How do you write a full history of golf competition? The sheer number of years, and professional tours, and significant tournaments, make a comprehensive (yet readable) history virtually impossible. The professional men have four majors each year, and the women now have five. Beyond that, the USGA has run championships for amateurs dating back to the 1890s. And the team events: the Walker Cup, Solheim Cup, Ryder Cup, and Olympics … the list goes on and on.
There have been thousands of professional tournaments in the past century alone, but few are truly memorable, few have influenced—or even shaped—the very future of golf. That number is much smaller, perhaps 50. Tony Dear has researched the greatest competitions since the mid 1800s, and has found the 50 tournaments that best capture the history of pro golf, and that can explain the game and its development, to golfers and non-golfers alike.
Many people have heard of how Francis Ouimet’s victory in the 1913 U.S. Open helped to grow the game in America. Or Bobby Jones’ great amateur victories, including his Grand Slam in 1930. Readers may recall Nicklaus’ remarkable comeback in the 1986 Masters, and Tiger’s six consecutive USGA championships, all through rigorous match play. And the legendary duels, Watson against Nicklaus, Joyce Wethered against Glenna Collett, and Seve versus all comers. And then there are the great Ryder Cup battles: the War by the Shore in 1991, the Battle of Brookline in 1999, and the miracle at Medinah in 2012.
But there are many more performances that aren’t household memories (but should be), more that changed the rules of the game, more that announced the beginnings (or solidified the legacies) of legendary careers, more that created a new facet of pro golf. By focusing on the pivotal moments, this book lets readers dive deeper, and to develop a richer understanding of the game.
A former British PGA apprentice professional and member of the University of Liverpool golf team that played its home matches at Hoylake, TONY DEAR is an award-winning golf writer who has contributed to numerous publications on both sides of the Atlantic, including the New York Sun, Sports Illustrated, The Guardian, and Links Magazine. This is his sixth book, his two most recent being the Golfer’s Handbook and The Story of Golf in 50 Holes. Dear grew up near London, but has lived in the United States for 25 years, and now lives in Bellingham, Washington.
Honestly, I'm not such a super fan of golf that I would normally pick up a book on the topic. But this book by Craig J Gill is about so much more than golf! It's a fascinating, and also challenging, deep dive into the lives of Black caddies in the South. It's a book about American History, Black History, the South, White Supremacy, the human spirit, and factors driving societal change, as well as an entrée into the worlds of the premier golf clubs in the South. This is such a valuable and deeply researched book, and I highly recommend it to anyone even vaguely interested in golf, or those who want to learn more about the complexity of America.
Caddying On the Color Line
Justin Tobe
Wonderful addition to any golfer’s book collection
Great content and photographs, quick shipping, wonderful addition to any golf book collection, especially those who love Seth Raynor courses
The Golf Courses of Seth Raynor
Mitch Laurance
When Admiration Comes
One of the most moving, heartbreaking yet inspiring books I've ever read. Jim Hartsell bares his soul in a beautifully written journey from family tragedy to acceptance to grace, through the lens of Scottish golf and friendships. If you're a golfer, you'll get it all immediately. If you're simply a human being, you'll be grateful for a writer of Jim's caliber, who's able to convey so many universal challenges and qualities along his own path to Redemption. I'd give When Revelation Comes a hundred stars if I could.
When Revelation Comes
Gonzalo Herrera
Caddying on the color line is a must read if you like golf and want to understand one of its key elements.
Well written, well researched, it touches upon sensitive topics with a good description of societal issues of the 20th century.
I really enjoyed the read!
Back Nine Press
James Masserio
A complete history of one of the most talented golf architects in America, and many great photographs of the courses he created.
