The Caddie Who Knew Ben Hogan

Grade: A
Teacher’s Comments: Put this on your Christmas Gift list for the golfer in your life.

The Caddie Who Knew Ben Hogan is at once a tragedy, a mystery and a coming of age story about the summer that Ben Hogan came to play the Chicago Open at the Midlothian Country Club.

Narrating the novel is Jack Handey, a now-respected and elderly historian who, in the summer of 1946 worked as a caddie at the club. Invited to speak on the anniversary of Hogan’s appearance, Handey tells how he toted the bag for the legendary golfer and at the same time, reveals perhaps more than the club members wanted to know.

The plot of the novel involves the club pro, the daughter of a prominent club member, and of course, Hogan. As a 14-year-old caddie, Handy finds himself at the center of a whirlwind of events, including a tense match between Hogan and the club pro, Matt Alexander.

Author John Coyne, known for his horror novels, has written a novel of great gentleness, with more than a touch of the bittersweet. It is not a thriller, and yet I could not put it down, reading it in one sitting that reached far into the night.

I highly recommend this book.

Tiger’s New Swing: An Analysis of Tiger Woods’ New Swing Technique

Grade: C

In Tiger’s New Swing, John Andrisani, Golf MagazIne Senior Editor of Instruction takes a critical look at the swing changes that Tiger has made over the last couple of years. It’s an interesting book, and a quick read. But I’d suggest that you get your copy from the local library.

Since Tiger and Hank Haney aren’t exactly giving in-depth interviews about the swing, Andrisani relies on photos, interviews with former Tiger coaches and the help of some big name instructors. He breaks down the various components of Tiger’s swing—from grip to setup to backswing to finish—attempting to pinpoint exactly what has changed.  I’m not sure I can buy into all of his conclusions, though. For example, he says that Tiger has a more upright swing, which contradicts what I’ve heard other analyists say. For that reason, I can’t really give it a better grade than a “C.”

That said, the overall direction of the book seems to fit in with what I’ve heard others say: that Tiger is working on a swing that requires less timing and thus is less susceptible to breakdown.

For those looking to incorporate some of Tiger’s new techniques, Andrisani offers some tips and drills. It’s not really an instuction book, however.

However, if you DO want to imitate Tiger’s new swing, I’d suggest that you take a look at a book by his coach, Hank Haney: The Only Golf Lesson You’ll Ever Need: Easy Solutions to Problem Golf Swings

The Grand Slam : Bobby Jones, America, and the Story of Golf
By Mark Frost
Grade: A-
Teacher’s Comments: Not as good as Frost’s The Greatest Game, Grand Slam is still a great read.

Grand Slam is Mark Frost’s second foray into golf history, following on the heels of his successful book-turned-movie, The Greatest Game. Grand Slam is an accessible biography of golf immortal Bobby Jones, built around his 1930 decision to try to win all four majors (British and US Amateurs, British and US Opens) in a single season.

Like The Greatest Game, Grand Slam is a mix of social and golf history. Frost not only lays out Jones’ life, but also helps to illuminate the times in which he lived. However, I don’t think that it would appeal as much to the non-golf fan as The Greatest Game, for much more of the book is dedicated to play-by-play of Jones’ matches.

As with Jones’ life, there is an almost mystical quality to the book. Frost begins with a bolt of lightning that stikes the East Lake Country Club clubhouse. Lightning then strikes figuratively throughout the book, It is not until the end, though, that we learn the full import of the literal East Lake strike (though those already familiar with his life know the answer). Frost also takes us through Jones’ meditations on fate and destiny.

When reading about Jones, I never fail to wonder at the physical and mental toll that playing championship golf seemed to take of him. Major weight loss, stomach pains and debilitation accompanied each victory. Given that, I frankly wonder if he would be able to play at all under the media scrutiny that Tiger Woods faces today.

There also are other fascinating characters in the book, and a never ending supporting cast. Two of the most fascinating for me were women: Alexa Stirling and Joyce Wethered—both of whom, I think, deserve a biography of their own. These female amateurs were said to be the equal of nearly any man playing at the time.

UPDATE: I’ve added a review of the Plane Truth DVD

The Plane Truth for Golfers by Jim Hardy is the best instruction book I have ever read—bar none.

One of Golf Digest’s Top 50 Golf teachers, Hardy theorizes that there are two successful—but fundamentally different swing types: the one plane, and the two plane. The one plane is the swing of Ben Hogan and Sam Snead, while famous two-planers include Tom Watson and Hale Irwin.

Golf Courses of the World : 365 Days offers a year’s worth of the world’s best golf courses and holes. It not only has usual suspect—Pebble Beach, and St. Andrews—but also includes courses from such exotic locales as Indonesia, Nepal, Dubai, Kenya, and Brazil.

A feast for the eyes.