Becky W. (kysmom02) reviewed on 3/30/2009 + 15 more book reviews

Helpful Score: 1

This really isn't a book that I would pick up to read. However, I really enjoyed it! I'm new to the game of golf, so none of the men in the book were immediately recognized. I have heard a few of these names associated with the game, but didn't know anything about them, or how they pursued the game of golf. Much of this book is a history lesson about the game of golf and how it changed as a result of a few individuals. Learning about these men was actually quite interesting. Harvie Ward was the comic, Ben Hogan the silent and reserved, Byron Nelson the friendly coach and Ken Venturi was the youngster. I truly enjoyed getting to know these men and what they each brought to the game of golf. Of the four, Ward's story was one of achievement, and the one that I enjoyed the most. He was wronged, yet did not point fingers and blame. He grew from the whole escapade and became a much better person for it. His story was inspirational.

Ultimately, the story tells about what is referred to as The Match. It was an informal eighteen hole round of golf played by the games top two amateurs, as seen by Eddie Lowery, and the top to pros, picked by George Coleman. Lowery and Coleman had a bet on this match and the foursome each had their own side bets. When all was said and done, the pros won by 1 stroke. What this proves is that during that time in history, the sport was predominately played by amateurs, though some held professional status. Nowadays, there wouldn't be any two amateurs who could play against any two pros and put up the same numbers. Many of the records that these 4 men set are still standing, and at the least, still talked about. The game as a whole is much different today than back when these men played the game. Back then it was about pride, score improvement and bettering oneself. Now, it's largely about the money and the endorsements.

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