2 comments about Jack Nicklaus: Memories and Mementos from Golf's Golden Bear.

1. It sounds "trite" and simple to say it, but this book is a "must" for those who love golf and admire the qualities Jack Nicklaus brought to the game, talent, work ethic, competitiveness, success, and class. The epitome of what the game is meant to be.
   
   There are other, more indepth, books on Jack Nicklaus, but this one has it all, enough to appreciate the man, who is, what he stands for and his journey, a journey that has been a credit to the game of golf and has inspired many of us who have followed his career and the values and principles he has demonstrated so effectivly.
   
   There are many replica mementos, a letter from Tiger Woods, copies of his scorecards, Masters invitations and such that give this book a nice touch, a nice feel. Overall it is a comprehensive keepsake album of Jack, his career and the game of golf in his day.
   
   Simply put: "A must" for those who love golf and admire the Golden Bear.



2. If you are at all interested in Jack Nicklaus and can't, by time or distance, visit his museum in Columbus, Ohio (on the campus of Ohio State University), then this book will be a nice visual replacement. Well organized, this book follows Jack's entire career as well as his relationships with his teacher, Jack Grout, his parents Charlie and Helen Nicklaus and his wife Barbara. Especially nice are several pages of reproduced "mementos" in cellophaned envelopes for easy retrival and review.
   
   I would recommend this book highly to all golfers who have any admiration for the Golden Bear.

3 comments about Commissioner: The Legacy of Pete Rozelle.

1. I have always been looking for a book on Pete Rozelle and I was happy to see this book come out. The book is a quick read and was a decent book, but as somebody who has read numerous books on the NFL, I was a little disappointed as I was expecting more. Two years ago I read Michael Maccambridge's "America's Game." That book has set the standard for books on the NFL.
   
   In defense of the author, the biggest issue he probably faced was the fact that many of the people in the book were dead, including Rozelle. Because of this, I felt that much of the information I have already gathered from my own readings. The book just didn't have the freshness I was hoping for.
   
   All in all, a good book if you're interested in Rozelle, especially if you haven't read many other books on the NFL.



2. I'm a life-long Giants fan and a student of the game. Rozelle was a terrific commissioner especially because of all the events that happened on his watch. I always regretted that he never wrote about it. This book opens the door to his tenure. Unfortunately, it is far to santized to offer the real story of Al Davis, the AFL, JFK's death and the decision to play, the Hornong and Karas suspensions, race, drugs, the USFL, etc., etc. Hoprfully that book is still to be written.



3. By most accounts, Rozelle is considered the greatest pro sports commissioner. If that is the case, then this books disappoints. Everybody (even Al Davis) thinks he was a nice guy with great persuasive abilities. He was also a great father. And you get a lot of detail about the Raiders leaving Oakland. But it looks like he had very few sources and the book really disappoints.
   
   There is a new book by Jeff Davis on Rozelle, hope it is better.

No comments about Tiger Woods (Sports Idols).

5 comments about One Magical Sunday: (But Winning Isn't Everything).

1. If you are a golf fan, this is a must read. My wife read it too and she doesn't even like golf but she loved it too. Great insights into Phil's personal life, family, and values. Definitely worth the read.



2. It was so good I got a audio copy for my husband.



3. This was a very personal book that brought you very close to the life of Phil Mickelson. When he describes his final round at the 04' Masters you feel like you were there with him every step of the way.



4. i find this book very good , iam a golf player and i think that every golf player will enjoyed to read this book , phil mickelson biography is very interesting for a golfer , phil teach : thinks can do when you work hard .



5. Excellent book. I am not a golfer, but admire Phil Mickelson because it has always seemed to me that he has his priorities straight. His wife and his children are uppermost in his list of what life means to him. Must confess that I merely skimmed the details of the hole to hole play in the Masters tournament being described since I had purchased the book to read about his personal life. However, my husband, who IS a golfer, very much enjoyed the "play by play" in addition to more information on the personal side of Phil. This is an athlete children can look up to and admire without parents fearing an ugly, hidden side. That simply doesn't exist in this athlete. I have always enjoyed watching him play; now I will enjoy those tournaments even more.

2 comments about How I Played the Game: An Autobiography.

1. This is simply a straightforward account of Nelson's life by The Man himself. It's primary focus is his poor-as-dirt childhood and rise to stardom on the PGA Tour, culminating in The Streak of eleven straight wins in 1945 (he retired the next year). His television work is also covered, as is the death of his wife of 50 years and subsequent remarriage, but the primary focus is on his rise to stardom and retirement to ranching. It turns out that he doesn't have hemophilia as I'd always heard, nor did he retire because his "nervous stomach" couldn't take the stress of competition. The big virtue of the book is that it's written in a homey style that makes you feel as though Nelson is right there speaking to you in his Texas twang. It was written with assistance from his second wife, and it reads as though she must have been transcribing tapes. There is very little discussion of swing theory and no tips to help your game, but it's fascinating if you have an interest in what it took to make a living in professional golf in the 1930s and 1940s. It should be required reading for today's pampered pros who make more for one fifth-place finish than Nelson made in his entire career as one of the all-time greats. He comes across as an extremely decent, religious man that you would've liked to have known.



2. Nelson truly is a golfing gem, one that gets somewhat lost in all the current player hype. But this is likely due to media hype, not the players; they are humble around the like of Lord Byron, and most if not all big names play the King's, the Bear's and the Nelson's tournaments.
   
   Here is record of his life and it truly sounds like the man we have learned to like and hear on TV. Downhome, country boy, who really wanted to earn enough money to buy a ranch, which he did. In doing so, he had some amazing golf, the statistics and some of the records are still there. Might be so for quite some time.
   
   Fascinating how he is part of game most don't know, i.e. invent of good golf shoes and Footjoy connection and also the golf umbrella. Around the Hogan's since caddying youth, this guy is legend worth becoming familiar with. His humility, grace and fervor for the game are truly a treat to read about. The tournament that bears his name is what he refers to as biggest golfing thing that ever happened to him, for the joy of helping the kids. Truly an athleter to be emulated.

1 comments about Training a Tiger: Raising a Winner in Both Golf and Life.

1. When you here about a superstar like Tiger its natural to wonder where this incredible talent came from. The book is a bit of a mix of golf how to, parent child relationship and history of Tigers early years. If you are raising kids and want a perspective on what went into developing such a great talent the book offers some interesting insights. The book lacks the level of detail or story telling that could of showed us more of Tigers character and made the book a more interesting read. If you love Golf and want your kids to get involved with the great game this book is a must read.

1 comments about The Bobby Jones Story: The Authorized Biography.

1. Bobby Jones is one of the most revered names in the rich history of golf. However, beyond the fact that all golf fans, and many casual observers, know that Jones won what was golf's Grand Slam in 1930 (U.S. Open, British Open, U.S. Amateur, British Amateur) and created Augusta National Golf Club and the Master's tournament, little is known about the man beyond a few blurbs. What better way to really learn about the man than to read the authorized biography penned by Jones' personal confidante, journalist O.B. Keeler. Unfortunately, a great opportunity seems to have been missed here. While "The Bobby Jones Story" does capture the amazing feats of golf career, it gives very little insight into the man himself. Keeler writes this biography less as a study of Bobby Jones and more as just an excited observer who was present for much of Jones' accomplishments.
   
   Let it not be said that there isn't anything of worth in this book, though. The three-star rating obviously means that there are enough redeeming qualities to recommend it. The reader is able to get some insight into the pressures golf placed upon Jones. Pressure so great that he had decided to retire from competitive play following the 1930 season, Grand Slam or not. It also shows that earlier in his career, before he started winning majors, Jones could be considered by the Phil Mickelson of his era. He was gambler with his game who often went for too much with tournaments on the line and was frequently the victim of just horrible luck in tournaments, not unlike Mickelson today.
   
   This book also benefits from detailing the amazing golf accomplishments of Jones. The seven-year run of success Jones had between 1923-1930 is unmatched in the annals of golf, even with Tiger Wood's modern mastery (13 major wins, including 7 straight U.S. titles). That success is made all the more remarkable by the fact that the only competitve golf Jones played during that period was at the majors. "The Bobby Jones Story" covers these matches and their key moments in great detail.
   
   Alas, that three-star rating also indicates that this book suffers in many areas. Most of the problems center around Keeler's literary style and choices. One such problem may just be symptomatic of time period in which the book was written. Keeler has a tendency to use certain antiquated words when describing the action on the golf course. He uses words like 'niblick', 'mashie', and 'mashie-niblick' to describe types of clubs being used without ever explaining what exactly those clubs are. While that could just be indicative of the language of the time, it is distracting to the contemporary reader who has no idea what those are.
   
   Another area where Keeler makes a mistake is with his tendency to use hyperbole to describe Jones' accomplishments. Far too many times Keeler refers to a shot made by Jones, or a round or tournament played by Jones as the 'best he's ever seen' or 'best Jones ever played'. This happens too much and leads the reader to believe that there are far too many occasions of Jones' best ever accomplishments.
   
   Keeler seems to also be writing in a 'stream of consciousness' style. He skips around too much with stories he's telling. One moment, the 1925 U.S. Open is being discussed and the next line or paragraph, Keeler is talking about events in 1926 Open without using any sort of segue or transition statements to indicate to the reader that such a change has occurred. The readers will often find themselves having to backtrack just to make sure they have sequence of events understood correctly. Keeler also focuses on too short a period of Jones' life, from the start of his golfing career as a young teen until his retirement at age 28 in 1930. Keeler, himself, died in 1953 and this book was released just prior to his death. There was plenty opportunity to go into detail about Jones' creation of Augusta National and The Masters. There also should have been mention of Jones' remarkable war record in World War II. Not of that makes its way into this book and that's a shame.
   
   This is not a bad read, though. Though incomplete and wordy, "The Bobby Jones Story" is still an interesting look at a portion of the life of Bobby Jones from a close, first-person observer.

3 comments about The Slam: Bobby Jones and the Price of Glory.

1. A marvelous look at the pressure that a champion athlete faces as he attempts to achieve something never done before. Few accounts offer the depth Mr. Sampson does as to the pressure Bobby Jones faced and the turmoil he experienced as he attempted to win the 1930 Grand Slam. The Bobby Jones of
   "The Slam" is a fellow you would want to play a round with and then drink a round with, and not the marble statute of most golf hagiography. Jones comes across as talented, driven, conflicted, troubled, yet handling the pressure with grace and resolve.
   
   Mr. Sampson has a cynical side to his writing, and it comes out in this book in his accounts of Jones and the USGA. Mr. Sampson spends a significant amount of time in explicit and implicit references to a controversial ruling on the next to last hole of the 1930 US Open. The ruling may have kept Jones from missing first place. However, as much time as Sampson devotes to what is arguably the critical point of the 1930 campaign, he still does not fully bring the point home. The ruling was based on a local rule, and Sampson suggests that the rule was not made evident to the players. Yet Mark Frost's biography of Jones indicates that all players were made aware of the rule. Who is correct? Sampson talks about players complaining about the ruling, but who were the players? Supposedly the ruling not only saved Jones a stroke, but placed him in an exceptionally advantageous position for his next shot...but from Mr. Sampson's description I could not get a good fix on the geography. A map would have been helpful.
   
   A good book, and a book that does Bobby Jones a service in making him human again, but often hampered by the author's tunnel vision about "The Ruling" and the man who made it, Prescott Bush. Yep, the future US Senator and father and grandfather to presidents.



2. I was pleasantly surprised with 'The Slam'. I have come to enjoy Curt's books over the years, but this one is his best, by far. (...)



3. I am puzzled at why Sampson would set out to deminish Jones and his family. I noted that some of "his" facts are actually completely different in other books that are exhaustively researched such as Mark Frost's book The Grand Slam and others I have read including Down the Fairway by Jones himself. Even if everything negative he came up with was true it isn't really very much in light of the great man that he was. He was a man of impeccable character but he was a human being. He was sensitive and conscientious, intellegent, honest and gracious above all.
   
   Even so, I enjoy reading anything about Jones which has led to my reading of other books of this era and books about Walter Hagen etc. I enjoyed the pictures.

5 comments about Maybe It Should Have Been a Three Iron: My Year as Caddie for the World's 438th Best Golfer.

1. I read this book because I loved Donegan's other book 'No News At Throat Lake', which was both moving and hilarious.

   I don't play golf but know enough about it to enjoy the humor in this book, which kept me amused while I traveled around Ireland for three weeks. Donegan has a great ability to capture well the itinerant lifestyle of the B-grade pro-golfer, the emotional ups and downs of losing more than winning, the little triumphs and pleasures of golf, and the mental stamina needed to be a pro-golfer.

   I recommend this book to golfers as well as anyone who just wants a very funny read.




2. Period. And I have read them all.



3. but this one is readable if only because it is a take on the Euro tour. It takes you to golfing venues and places that others dont. If you want a book about a player you know or courses and tournaments you are familiar with, then this is not your book. That, however, is the redeeming factor of this book. It does get dry because of that though, as it does the usual, painful breakdown of all of Ross Drummond's (Ross who?...exactly)shots and putts. This of course it what drops its rating down. A book like this on Tiger might rate 5 stars as we would all like to hear the inside scoop from his caddy. Where it does excel is with Donegan's wit, humor and exploits. When their relationship starts to sour Donegan takes more of an interest in his social life, and in places like Morocco you know it will get interesting. Chapter seven on his experience in Rabat is pretty dang funny.



4. This is a very intelligent and witty book that all of us who understand golf's struggles must surely appreciate. But beyond a golfer's perspective, this should also be enjoyed as a story about any passion in life that proves to be extremely challenging or unattainable, and the humor of brushing aside all obstacles and pressing forward no matter how ridiculous the circumstances become.
   
   True, this isn't a book about Tiger Woods or Madonna or Bill Clinton, so if you are looking for pop culture, you'll need to look elsewhere. But if you are someone who cheers for the underdog and if you also like golf stories from an insider's point of view, I don't think you will be disappointed!



5. I thought I was going to read about golf..Wrong..I am not interested to hear Mr Donegan's opinion's on world leaders.. Unfortunately I purchased it at an airport so can't return it and get my money back..

1 comments about Zinger.

1. Determination and trust in himself and now God make Zinger one of the most popular players.

   So good to now see him contend like he just did at 2001 U.S. Open. He is gritty player who toughs it out on the course and as he so exemplary demonstrates here in his early PGA career and his bout with shoulder cancer.

   Love the story about his hitting 3-irons over the motel from the asphalt parking lot. That's got to be a swing that can be trusted.

   His anguish and yet peace with death of Payne is still treasured memory of all of us who love this game. Zinger is a winner if he never wins again. But I'm convinced that will not be the case.

   Great read worth your pursuit. Lessons to be gleaned.