Ben Hogan: The Myths Everyone Knows, the Man No One Knew

by Tim Scott

Ben Hogan’s accomplishments on the golf course are the stuff of legends, but his life off it was exceedingly private. In this biography, author Tim Scott demonstrates why such public perception was not representative of Hogan’s personality, offering a firsthand glimpse into the famous golfer’s humor and sensitivity. Hogan wasn’t perfect, and many of his fine qualities were never made public until now, as Tim Scott shares his personal experience with Hogan as well as Hogan’s friends, family, and acquaintances. Along the way, a clearer picture emerges of Hogan as a man, a golfer, a friend, and a husband.

385 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 1, 2015

Reviews

[Dan Shonka · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very insightful book about the greatest striker of a golf ball that ever lived. What makes it so insightful is the fact that the author worked closely for and with Ben Hogan for about fifteen years. As a result, Tim Scott played multiple rounds with Mr. Hogan, and got to know a lot of people who also knew Hogan very well. The first part of the book is a well-written (but oft told) biography of Ben Hogan. His life from an early age forced him to overcome massively painful issues that would have absolutely broken most people. His laser-like focus and iron-willed determination is an amazing inspiration. The rest of the book is broken into themed anecdotes that illustrate to the reader sides of Mr. Hogan that very few people ever saw. As a "golfer" myself, the stories of his practice routine and quest for the perfect swing are almost beyond imagination. If Hogan had not been in a car crash that nearly killed him, he likely would have won so many more majors and tournaments. Guys like Jack Nicholas and Tiger Woods would merely be guys who played in Ben Hogan's shadow. I found this book enjoyable, informative and entertaining. I highly recommend it, especially for readers interested in golf.

[Taren Gesell · Rating 2 out of 5]

Repetitive. Very little structure. Gives Ben Hogan’s life story 12% of the way through the book then spends the rest of the book telling anecdotes and weird facts that go nowhere.

[LINDA · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found the information in this book very interesting. I'm an avid golfer but I did not know the story of Ben Hogan. The book is not particularly well written. It is not a strict biography. It attempts to address some of the myths that have been perpetuated about the character and personality of Ben Hogan.