Weaving the stories of Francis Ouimet and Harry Vardon to create his narrative, Mark Frost has crafted a uniquely involving, intimate epic; equal parts sports biography, sweeping social history, and emotional human drama. Francis Ouimet and Harry Vardon came from different worlds and different generation, but their passion for golf set them on parallel paths that would collide in the greatest match their sport had ever known. Through hard work, courage, and determination, Vardon had escaped a hopeless life of poverty in Britain to achieve universal recognition as the greatest champion in the game's long and storied history. Ouimet, a virtual unknown from Massachusetts, was only three years removed from his youthful career as a lowly caddie. He worshiped Vardon, a man twice his age, innovator of the modern grip and swing, daring only to dream of following in his hero's footsteps. These two unlikely opponents finally came together in their legendary battle at the 1913 U.S. Open. The world's reaction to its remarkable drama and heart-stopping climax gave rise to the sport of golf as we know it today.Now a major motion picture!Customer Review: People You Really Care About
Right now, I'd rank this third among the best sports books I've ever read, and I've enjoyed quite a few of them over the years. I loved this book because it got me so involved with the main characters. Author Mark Frost really makes you care about Francis Ouimet, his 10-year-old caddy Eddie Lowery and chief golf opponent Harry Vardon. All of them are fantastically interesting people and Frost is like a great artist painting their portraits. The story is written so well that even though I knew what happened in the climactic 1913 U.S. Open tournament, I will still a nervous wreck reading about it. That's the mark of good writer, to still make it fascinating and tense even when the reader knows the final result! Years after reading this, the exploits of three people mentioned above, and a few others, are still vividly in my mind. The human interest angles are what make this a great, great sports book. It's the same winning formula that me love Laura Hillenbrand's "Seabiscuit" and Jack Cavanaugh's "Tunney." Like those above, this is a book I would glady read a second time. It's filled with unforgettable moments and truly good people who transcend their sports accomplishments. Meanwhile, Frost has gone to write several other best-selling golf books but this first effort will tough to top.
Customer Review: Amazing
Short review. This is one of the best books I've ever had the pleasure to read. A complete masterpiece.
