, until this book came along...". If you were interested enough in this book to read the reviews, you should buy it. You will not regret doing so.



4. I had read that Hogan would tell other golf pros that came to him seeking golf swing advice that they should "dig it out of the dirt" like he did. What sounded like a brush off may have been simply the truth. Hogan dug his swing out of the dirt by putting more work in on it that anyone else. Perhaps that was his real "secret". Hard work.
   
   This book puts a positive spin on a personality that was respected but was not uniformily well liked. Along the way the author gives enough well reseached detail to put human flesh and bones on an iconic figure. A good read. I recommend it.



5. I found this incredible interview regarding how the game of Golf has changed over the years. You wouldn't believe the evolution! If you have any interest in the history of Golf, this is a must read. If you want to become even more knowledgeable on the subject, scroll to the bottom of the interview and get in touch with the author. After reading, I guarantee you will be able to lead the most interesting discussions and impress your friends!
   
   http://www.golfclubatlas.com/interviewroden.html

5 comments about Grand Slam, The: Bobby Jones, America, and the Story of Golf.

1. Frost's follow-up effort to the outstanding "The Greatest Game Ever Played" - the movie adaptation of which will be released by Disney this fall - this meandering tale tracks the career of Bobby Jones, the greatest amateur golfer of all time, climaxing with his assault on the Grand Slam (back then, it was the US and British Open and Amateur titles) in 1930. After winning the Slam, Jones retired from tournament competition, at the age of 29. After reading Frost's harrowing account of his physical and mental anguish during the ordeal, you'll certain understand why.
   
   Aesthetically, this book doesn't hold together nearly as well as "Greatest Game". Frost includes far too much "background" information (most of which is, quite honestly, common knowledge) about everything from the origins of World War I to the Scopes "Monkey Trial". The bits of early 20th-century lore than festooned the pages of "Greatest Game" were a welcome addition to the storyline, helping us to understand the time and place. Here, they are an annoying intrusion. Despite this unfortunate slip, Frost's prose is still enjoyable to read, and the story will be of interest to anyone who has an interest in the history of golf.



2. Purchasing this book I had expected nothing more than the chronicle of Bobby Jones' assualt on the 4 golf majors of 1930. I got so much more. This book is certainly one of the better biographies I've ever read. Though Frost never goes too in depth into the private life of Jones, the writing style is exceptional, the sports action is compelling, but the most amazing thing is how the entire thing is brought together and every new section begins with an exceptional framing of where the event stands within the confines of history. Truly an amazing first rate bio.



3. I had high hopes for this book. I read it in preparation to attend the Masters, which I got to do this year and it was amazing.
   
   That said, this book was just average. I felt like the author added things to the book without a true need. I appreciate the fact that Frost was trying to explain the times that Mr. Jones was rooted in, but he seemed to stray from the main topic on numerous occassions.
   
   There were points when he was talking about golf, Mr. Jones and the courses they played... then he would stray into international politics and not for a brief explanation but rather 2 to 3 pages on the industrial revolution or WWI or the Depression. I get that those are important subjects to mention but the explanations got in the way of the biography I thought.
   
   In addition, the explanation of the golf read like a front page story or first-hand recap in the USA Today not a backstory of the event. I understand the need to recap key matches but Frost appeared to recap nearly every match and it got to be too much. I did appreciate the brief bios of other golfers of the period. That was interesting and necessary.
   
   The bio was roughly 450 pages. The same story could have been told in 300 pages and included the same key points. I would have liked more anecdotes and interesting stories that described Jones the man not Jones the golfer and/or ball-striker etc.
   
   I might recommend another book on Jones that doesn't detail things that really don't educate you that much about who he was and what he stood for.



4. In The Grand Slam, Mark Frost tells the story of Bobby Jones and the way in which his inconceivable 1930 championship run changed the sport of golf forever, in such a lively and engaging way that readers will be on the edge of their seats even though the outcome has been assured for 75+ years. Each of Jones' Grand Slam wins is recounted in painstaking detail, giving Frost the opportunity to paint an illuminating portrait of the golf world of the 20's and to set Bob's accomplishments against the backdrop of the times in which he lived. He reached his athletic peak at a time when people were beginning to tire of the frenetic pace of the Jazz Age and longed for a simpler time. Bob Jones possessed all the qualities Americans appeared to be searching for, and so, like the other sports heroes of the Golden Age he was quickly elevated to demi-god status. Frost does a wonderful job of peeling back the layers of the legend to reveal the human being underneath. He has proven yet again why he is one of the best writers working today. This book is a must for all true students of the game, but should appeal to non-golf fans as well.



5. As an avid reader of biographies, I'm familiar with hagiography, the tendency of biographers to inflate the accomplishments of their subjects, but never in all my years have I ever encountered such an extreme case of it. It's a shame, too, as Jones's life needs no such embellishment.
   
   Bobby Jones was, without question, the greatest golfer of his generation and one of the greatest that ever lived. However, to read Frost's account, every match he ever lost was due to illness, injury, extreme bad fortune or circumstances beyond his control. In every one of his victories, he overcame illness, injury, bad luck, dastardly opponents and extreme fatigue (which for some reason Frost insinuates his opponents, who played the same or significantly more rigorous schedules, never faced). Some of Frost's accounts border on the ludicrous.
   
   He alleges that Walter Hagen recruited gallery memebers in an attempt to form windbreaks along the windswept fairways of the British Open. As a golfer, I can attest without question that human beings stationed along the edges of the fairway have absolutely no effect on the wind encountered by a golf ball, at any stage in its flight.
   
   Despite playing a total of ten rounds of golf in the months leading up to one of his U. S. Open victories, Frost describes Jones as being so exhausted that his knees were buckling as he attempted to finish his final round. Again, as if his efforts were somehow more draining than those of his competitors, some of whom were forced to play tournaments every week in order to survive.
   
   Sprinkled throughout the book are the author's attempts to add historical perspective. I actually think this could have been helpful if done well, however Frost, perhaps a frustrated historian, makes numerous absurd statements concerning the root causes of World War I, the Warren Harding administration, the Wall Street collapse of 1929. Set the stage, reference contemporanious historical events, but leave the political and social analysis to those who have a clue.
   
   While I might reluctantly recommend the book to those who wish to learn of the life and accomplishments of Bobby Jones, I even question some of the facts contained in the book. Frost frequently cites astonishing feats performed by many of the players of the era. He tosses around 300-325 yard drives as though they were the norm for the era, even though players of the current era struggle to hit such shots with the aid of titanium, oversized drivers, fiberglass shafts and souped up golf balls. Shots of the type frequently described by Frost were simply impossible with hickory shafts and marshmellow golf balls (in the absence of asphalt or gale force winds).
   
   He refers to 275 yard par 3s and 450+ yard par 4s, when courses of the era were actually significantly shorter than current tracts. In a disconnect, he describes very long iron and sometimes 3 wood shots into par 4s (which are probably accurate) despite the fact that his players are bombing 300+ yard drives. Something doesn't compute in his distance claims and club selections.
   
   All in all, a very tiresome product by its conclusion. By the time he won the U.S. Amateur, securing the Grand Slam, I expected Jones to be carted up the 18th fairway in a hospital bed, on the verge of death, only to hole out a 300 yard seven iron to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat from an opponent that had cheated by 10 strokes. I've got to think that there are better, more objective books for those seeking to learn the story of Bobby Jones.