Jack Nicklaus: My Story

This 13 tape, that's right 13 tapes, collection is a truly one of a kind audio book, that I will hold onto for years to come and pass on to my children. Jack Nicklaus exemplifies every that golf stands for.

Reading the book was a great experience, however listening to it added even more to the already exciting and glamorous career that has spanned over 40 years. I enjoyed each and moment of the audio book.

One thing I think may have added even more to the recording would have been if the Golden Bear himself has done the reading. Overall this ranks as one of the great books I have reviewed so far!


Interesting, readable personal account, plenty of cliches   August 24, 1998
 1 out of 4 found this review helpful

Jack Nicklaus's reflections on his years in the golfing spotlight is a fascinating personal review of his years of success as a golfer, with somewhat less insight into Nicklaus as a businessman, father and husband. His successes and more famous failures are recorded with much description on his approach to the game, including the inestimable effort he put into building the game that made him the most successful golfer of all time. I particularly enjoyed the discussions of his approach and preparations for important tournaments including some he lost. He even touches on the near collapse of his business enterprises.

It's difficult to tell what Ken Bowden contributed to this book; certainly it wasn't much in the line of editing for style and originality. The book is full of cliches which may well tell a story about the plain old midwestern boy Jack is at heart, as he says. But there are too many examples ("my goose was cooked") to not get your attention, one way or another. And while most of the book was very readable, there were more than a few awkward sentences that could have stood some pruning.

Still, fans of Nicklaus and of golf should add this one to their reading list. It's (nearly) a hum-dinger!


if you are a real golf fan, you'll like this   August 8, 1997
the one-line summary says it all . . . for me, it provided a bit too much detail on various golf tournaments . . . would have wanted to see more on business side . . . also, it virtually elminated the last 10 years of his life . . . but a great gift item for a true golfing enthusiast


Good insight into Nicklaus' background and career   June 11, 1997
This book starts a little slow, and it takes awhile to get the feel of how it's written and where it's going. But once you get into it, the story becomes more compelling.What I liked most about this book is gaining the perspective on what Nicklaus' career has meant to the game. His achievements over the past 30 years are unparalled, clearly separating him from the rest of the pack. Once you've grasped Jack's amazing career, you then begin thinking about the recent emergence of Tiger Woods and can appreciate what it will take for him to top Jack's accomplishments. Jack's personality as all over this book. He can come off as aloof and somewhat opinionated with his views, but it's still enjoyable reading for the true golf enthusiast.