5 comments about How I Play Golf.

1. I've only read a couple of chapters but from that sample the book is very good.
   
   The book is an easy read- informative without being technical and the right amount of anecdote is mixed in.
   
   The only negative I can find so far is the actual writing style. After hearing him talk & realizing his age at the time of publication the words don't seem to be his voice. It seems that editors style is most prevalent. It's not a problem once you get used to it though it was a disappointment at first.



2. TIGER WOODS: How I Play Golf
   with the Editors of Golf Digest
   (Warner Books)
   © Marc Wickert December 27, 2009
   www.knucklepit.com
   
   The beauty of this modern age for anybody into anything is that there are instructional books and DVDs by the best practitioners in the world in every field imaginable - golf, mixed martial arts, tennis... even books on how to grow handlebar mustaches.
   
   The thing is, no matter where you live on the planet, you can hop online and order a book or DVD, then start receiving tuition from the greatest exponent in any chosen sport or interest.
   
   TIGER WOODS: How I Play Golf is a perfect example, where you can have the world No.1 for your mentor.
   
   As the cover states: "There is simply no athlete quite like Tiger Woods. His domination of golf is unparalleled."
   
   CONTENTS:
   Preface - How to Start (Yearning to Learn)
   Chapter One - How to Putt (Rolling the Rock)
   Chapter Two - How to Get It Down (Turning Three into Two)
   Chapter Three -How to Escape from Sand (Making the Hard Easy)
   Chapter Four - How to Swing (Building an Action to Last)
   Chapter Five - How to Flag Your Irons (Knocking Down the Pin)
   Chapter Six - How to Nail Fairway Woods (Playing the Versatile Clubs)
   Chapter Seven - How to Smoke the Driver (Going with All You've Got)
   Chapter Eight - How to Handle Problems (When it Starts Getting Ugly)
   Chapter Nine - How to Stay in Control (Managing Your Game)
   Chapter Ten - How to Master the Mind (Winning Psychology)
   Chapter Eleven - How to Get Strong (Surviving as the Fittest)
   Chapter Twelve - How to Play (Enjoying the Journey)
   
   All instructions from Tiger are clearly worded and accompanied by excellent photos to make your lessons with him easy to follow and put into practice.
   
   As with the best of the best in all sports - Fedor Emelianenko in MMA, Roger Federer in tennis, or Tiger Woods in golf - there is more to the player's winning ways than meets the eye. All elite champions have great mental powers. And as mentioned above, TIGER WOODS: How I Play Golf also contains the chapter, How to Master the Mind, which covers some very interesting aspects of Tiger's mental approach to the game.
   
   This is an outstanding publication for any professional or would-be golfer.



3. Could not ask for better service! I sent the book as a gift. It arrived right on time. Great Book - Great Service!



4. Tiger's swing in 2000-1 was pure. (Much more so than now, I believe...)
   This book captures his swing in perfect color images that are worth being framed, they are so good!
   Great insight into his mindset and swing thoughts at that time.
   Worth triple this $ 12.99 price....
   A 'Must Have' if you are a golfer.



5. Really enjoyable. Great pictures. Published when he was younger in his career of course but right after his white hot 2001 Season. Very interesting what he shared about some of his shots and philosophies. A great adddition to the home library. I highly recommend it.

5 comments about The Downhill Lie: A Hacker's Return to a Ruinous Sport (Vintage).

1. Mr. Hiaasen hit the tee-shot straight up the fairway with this book. It was a great read and just what I needed in the middle of winter to rekindle my golf itch.



2. If you love golf you will love this story. Full of good humor and full of golf.



3. I got this book for my Dad for Christmas. He picked up the game of golf soon after he retired. He's never read Carl Hiasson, before, but he is one of our favorite authors. I love his quirky style. My Dad enjoyed the book, and sent it on to share with his twin brother.



4. Despite being a golfer and a big Hiaasen fan, this book starts with promise, but quickly grows dull.



5. This guy Hiaasen thinks that making you feel sorry for his lousy golf game and his addictions to purchasing foolish gimmicks to fix it are actually funny. In fact, neither are. Would I recommend this book to any respectable golfer? In short, no. I suppose some folks can relate to a high handicap golfer's desires to improve his/her game. I think instead Hiaasen ought to write about a truly scintillating game like croquet where readers wouldn't mind being bored. Yes, now that would be a challenge for him, because The Downhill LIe is truly worse than a sticky wicket -- like having a perfect drive end up in a deep, unplayable fairway divot -- leaving the reader frustrated, disappointed and finally just annoyed.
   
   How does one label a book written on the glorious subject of golf that offers nothing more than a plodding diary of how a 20 handicapper desperately fails at every level -- instruction, a sense of feel for the game, anecdotes that lead nowhere, and last of all, precious little humor. This guy doesn't need Strunk & White, he needs a shrink for his neuroses. Yes, several more chapters on the art of choking are really what are needed here Carl...
   
   And I think yoou ought to pick better friends or else get to know fellow Floridian Dave Barry who really is funny. David Sedaris you are not. Stick to your novels Carl...
   
   Paul in Potsdam

5 comments about Homer Kelley's Golfing Machine: The Curious Quest That Solved Golf.

1. This book is about Homer Kelley and has nothing to do with learning a better golf swing. I was very dissatisfied with the book. I think it is deceptively named.



2. This book is the STORY about how Homer Kelley wrote his book. May be a good STORY but it is not Homer Kelley's Golfing machine. If you want a book that can improve your golf swing, this is not the book. 'The Golfing Machine' is the book you want NOT this one.



3. This book tricked my husband into buying it thinking it was the actual Golf Machine. I am sure they sell lots of books that way. Dont make the same mistake.



4. As an authorized instructor of The Golfing Machine it was interesting learning the history behind Homer Kelley and his quest to solve the mysteries of the golf swing. If you're interested in the trials and tribulations of Homer's 28 year journey you will find this book interesting. If you're looking for cliff notes to better understand his book The Golfing Machine this book will be of little help. I'm giving this book 4 stars because it gives us light into Homer Kelley and who he was. Had this book dealt more with Homer's research and how he was able to probe deeper and deeper into the mechanics of the golf swing or had it even contained pictures I would have given it 5 stars. In all fairness I don't hold this as a flaw in Mr. Gummer's book because Homer worked on this project alone and the only records we have are his book and the notes he left behind.
   
   What I find interesting is some of the criticisms Mr. Gummer's book is receiving. Case in point, Mr. Steen Winther's review; Mr. Winther has a book for sale here at Amazon titled The Scientific Truth of the Golf Swing. I have read this book and in spite of its title there is very little science to be found in any of its pages. The book is nothing more than Mr. Winther's notes from several golf books he's read and web sites he's visited. Then there are his numerous mistakes such as not being able to correctly illustrate an open and closed stance and claiming the club bends toe up in the downswing. What I found most interesting about Mr. Winther's review is not only is it hypocritical but it came just two days after the release of Mr. Gummer's book and is not a review of his book but rather a bashing of Homer Kelley and his book The Golfing Machine.
   
   My suggestion when considering these book reviews is to consider the motive, agenda and personal bias behind the person doing the reviewing.



5. You can't read this book in order and expect it to make sense. Start on page XIV and read the chapters in the recommended order.
   
   Pay close attention to lag and club face control. I guarantee you will be effortlessly crushing the ball, if you can practice and master the techniques described in this book.
   
   The principles are sound. Many of the great golfers do the same things without even realizing it. The rest of us have to work at it.

5 comments about Greatest Game Ever Played, The Movie Tie-In Edition.

1. This book came in great shape, looking just like new. It also was shipped and received in a timely manner.



2. This is one of the best sports books I've ever read. Mr. Frost paints a vivid picture of the world of professional golf at the start of the 20th Century, and how a single tournament put golf on the map in America.
   
   But even more important, Mr. Frost he brings compelling, likeable characters to life - characters who had to overcome adversity - so to me this book is also for people who are not golf fans.
   
   This is an inspiring story, almost a fairy tale that comes true.



3. The 1913 US Open. Young Franis Quimet takes on the games greatest players - this story gives me chills each time I recall it. If I could go back in time to any sporting event and see it in person, this would be it. Awesome!



4. I guess I'm swimming against the tide on this one, but I found this book to be a badly written, superficially researched effort. It's a shame that an amazing story has been told so badly. It's a credit to the material the author has to work with that the book garnered so many 5-star reviews even from people who noted the many weaknesses of the storytelling itself.
   
   The book covers the early days of competitive golf in England late in the 19th century and in the U.S. early in the 20th century. For anyone who's watched Tiger Woods on TV, calmly making his way around a technicolor, manicured course (with everyone reverently watching), the tales of life on the links 100-plus years ago is fascinating. It was a gentleman's game played in lovely settings, but the equipment and the upkeep of courses barely resemble today's standards. Even the rules have been changed to smoothe the game's edges.
   
   Into this chaos entered a 20-year-old American who had only once played in a tournament outside of his home state, Francis Oimet. First, Oimet tied the two greatest golfers in the world after four rounds, and then he beat them in a playoff on the next day. He remained an amateur the rest of his life, eventually becoming a stock broker. Oh, and by the way, Oimet became fascinated with golf because he grew up literally across the street from where the U.S. Open tournament was held: The Country Club in Brookline, Mass., which waw the club that literally gave us the term "country club."
   
   The champions that Oimet beat were British citizens: Harry Vardon and Ted Ray. Vardon was the greatest champion of the game's first 50 years, and his fascinating and tragic story has been told in several books. Vardon basically introduced competitive golf to the U.S. public by barnstorming for six months in 1903 and beating all comers. Ray, the other Brit, was a friendly-but-intense contender for the heir to Vardon's crown. Together, Vardon and Ray had barnstormed across the country in 1913 and beaten every single one of the best players in the U.S. head-to-head.
   
   Oimet, age 20 at the time, was a complete unknown, and not even considered one of the better amateurs in the country (yet). His caddy was a 12-year-old who had trouble carrying his clubs without having them scrape along the ground. But Oimet overcame nerves, bad luck, an angry father, and a dozen other hardships to win a stunning victory that propeled golf into the pantheon of spectator sports. He literally walked across the street to get to the tournament each day.
   
   It's a mind-blowing story, and full of fascinating asides, such as the physical and psychological hardships endured by both Oimet and Vardon, and the inequal treatment of pro and amateur stars, even when they were playing in the same tournament. So, there's a lot that's memorable about the book.
   
   However, the book is so flawed that I have to recommend that people find other books about the early days of golf and its stars, and read them instead. A few observations might suffice. 1. The book recreates conversations and thoughts that couldn't possibly be known to the author. There are literally hundreds of direct-quote conversations that are impossible to verify, and the only apology for the fiction is an oblique reference at the end of the book. 2. Those alleged conversations are generally stupid and cliched -- which isn't a surprise since the author cut his teeth by writing for television. 3. There's no bibliography. With a bibliography at least, we could read some of the original books that undoubtedly had the snap of originality, even if they were unreliable, too. 4. Most annoying of all, the author apparently has never found a stupid metaphor that he can resist, and he usually stacks them together, two-per-paragraph. They contrast badly with the more interesting analysis or more affecting writing about players' personalities and hardships. Just cutting out those "there was enough electricity in the crowd to light up all of Boston" would improve the book immensely.
   
   In summation, if you are dying to find out the story of Francis Oimet, the first amateur to win the U.S. Open, read this book. If you want a well-done book about the early days of golf, find something else.



5. Right now, I'd rank this third among the best sports books I've ever read, and I've enjoyed quite a few of them over the years. I loved this book because it got me so involved with the main characters. Author Mark Frost really makes you care about Francis Ouimet, his 10-year-old caddy Eddie Lowery and chief golf opponent Harry Vardon. All of them are fantastically interesting people and Frost is like a great artist painting their portraits.
   
   The story is written so well that even though I knew what happened in the climactic 1913 U.S. Open tournament, I will still a nervous wreck reading about it. That's the mark of good writer, to still make it fascinating and tense even when the reader knows the final result!
   
   Years after reading this, the exploits of three people mentioned above, and a few others, are still vividly in my mind. The human interest angles are what make this a great, great sports book. It's the same winning formula that me love Laura Hillenbrand's "Seabiscuit" and Jack Cavanaugh's "Tunney."
   
   Like those above, this is a book I would glady read a second time. It's filled with unforgettable moments and truly good people who transcend their sports accomplishments. Meanwhile, Frost has gone to write several other best-selling golf books but this first effort will tough to top.

5 comments about Paper Tiger: An Obsessed Golfer's Quest to Play with the Pros.

1. As an obsessed golfer, this book grabbed me from the start. I loved it! Gave it to a couple of other buddies to read, and they loved it too.



2. If you're a golf nut you'll love this book. If you've ever dreamed of becoming a PGA player you'll see what you face each step along the way. In the end it takes more than just hard work. You have to have lots of raw talent, determination and a great support structure aroound you. This is an easy read..great when you have some time to kill.



3. If you have been playing golf for any length of time you probably understand the love/hate relationship that develops between you and the game, the agony and ecstasy of thrilling shots and pull-hooked drives. This book captures one man's adventure incredibly well. He is a top tier golfer, rusty from years of less than top tier golfing, and he dedicates a year to trying to compete on the main stage again. His tale is eloquent and funny, heartbreaking and endearing. Great stuff. If Tom Coyne's golf was on the level of his writing he would be Tiger Woods.



4. I will say Tom Coyne got me from the jump; I was intrigued from the beginning upon referral from a friend.. I bought in, settled in, and gave the book a go.. The first couple chapters flew by, I thoroughly enjoyed the "hacker's ascent to respectability" portion of the book.. I enjoy his writing style, the self deprecating humor and everyman's take on golf..
   
   Then it all fell apart.. In my opinion, there is much more fantasy than reality in this book.. The constant failure to post legit scores combined with a GHIN lookup of Mr. Coyne made me doubt the author's recollection. But I plodded on, hoping for a dramatic finish.. It never came..
   
   In my opinion this was a golf odyssey failure turned marriage proposal; a writer moonlighting into his hobby, the end game not happening, and turning to Plan B, true love...
   
   If a better golfer wrote this, it would have been more believable that he was a +HCAP.. But then, that better golfer probably would have been an awful writer..
   
   For me, I just couldn't buy in 100% because I just don't believe Coyne posted the HCAPs he claims.. This is proven time again in his failure during public qualifying events..



5. I have to agree with another reviewer that it would seem highly unlikely that a person could carry a plus-handicap and RARELY be able to break 80 (and sometimes 90) in the tournaments. That said, the book is full of insight into the PGA and the enormous effort it takes to qualify for "the show". Mr. Coyne is an excellent and oftentimes very funny writer who finishes his story on a high note.
   
   This book would make an excellent gift for the golf fanatic in the family!

5 comments about Freddie and Me: Life Lessons from Freddie Bennett, Augusta National's Legendary Caddie Master.

1. Tripp has created a wonderful collection of stories about the shaping of his life and a view of Augusta National from a caddies viewpoint. I personally knew many of the characters he writes about and Freddie and Me took me down memory lane in so many ways. I could not put it down. If you are a golfer or non golfer this one will hit home with you. I challenge you to be someone's mentor.



2. I loved this book. I was part of the visits to Cuthbert when Tripp came to see his Grandmother. The book allowed me to see another Tripp--not the one that sat on the porch and talked all night about everything--but the one that lived in a whole other world from Cuthbert. I think it was Freddie's influence that allowed Tripp to spend time in Cuthbert with "us country people" and never judge us. He loved us as we were, and we enjoyed being a part of watching him grow into the special guy he is. He touched the lives of so many young people in this rural area--with golf as well as other "life lessons". I can't wait for the next book. Great job, Tripp!



3. I bought this book as a gift for my grandson, but had to read it for myself. It's a wonderful book about life's lessons, written by an extremely gifted writer who learned those lessons from an unlikely mentor. With his written word Tripp gives you insight of a man who had true heart, soul and character. I believe Freddie Bennett passed those traits to Tripp Bowden as they made the journey. Thanks for a great book.



4. I'm not giving this book 5 stars because it took me zipping straight back to my childhood of tromping around the Augusta National, sidekick to my daddy, during the Masters.
   
   No, Freddie and Me earns 5 stars because it is a powerful reminder of the value of a mentor, someone who invests himself in helping another person reach his full potential, not only in the game of golf, but also in the game of life. We should all hope to be so blessed. But whether or not we are, we can live vicariously through Bowden, who experienced the mentorship of a lifetime, and all of the benefits included therein.
   
   Freddie and Me will leave you feeling envious and sentimental, and it will make you seach your soul. I highly recommend it, not just to golfers, not just to men, not just to natives of Augusta, but to anyone who ever wanted to know the secret to getting more out of life.
   
   Lucy Adams, author of If Mama Don't Laugh, It Ain't Funny



5. I'm more than a decade older than Tripp and from a different region of the country, but his stories nonetheless managed to take me back to a simpler and more enjoyable period of my life. It's too bad everyone couldn't have such a wise and kind mentor as Freddie was to Tripp; you can't help but think the world would be a better place. This is a book that can make you laugh out loud one minute and tear up the next and when you're finished you can only regret that you never had the chance to meet Freddie Bennett. I'm looking forward to Tripp's next writing endeavor.

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

1. As one of the greatest sportsmen of the last century, Bobby Jones deserves better than this slapdash mediocrity. The editing lacks rigour, the prose lacks lucidity and the golfing naivete is embarrassing.
   
   There is a reference to Sunningdale's 'demanding combination of precision and menace'. I wonder what that means. It seems that Willie Park Jnr designed Olympia Fields 'before he died'. Time and again Mr Frost fails to convey his thoughts: 'Bobby broke 80 for the first time at Inwood twice on the day he qualified'. 'Sixty-seven New Yorkers had died from the heat and Pop feared he might be the sixty-eighth'. 'Bobby had successfully defended an Amateur title for the first time since Jerry Travers did in 1913'.
   
   The author must have assumed in his readers a complete ignorance of the game's history. On page 360 we are told that Joyce Wethered 'could drive the ball as far as any man'. Is that so indeed? Augusta National GC presented RTJ with a grandfather clock - in 1930; Hagen formed a friendship with the future Edward VII; Eddie Lowery was 27 in 1927; Goodman was the second low amateur at the '29 US Open; Muirfield is inland; Cyril Tolley won the US Amateur; Compston beat Hagen 18 and 17 - over 36 holes.
   
   And to say Jones is portrayed as saintly is to understate the matter. When, for example, he glares at an unruly fan we are told that it is 'the only time he ever showed anger at a spectator'.
   
   It is tempting to conclude that Mr Frost is pinching a living. Some might say that he is not qualified to write about Jones, that he regards his readers with contempt. I believe this would be harsh. With his books on golf, Mr Frost has promoted interest not only in Jones but also in men like Hogan, Ouimet and Harvie Ward, and for that he should be applauded. My main objection is that he appears to write not out of compulsion but for money, that he is not a writer in the spirit of Herb Wind or Bernard Darwin, but more in the mould of John Feinstein or Rick Reilly; not a specialist but a jack of too many trades.



2. I just loved this book. Talking about the early days of
   golf in America and the golf experiences overseas was truly fascinating. I would recommend this book to anyone
   who plays golf. Learning about the early days of golf, the stars both amateur and professional, the tournaments played in and comparing golf today with golf in the early days in America was eye opening.



3. I always knew Bobby Jones was a golfing God. I just had no idea the emotional pain that accompanied an athlete competing at such a high level. He lost at least 12 pounds during every major competition. He once broke down and sobbed uncontrollably after a major win. Not only does Frost bring Jones to life, you can damn near smell his breath as well as anguish anguish over every lousy shot. Jones captured the hearts of the international public by being not just a great competitor, but by creating an image of an alter boy with a sword. I never knew Bobby Jones, but now I will always love him. Charles Clemans author, Harpo, War Survivor, Basketball Wizard.



4. I really enjoyed this book, the historical perspective is fascinating. Frost has a way with writing that makes you feel like you are member of the gallery.



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.

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've read the book and afterward the reviews here...first, the book is an inside view to the circumstances Daly has found himself in and the choices he has made as a result. He has described them to us as he saw/sees them. I am grateful for the opportunity to see someone elses perspective. Those are not my perspectives/circumstances/choices and not likely to become so. Interesting reading, nonetheless.
   
   Second, what surprised me was the level of judgment and preaching about and to Daly in some of the reviews. The guy tells us he is simply telling it like he sees it and not pulling any punches...it literally is what it is. There are those of us who tend toward the edges and will do so regardless of anyone else's desires or wishes, while most of us tend to hang around the middle. Daly lives his life on the edge and he has explained why. He hasn't asked for approval, he is simply showing us the view.



2. A wonderful glance into the remarkable and troubled life of an amazing golfer and a truly incredible man!
   
   John has always been my favorite golfer. I picked this book up due to a recommendation by a friend. I found that once I started reading I could not put the book down until it was finished.
   
   This book goes into the shortcomings and triumphs of the most diverse golfer that the game has ever seen. Some people love to hate John, and others would love to hang out with him. John shows that golfing is all about fun, it is a game and should be treated as such.
   
   It is fun to read about how John got his start in golf, the wins he has had over the years, and the charity he has shown others. There are also sad aspects of the book which go into the drinking, gambling and love life of a man who seems to searching for something that he will never find.
   
   I highly recommend this book to any sports enthusiast. It is a great read and will have you rolling on the floor at some of the hilarious anecdotes. Don't let this one go unread as you will regret it. John surly is an amazing guy.



3. 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.



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. 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!

5 comments about A Son of the Game: A Story of Golf, Going Home, and Sharing Life's Lessons.

1. For golfers age 17-70. James Dodson's best-selling memoir "Final Rounds" got me hooked years ago and now "A Son of the Game" follows his marvelous journey of familial renewal and the positive impact of the game upon family members. It takes us all back to where a love of the game finds its genesis for many American golfers. A lover of the game and all the courses at Pinehurst, I could not put it down. Dodson's smooth swing is exceeded only by his superb writing skills. Enjoy! John E. Cashwell



2. Like no other author Mr. Dodson captures the heart & soul of golf. Through his own experiences, and that of family and friends he brings the sport so many toil over for hours, a refreshing life and reality.
   
   More importantly he captures much more than the passion golfers have for this game, he tells the story of life which parallels the ups-and-downs this game show us so well.
   
   Great stuff Mr. Dodson!
   
   Thank you for another great read!



3. This is an excellent and enjoyable book. I previously read James Dodson's book about Ben Hogan and enjoyed his writing style, this is what caused me to pick up this book. I thourouly enjoyed this book and found myself reluctant to put it down. If you have a son or daughter and have taught them the game this will even mean more to you.
   
   I really wish James could have had some more time with Harvie Ward because I would love to read a book about him. It has always intriqued me about his talent and how he dissappeared into obscurity.
   
   If you are interested in golf, the history of golf and the people affected by the game, this book is for you.
   
   I highly recommend this book.



4. This book is not that great. The whole experience was bland and riddled with suburban angst. I regret buying this book.



5. A Son of the Game is an awesome read. perfectly befitting of the saying "the smaller the ball, the better the writing."
   
   The stories of Pinehurst are wonderfully told. I like about three million other people knew Harvie Ward. I was blessed to have him teach me golf as a teenager and adult. Jim tells his story wonderfully.

5 comments about Dream Golf: The Making of Bandon Dunes.

1. Really excellent account of the development of Bandon Dunes. I should have read more than the first 100 pages before actually going to Bandon Dunes and playing the three courses - that would have added even more pleasure to the three days I thoroughly enjoyed there.



2. If you play golf and want to get a flavor for the vision of how a destination like Bandon Dunes became a reality, this is a must read. Bandon is one, if not, the most special golf location in the world. I have played in Scotland and Ireland and Bandon has a purity that few other locations can replicate. It feels like it has been there for hundreds of years and the book explains how it came to be. You will not be disappointed.



3. I have not read this book, but my Dad is raving about it. He is reading it prior to his trip to Bandon Dunes and he has never thanked me more for a gift. For the golfer in your life who is impossible to shop for--this is the gift for them.



4. Fantastic story, very well written. A must read for not only golfers, but for environmentalist and landscape architects also.



5. This book is the perfect gift for your favorite golfer. Even non-golfers and golfers who don't normally read will enjoy this story of dream golf.