Ben Hogan

April 1, 2015

While there are many descriptors of Ben Hogan--imperious, cold, controlled, and controlling--in truth, modern golf is largely a footnote to the legendary golfer. Hogan (1912-97) was the standard for course management, practice, and attention to detail. His records, though surpassed by Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods, remain impressive. There are many previous works on the player, with Curt Sampson's Hogan being perhaps the most noteworthy, yet nearly all of those books focus on his competitive career. Debut author Scott, an employee of Hogan's club business for 13 years, does a credible job of sorting legend and reality. The author's experience is that the Hogan myth did not always match real-life. An introvert, Hogan strongly believed in letting his actions speak for themselves. However, when the occasion called for it, he could entertain with public speaking, be warm with children, and engaging with his employees. The player could also demonstrate kindness and generosity, though preferably behind a veil of anonymity. In an era when sports figures are handled by professional managers and publicists, there is much to be learned from Hogan. VERDICT Required reading for those who plan a career in sports, and, more importantly, their parents.

Copyright 2015 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.