I Remember Ben Hogan: Personal Recollections and Revelations of Golf's Most Fascinating Legend from the People Who Knew Him Best

by Mike Towle

I Remember Ben Hogan"", by Mike Towle, is filled with personal recollections of golf's most famous legend by the people who knew him best. Dozens of Hogan's confidants, peers, partners, and apprentices candidly reveal their memories of and insights into ""the Hawk"". Included are more than one hundred original stories and observations.""

228 pages, Hardcover

First published March 1, 2000

Reviews

[Robert · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of several volumes in the Cumberland House "I Remember" series. Each is an anthology of reminiscences of those who personally knew the subject, in this instance Ben Hogan (August 13, 1912 - July 25, 1997), one of the greatest shotmakers and competitors in the history of professional golf. Mike Towle edited the material and contributed brief introductions to each chapter. When competing in a tournament ("at the office"), Hogan was unapproachable by anyone (including his beloved wife, Valerie) and by all accounts a shy and (with few exceptions) an inaccessible person in his private life, except to immediate family members, others whom he also respected and trusted, and...small children and dogs. One detail of his childhood perhaps helps to explain his personality in subsequent years: according to some accounts, his father committed suicide in young Ben's presence. Of course, it is impossible to know impact that tragic event had on Hogan's development. In his youth and early in his golf career, he had encounter severe financial problems and frustrations with his effort to win tournaments. However, when Hogan was comfortable with someone, he could relax and enjoy himself. Towle also notes that, when irritated or impatient, or when he felt his trust had been betrayed, Hogan was a formidable antagonist with a sharp tongue and a piercing glare.

[Brian123 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book, stories and lessons taught by Hogan that were passed on to people he knew