5 comments about Fred Couples.

1. Fred Couples is a fantastic golfer and an interesting person. This book doesn't even come close to telling the life story of this facinating individual. Way toooooo much play-by-play of tooooooo many mediocre golf tournaments.



2. I'm not a golfer, but I was interested in Fred's life story, and that part was interesting, but the pages and pages of each shot of a tournament was boring to a non-golfer. I got what I wanted, the human side.



3. This book was similar to any par four played: average drive down the middle, with an average approach shot thirty feet from the pin. The birdie putt slid by two inches on the left. Putted in for par. An adamant Couples fan, I probably had higher expectations about a really good read about my favorite player. Learned alot about him, but style left me weary. Shot after shot description of each tournament left me tired. Not bad though overall. Anything on Freddie is appreciated!



4. I have always been a big fan of Freddy, this book explained his issues in a more concise way than I had previously thought they occurred. I highly recommend this book, whether your a fan of Fred or not, it provides an insight into the rigors of a golf professional.



5. The book was ok. If you're a Couples fan you probably know most of what you're going to read already. In some regards the author made Deborah out to be a little more "cartoonish' than she probably was. Would've like a little more depth rather than just remembrances of golf tournaments past.

5 comments about The Feeling of Greatness: The Moe Norman Story.

1. This book is easy to read and gives us a good look at Moe's life. He was a showman, shy, unpredictible but I think his extreme sensitivity hurt him the most. One of my business associates was playing golf here in Kitchener and Moe was playing six balls at once behind him. He said all six balls would land within a three foot diameter. This is December 2007, There are people here asking about Moe Norman. They plan on shooting a movie about him in the spring. Todd Graves will teach the main actor how to swing like Moe. The screen play will be written by the same person that wrote "Rainman"



2. As recently as 10 years ago, Moe's Norman's very existence was considered apocryphal. A few American golf pros, Paul Azinger and Lee Trevino come to mind, told stories about an eccentric Canadian with a strange swing so accurate he could stand on a driving range and hit the 250 yard sign repeatedly with his driver. Or they told of the time he hit three balls off the tee that were later found huddled together like mushrooms in the middle of the fairway. Then there's the time that, upon hearing someone in the gallery say he was a poor putter, he proceeded to hit a hole-in-one, boasting "I guess I won't be putting today." They said he was so good that if a hole called for a 3-wood and an 8- iron, he'd play it 8-iron/3-wood just to keep it interesting. The stories always held the not-so- subtle claim that if Norman had played the US tour, no one would have ever heard of Jack Nicklaus.

   But nobody had seen him recently. He was a ghost. Finally, in 1995, Golf Digest ran a cover story that brought Moe and his strange swing back to life. By that time he had become the poster boy for a new golf movement called Natural Golf, and the leaders of that company were splashing Moe's image around as much as they could. This biography soon followed.

   Fortunately, readers of "The Feeling of Greatness" will discover not an advertising piece, but a balanced look at a complicated man. Because of a childhood head injury, or perhaps just because genetics occasionally breeds the strange and unusual, Moe Norman represents obsessive-compulsion applied to golf. He is described as golf's "Rain Man", a savant-like creature of habit who found solace in striking golf balls -- hundreds a day for thousands of days -- but who was so shy, he wouldn't appear at awards ceremonies. He muttered a continuous stream-of-consciousness monologue and played so quickly that he often struck his shot before his partner had pulled his tee out of the ground. He never paused over putts, but rather hit them in full stride. He was not your typical golf pro.

   However, while he was very successful on the Canadian tours of the 50s and 60s, he was a flop on the US PGA tour and, in fact, was reprimanded by fellow pros for boorish behavior. The book is honest enough to make it clear that any notion of his tearing up the US tour if only given a fair chance is just false. While he is generally regarded as one of the finest ball strikers of all time, he never came to terms with the real scoring clubs in his bag - his wedge and putter. In the end, Moe Norman was most at home on the driving range, where he gives impressive demonstrations to this day.




3. Having lived in the North Florida town where Moe and Craig Shankland give golf clinics every Wednesday of the winter, I have watched Moe in action many times, continually to my amazement. One day, during my 1000 balls a day stint, Moe gave me a lesson I will never forget. He's wonderful. I only wish the jerks on the tour could have accepted his idiosyncracies and made him feel comfortable out there. But who wants to make someone who can beat the pants off you feel comfortable?



4. This is a great story of a relatively unknown personality who could not be a part of the "system". His whole life is unconventional; however, his golf is exceptional. An upolished man, Moe Norman never achieved PGA greatness in the US, but is a legend in the amateur ranks in Canada, owning 33 course records and several rounds shot in the 50's. I was fascinated by the many examples of his ball striking capabilities, like hitting over 1500 drives in one afternoon. Each one traveled over 220 yards and each was in a 30 yard wide fairway. The average golfer loves this story. A guy like you and me CAN hit the ball well! That is what we all want.



5. Moe Norman's incredible, tumultous life is thoroughly chronicled in this book, complete with photographs. If you use the natural golf system and are as passionate about it as I am (and most natural golfers are) you will thorougly enjoy this book. Conventianal golfers will also enjoy learning about Moe, the greatest ball striker ever. His life was full of ups and downs, and certainly was never dull!

5 comments about Afternoons with Mr. Hogan: A Boy, A Golfing Legend and the Lessons of a Lifetime.

1. Any novice golfer interested in developing a good swing eventually finds his way to Ben Hogan's "Five Lessons." That book, however terrific, provides little information about Hogan's life as a golfer and raises curiosity about a man that some have called "the Garbo of golf." "Afternoons with Mr. Hogan" provides insight into a golf legend from the point of view of a young man who worked for him for several years.
   
   This is indeed a "small" book - it doesn't pretend to be anything else - but the stories are interesting, unusually personal, and quite revealing. The author clearly has great respect and even love for Mr. Hogan, and presents vignettes that provide windows into the personality of an extraordinarily talented, driven, highly secretive man. Even the "secret" of Mr. Hogan's swing is presented as an interesting story, rather than as a crucial tip that will unleash the latent PGA champ in all of us. (I suspect the "wrist cup" tip will be helpful primarily to those who have trouble controlling a hook, which was Mr. Hogan's main golfing issue for many years).
   
   In sum, Mr. Vasquez offers his book as no more and no less than a series of stories that might be of interest -- and most students of golf will find the stories interesting, educational, and touching in their sincerity. An enjoyable and rewarding read.



2. The 1 star reviews were written by a pitiful little man who has a personal vendetta against the author. If you read the review you understand it is an attack and not a reflection of the book material. The stories in the book are personal experience stories telling of the human side of Hogan. These stories have never appeared in print before. The reviewer is simply jealous of the experience as everyone in Ft. Worth, Texas well knows....sad that jealousy plays here...To see real reviews...go to WWW.JODYVASQUEZ.COM



3. Do not believe the low ratings on this book. I am a Hogan "Nut" and this was a great little book to get a refreshing glimpse of "The Man". I cannot remember the last time I laghed out loud when reading a book, but I did in several places while reading "Afternoons with Mr. Hogan". This book is written by a person who saw Ben Hogan in a very different setting, ie. as a caddie and ball shagger. Mr. Vasquez treats his subject with respect but not with the blind hero worship that sometimes accompany stories or books about Hogan.
   Buy this book and enjoy a refreshing and unique look at the man, Ben Hogan!!!



4. Not much here that hasn't already been written about Hogan, including the ?Secret? which is nothing more than a rehash of some old swing tips from years ago. I thought it was interesting that the author (a scratch golfer) never thought the ?Secret? was important enough to incorporate in his own swing, but now after 37 years he thinks it is ?book material?. In my opinion there isn't much to this book at all and it wasn?t very interesting. I watched Hogan hit shag balls and that was a lot more interesting than reading this book.



5. Not much here that hasn't already been written about Hogan. The so-called "Secret" is nothing more than a rehash of old swing tips that the author (a scratch golfer) apparently never thought was significant enough to incorporate in his own swing, but now after 37 years, believes is "book material". In my opinion, there isn't much to this book and it wasn't very interesting. I watched Hogan hit shag balls and that was a lot more interesting than reading this book.

4 comments about The Way of the Shark: Lessons on Golf, Business, and Life.

1. As a lifelong golfer and equally devoted reader of book about the game, I was somewhat curious about Norman's latest. After all, he's certainly out of the spotlight as a golfer so what's the purpose of this late-issue autobiography?
   
   Let's say this: if Greg Norman is your hero, if you worship the ground he walks on, then I suppose you will fine this effort...uh... awesome. For someone slightly more critical, I will say that the content is less-than-inspiring. During his years as the number one ranked golfer (and did that mean he was really the BEST, or simply one whose high finishes in run-of-the-mill events put him there) I was neutral toward Norman, and I still am. Sure, I thought he cut a dashing figure on the golf course, despite that rediculous hat, but there was always something a bit false about him. Perhaps, of course, that stems from his many failures in majors -- after all, if he was truly as bold and dynamic as he liked to portray himself, wouldn't he have won a great deal more?
   
   But I digress. The book is written in a most pedestrian style, perhaps designed to appeal to Australian teenagers who still have posters from the 1986 British Open still on their walls. Norman's version of his greatest defeat, at the hands of Nick Faldo in the 1996 Masters, tells us how he played beautifully for three days, but even before teeing off in the final round, he tells us that his "hands felt funny," telling caddie Tony Navarro, "It's going to be a long day." Well, it was a long day, as Norman blew a six shot lead to finish third. Hmmm... nerves never had a thing to do with the detonation?
   
   Greg Norman devotes a whole chapter to his befriending of young cancer victim Jamie Hutton at the Heritage and offers countless other examples of just what a splendid fellow he, Greg is. Still, if you're looking for any golf insight, it's just not here. The last two-thirds of the tome is Greg Norman tooting his own horn about his all-important "brand," his many business deals -- without his own money, of course -- and just what a little Donald Trump he's determined to be. All this is both tiresome and uninteresting. The constant crowing about his stellar character are, themselves a complete contradiction. Perhaps one of his "good friends" will one day mention the virtues of modesty. (And while it's none of my business, how does one dump his loyal wife of some 25 years to take up with Chris Evert?)
   
   I strongly suggest you pass.



2. 
   How unique, indeed refreshing it is to read a book by and about a professional athlete, unlike so many others past or current, who has achieved great success both in athletic competition and in the business world. In this volume that Greg Norman wrote with Donald T. Phillips, he shares the lessons he has learned thus far (he continues to compete on a limited basis) "in golf, business, and life." It is important to note that when writing a book as well as when preparing for a major tournament or conducting due diligence on a business opportunity, it makes sense to enlist the assistance of others who can provide the knowledge and experience needed to achieve success. I commend Norman on selecting Phillips -- who collaborated so well with Mike Krzyzewski on Leading with the Heart and also wrote Lincoln on Leadership and The Founding Fathers on Leadership - but there can be no doubt that the insights and, of equal importance, the "voice" in this book are Norman's.
   
   Others have their reasons for praising this book. Here are three of mine. First of all, Norman's candor. This was especially obvious when, in Chapter Twenty-Five, he discusses his final round at the 1996 Masters. I was in Virginia that Sunday on a business trip, playing a relaxed round of golf with a friend before a series of stressful meetings the following week. When we teed off, Norman had played the first several holes, well ahead of the field; after we completed the round, we were shocked to learn that he had not won the tournament. How could that be? Later, I saw a telecast of the news conference, one that many golfers would have avoided, responding to questions that many of them would have evaded. "I screwed up today. My thought pattern was good but my rhythm was off. My good shots weren't good enough and my bad shots were pitiful. And that's pretty much it. Just didn't have it today. I place all the blame on myself." Of course, he was grateful for the strong support he received from family members and friends as well as from Jack Nicklaus, Raymond Floyd, Fred Couples, and countless other players. Norman may have failed to win the Masters that year but at the same time demonstrated qualities of character which continue to earn respect and admiration for him, both on and off the course.
   
   I was also fascinated by all that he shares about his various business activities. He is a ferocious but principled competitor. Over the years, he and his associates have build a multi-national corporation focused around golf and the golf lifestyle (e.g. clothing, real estate, sporting goods, wines, gold course design, restaurants, and event management). Norman is an active and involved chairman and CEO of Great White Enterprises which now generates hundreds of millions of dollars in annual revenue. His approach to leadership and management in the business world seems exactly the same as when playing competitive golf: set ambitious goals, assemble the "best and brightest" people, rigorously prepare, keep ultimate objectives in mind while focusing on significant details, explore all appropriate opportunities, measure only what really matters, never confuse pride with arrogance, welcome constructive criticism, be resilient when circumstances require adjustment, and remain convinced of achieving success eventually, preferably ASAP. As Norman learned on the golf course, there are some pars that are as valuable as birdies, there are some hazards to be avoided even at the cost of a par, that there are sucker pin placements which require a "safe" shot, and that sometimes what seems to be a perfect putt simply won't go in the hole. In this book, Norman cites dozens of examples of comparable situations during his career as a corporate executive.
   
   Finally, I admire the humanity that Norman is willing to reveal so generously. For various reasons, many celebrity athletes are viewed as role models and even as icons. Over time, they become very protective of how they are perceived by the general public. (Joe DiMaggio is one example that comes immediately to mind.) In this instance, I am not referring to protection of privacy that I think is every person's right. Rather, I mean to suggest that it is rare that an athlete of Norman's stature and achievement is willing to discuss, even celebrate those in his life - over the years - whom he has most loved and most respected as well as those whose friendship he most appreciates. He recalls many fond moments, dark moments, lucky breaks, and other ingredients of his life and career thus far. Throughout the narrative, he gives full credit to those who have helped him but always assumes full responsibility for mistakes and failures of various kinds that he duly acknowledges.
   
   When concluding his book, Norman observes, "In golf, you can always shoot a lower score. In business, you can always make another buck. And in life, you can always become a better person. The next minute is the most important minute of your life. You are limited only by your imagination. Your dreams are the blueprint of reality."
   
   Really, this is not a "golf book" nor a "business book." Rather, it is a book about one man's pursuit of self-improvement and personal fulfillment while achieving success both in golf and in business. Greg Norman's journey continues, guided and informed by the lessons he has learned, lessons that can also be of substantial value to others who share his faith in what is possible and his determination to "go for it."



3. I LOVE Greg Norman and this book so far is AWESOME!!!! ANYTHING to do with him is AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!



4. Who is the greatest athlete Australia has ever produced? Arguably it is Greg Norman. He is certainly the most well known. He has won 91 golf tournaments around the world, including 20 PGA tournaments in the U.S. and 2 British Opens.
   
   Swimming and surfing were his original passions, but his mother's passion for golf captured young Norman as well, and after a stellar, but brief amateur career, he started as a golf professional trainee in 1975 for the magnificent sum of $38 per week--Australian!
   
   If Arnold Palmer pioneered the "go-for-broke" attitude in modern golf, then Greg Norman certainly picked up the mantle from him. That attitude on the golf course carried over into business, and even to the writing of this book. Norman is willing to share his perspectives on the good, the bad, and the ugly--when most would want to focus only on the good.
   
   You'll love his descriptions of his British Open victories (the good), his part in trying to start a World Tour which was quickly snuffed by the PGA Tour's response (the bad), and his meltdown on the final day of the Master's against Nick Faldo in 1996 when he lost a 6 shot lead and lost by 5 to finish third (the ugly). They are open and honest.
   
   Norman also does a wonderful job of describing the business side of golf. At this point only Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus have done a better job of parlaying golf talent into business success. And Norman's success in helping build the Cobra Golf franchise, as well as his thriving gold course design business, clothing lines, etc., all make for fascinating reading.
   
   Armchair Interviews says: Any golf aficionado will appreciate this book.

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

1. 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.



2. 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.




3. 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.



4. 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.

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.

5 comments about Discovering Donald Ross: The Architect and his Golf Courses.

1. I live in North Carolina, where Ross made his home--at least in the fall, winter, and spring. There's almost a holy reverence for the man around here but there's a lot of bluster and phoney-ness too. For example, there are plenty of clubs that say they have a Ross course when they have anything but. I remember a guy at a country club here telling me how fortunate they were to have an original Ross course. At the time, I didn't know any better and so I believed the dafty. I soon discovered that little of the original routing remained. Why? Because Trent Jones came in at some stage and pretty much blew the place to smithereens plus the large oak trees of which members are so fond had changed the original routing beyond recognition. And if you cut down those trees at that club, you're dead. Dead. The original course had a handful of trees.
   
   The beauty of Brad Klein's book is that it demystifies Ross while providing those with Ross courses a blueprint for renovation or restoration. It's a coffee table tome but it's much more than pretty pictures on coated paper. It's a thoroughly-researched thesis from someone with an advanced degree. It's also very well written and even passionate. Klein also resists the temptation to go PC, sensibly preferring to place Ross within the context of his time and place. Ross wasn't the greatest golf course architect (that's HS Colt) but Ross was a brilliant router; he understood the value of a golf course that everyone from the weekend hacker to the scratch man or woman could enjoy. Modern golf course architects need to make their courses easier, not harder. Take a look at one of the few remaining relatively untouched Ross courses. Which living golf course architect could make it better, or, more importantly, more enjoyable? On the 'real' Ross courses I've played, apart from Pinehurst #2, you have to work very hard to bag a lot of big numbers.
   
   Klein's book features details about the man and also discusses several of his courses. There's also a useful directory in the back. The book is also the story of one man's version of The American Dream. Ross arrived here pretty much penniless but managed to build a useful empire through hard work and some smart thinking. The book shows that Ross was a "Canny Scot" who knew how to promote himself and satisfy his clients. Nothing wrong with that. It's a happy story.
   
   It might have been tempting for Klein to get all cuddly with the group that calls itself The Donald Ross Society. I've met some members of said conglomerate, including one of its officers, and they are all a bit full of themselves. Klein mentions the society but it's very much his book, his thoughts, and his ideas. I like books with opinions and character. The book is respectful without being gushy and authoritative without being pompous.
   
   I hope that my buddy at the Donald Ross/Robert Trent Jones golf course that's currently under renovation reads Klein's book. He needs to. So too should anyone who is interested in golf course architecture and wants to know what a real Ross golf course looks like. Hint: it's rarely like Pinehurst #2.



2. Whereas Bahto in the Evangelist of Golf is focused on the National more and how it came to define C.B. MacDonald, Brad Klein produces a broad overview of Donald Ross and is less focused on any one aspect of his life and career as a golf designer.
   
   Donald Ross was the Henry Ford of golf design. Some 400 courses confirmed to his credit with, of course, Pinehurst being his crown achievement.
   
   I think this is a solid overview of Donald Ross in general, but I was hoping to really appreciate "why" his courses were so special. We get to understand that for Donald Ross, his routings and greens were some of his strong points. However, the Ross hole and green diagrams along with the course plans only convey so much about this. Yes, they're great but the text I feel isn't in depth enough to really bring out what's buried in the diagrams, plans and pics. Instead, we are exposed to tid bits of some of the more popular courses he's produced. There's an attempt to explain Ross strategies and golf design philosophy in chapter 7, but it's high level and general. I also don't quite grasp why chapter 7 wasn't placed sooner in this book. Maybe I was expecting too much on this. Indeed, this is not a "Confidential Guide" of Ross courses as John Conley states in his earlier review.
   
   At any rate, I think the strengths of this book lie within the quality production, tremendously thorough research (especially when it comes to how Ross did things), very good photographs (especially when it comes to before and after course pictures), and the historical perspective.
   
   The Pinehurst section is very interesting from a background and historical perspective, but you won't learn much about why the course is great.
   
   The renovation / restoration segment is also very informative. Some great pictures illustrate what can happen when proper care is given to a renovation / restoration effort.
   
   There's a nice comprehensive compilation list of Ross's courses, but unfortunately it won't help you figure out which one's you can play. Maybe in the next revision, Klein can indicate which courses are public vs. private. Even tracking back some of the courses within the book won't help either, as you're never too sure which one's are public or private.
   
   Overall, I'd recommend this volume in a heartbeat. Just don't have grand expectations about understanding what makes such and such a Ross course so great. Rather, view this work as a very good and thorough review of what was involved in being Ross the person, family man, hard working course designer, and creator of many great golf courses.



3. Brad Klein has done a superb job in this lavishly illustrarted story of Donald Ross,long recognized as one the original "founding fathers" of the golden era of golf architecture. While it shows dozens of courses in detail,it is much more than a picture book, since it tells the story of Ross right from his earliest days in Scotland. Klein weaves a very readable and interesting picture of the life and accomplishments of Donald Ross.

   The book is well named since it a wonderful journey of discovery. There are all kinds of new insights for even the Ross fans who thought they read everything about DJR. But it will hold the interest of any reader who loves to read about a rich, full life told well. About a man who left Scotland for America without enough money to buy his second meal but who worked so hard he became one of the best paid individuals in all of sports.

   And it is about a man who never forgot the meaning of family and his employees.

   Brad Klein's book is throughly researched, well written and shows a genuine love for golf and for one of the men who made it great. Mr Klein is on his way to join that list.

   John Purcell




4. There is little doubt of the time and effort it took to reasearch this phenominal book on one of Golf's Great Heroes.

   Author Brad Klein gives the reader a inside view of not only who Donald Ross was, what he represents to the game of Golf today, as well as a revealing throwback to an age gone by.

   Aerial photos, course diagrams, and other pertinent data show the reader just how much the game's playing grounds have changed, and the effort to hold on to their design critieria as was intended by this soft spoken man from the North of Scotland.

   I would highly suggest this book to all who love the game of Golf itself, as well as the courses of Donald Ross; and for those who love golf courses, in general.




5. In "Discovering Donald Ross," Bradley S. Klein has written a book which can be thumbed through and enjoyed as visual entertainment by the casual golfer/reader or closely studied by the ardent student of the old game. Left on the coffee table or the night stand to be used to fill precious spare minutes with golf-related dreaming, the photos and captions alone will captivate and enlighten the reader. Dr. Klein has revealed himself as a talented photo-journalist, equally comfortable telling the story of Donald Ross with pictures or with words. Be prepared to be educated while being entertained. Using wise delineation of chapter headings, Klein walks us through Ross' childhood, family life, and career to the ultimate reason for the book: the author's knowledge of and desire for preservation of classical, especially Donald Ross, golf courses. Anyone who has the blessing of playing one of Klein's cited courses will understand his devotion. Lovers of biography will be fascinated by Klein's stories of Ross' background and personality. History buffs will learn through clearly written text and old black-and-white photos the problems encountered in golf course constuction as well as the societal and economic limitations that Ross faced. Those who get caught up in beautifully photographed golf landscapes will be captivated by the visual journey from windswept Scottish links where Ross was weaned to America's varying terrain where Ross was to be so successful. Klein's book, like a Ross course, represents a value and pleasure for the user, whether casually approached or closely scrutinized.

2 comments about The Life and Work of Dr. Alister MacKenzie.

1. This is my third review after Bahto's "Evangelist of Golf" covering C.B. MacDonald, and Klein's "Discovering Donald Ross".
   
   Granted this book is smaller than either Bahto's or Klein's, but that's where the difference ends. This volume is just as strong as either of those two retrospectives.
   
   I would say this book is very well balanced between MacKenzie's personal history, the background to what went into MacKenzie's work (i.e. what was involved), and aspects unique to MacKenzie course design. There are also select hole reviews, diagrams, green and course plans to supplement all this. The photos are excellent as well and complement the text well I feel. You really get to "see" what MacKenzie's about (especially the bunkers I feel).
   
   This book resembles more Klein's "Discovering Donald Ross" in that it is not a "Confidential Guide" of sorts to MacKenzie's courses, eventhough Tom Doak is a heavy contributor to this book. It's also not as drawn out into the minutia details as Klein's book is. Doak's effort here gets more to the point of things without splitting hairs as much.
   
   I enjoyed the passages covering Cypress Point, but for that you'd be better off getting a copy of Shakelford's Cypress Point. There's also a pretty good review of the Australian courses (especially Royal Melbourne). Of course, there's more (Augusta among others) but those two stood out for me. But these are all high level reviews and point out certain strengths only. So don't expect to know so much about "how" to play them. Different ballgame for that I'm afraid and you won't find the answers here.
   
   Last but not least, there's a nice plan fold out of ... St.Andrews of course, where MacKenzie learned much about his craft and did much as well. You get to review the plan and appreciate MacKenzie even more. I'm glad this was placed at the end of this book.
   
   Can't go wrong with this volume. Best I've seen out there about MacKenzie. Get this and MacKenzie's "The Spirit of St.Andrews" and "Golf Architecture" and you'll know your MacKenzie. After that, hit Pasatiempo or another MacKenzie gem and get to appreciate all your homework.



2. A collaboration of love - not only for Dr. MacKenzie but the essential history of the game of golf. Insightful, textured prose combined with correspondence, primary architectural renderings by Dr. MacKenzie and photographs, this work is the finest published on his life,and his life's work. This book comes with my highest recommendation and should be an integral
   addition to every golf library.

3 comments about Cherry's Jubilee: Singin' And Swingin' Through Life With Dino And Frank, Arnie And Jack.

1. Don Cherry is one of our better vocalists: comfortable in the same links as Perry Como, Dean Martin, Bing Crosby and other top-notch performers.
   
   Speaking of links, Don has also served his time as a professional golfer.
   
   This book reflects the real talent and determination of this good ol' boy from Wichita Falls, Texas. Whether you are a fan of his music, his golf-swing ... or both ... you'll enjoy every page.
   
   Lots of attention grabbing references to some of the most popular names in entertainment are found here. Don knew all of them on a first-name basis and presents his various thoughts about them as "smooth-and-easy" as he handles a ballad.
   
   Don Cherry deserves a "standing ovation" for this perfectly constructed book.



2. Super great book. A lot of things happened in professional golf in the 60's and 70's. This book brings a accurate outlook. A great golfer that was over looked by the hughness of Palmer, Nicklaus and Player. Also the fact this great golfer had another profession. I can't think of another great golfer than had another profession where you could make a lot of money from their talent.
   Sincerely, Carl Welty



3. Don Cherry is the guy who has led the life you wish you could have. It's a terrific rags to riches story but with incredible and great stories along his journey. Don Cherry would have to be added to your fantasy list of people you'd like to have dinner with one day.
   
   I highly recommend this book - it's a great read for all ages.

5 comments about Payne Stewart: The Authorized Biography.

1. Hat's off to Tracey for her work in getting this together. Though lacking in specific details of his past behaivors enough is said to allow the reader to understand the change in his character once he accepted Christ. This book is not another Christian testimony. It contains the elements of a what makes a good man. We are all sinners and a perfect picture is not painted here. Payne was a great golfer and a great man that many could learn from. Then again, just act like you think Jesus would have and you will be close to the mark of Payne. Thank you for a great book Tracey.



2. I have recently finished the biography of payne stewart. It was one of the best books I have ever read. From start to finish of the book I was always interested.The best parts of the book is when it talks about all the tournaments he has been in and winning the U.S. open in 1999.



3. What an inspirational book based on the life of Payne Stewart. You could literally feel the love that Tracey had for Payne. No, I am sure that Payne wasn't a saint. Who of us is? But, he was a great man, a great father, and a great golfer who is sadly missed by thousands of his fans and followers.

   Payne was a devout Christian who was coming into his own. The scope of what his personal witnessing ministry could have become will now be tested in his death rather than his life. I know that it has served to strengthen my testimony and for that I will forever be indebted to Payne Stewart.

   Thanks Tracey and kids for sharing Payne with us!




4. This book is a must have book about the life and times of one of Golfs most flamboyunt golfer (the knickers) and the way Payne spoke his mind. I bought this book because Payne was one of my favorite golfers. This book was very intresting talked about the ups and downs of life on the PGA tour. I am glad that Payne relized that there is more to life than just golf. Family and relationship with God. This is a must have book.



5. this book was amazing. granted it could have been written a lot better, but it's understandable from the view thata his wife is writing this book shortly after his tragic death. tracey wrote well, but got a little boring here and there. other than that, this was great. i never knew the story of payne and his career untill i read this. it was truley a proof to me that he was a great father, husband, golfer, friend, and man. enjoy it!