The Masters: A Hole-by-Hole History of America's Golf Classic

by David Sowell

“An entertaining read that enthusiasts will enjoy.” — Library Journal Revered as the most prestigious tournament in golf, the Masters commands international attention, even among nongolfers. The first and second editions of  The A Hole-by-Hole History of America’s Golf Classic took the unique approach of tackling Augusta National hole by hole. Each hole had its own chapter, with colorful stories on the greatest shots, biggest disasters, and most amazing events that took place on each.

David Sowell returns to Augusta now with the third edition of The Masters , adding more history and updating each hole with additional stories of greatness and tales of woe for a new generation of golfers led by Jordan Spieth, Rory McIlroy, and Patrick Reed, as well as from an older guard represented by Bubba Watson, Adam Scott, and Sergio García.

The legends of the Masters are in full force in this lively look at America’s golf classic. From Bobby Jones and Gene Sarazen to Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus to Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson to Bubba Watson and Jordan Spieth, all the greatest Masters moments of the greatest—and not so great—golfers are here in one book. This third edition provides a rich historical view of the course where success breeds legends and where failure can haunt even the most brilliant golfer’s career. 

Genres: Sports, History, Nonfiction

304 pages, Hardcover

First published March 1, 2003

Reviews

[Lance · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anyone with any level of interest in golf knows about the Masters tournament. Played on the course designed by Bobby Jones, it has been the site of many memorable shots, charges to a championship and the awarding of the green jacket to the winner of the prestigious even held every April. These memorable moments, both good and not-so-good, are captured in this excellent book by David Sowell.

Using a unique format in which the history of events that happened at each hole is described, Sowell will inform readers about golfers in every era. Just about any great golfer - course designer and founder Bobby Jones, Ben Hogan, Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, Tiger Woods, Jordan Spieth – will be mentioned on at least one of the holes. Whether it was a memorable eagle or birdie or the highest stroke total on one hole, 13 (“accomplished” three times, most notably by Sergio Garcia), the reader will enjoy reliving some memorable tournament moments.

The basic layout of each hole is described in great detail at the beginning of each chapter. A map of the hole, followed by a description of the layout starts the chapter. Other details such as pin placement, slope of the green and the fairway, and the shrubs or trees surrounding the fairway are also included. Between the detail of these layouts and the minutia of many of the famous shots made by players, the book is not a quick read but instead one that is best digested slowly. This detail also makes the book geared toward the avid golfer or fan. As a reader in this category, this information was very helpful for me to learn the complete history of the tourney and to understand just HOW some of those great shots were made. This book is recommended for readers who fall into this category.

I wish to thank University of Nebraska Press for providing a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.


https://sportsbookguy.blogspot.com/20...

[John Matthew IV · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book goes hole-by-hole around the Augusta National Golf Club. It is a very factful but dry play-by-play of memorable moments at each hole. Because it jumps around it is hard to follow. You can easily forget what you read by the time you turn the page.

It lacks a sense of warmth. The references to "front nine" and "back nine" or, worse, "front side" and "back side" are just not in the Masters coverage style guide.

There are some obvious errors like "V.J. Singh."

It covers a lot of history in a unique way but there are better books on the Masters.

p. 3) "Jones wanted the natural contours of the land to be dictate strategy of the holes. The fairways would be wide and quick, fairway and greenside bunkers would be kept to a minimum, and the greens would be large, undulating, and fast."

p. 56-7) "The fourth hole is considered to be one of the top par threes in golf. It is believed that Jones and Alister MacKenzie fashioned the hole after the 11th hole at St. Andrews. The Old Course, which is considered by many to be the finest par-three hole in the game."

p. 163) In 1952, Sarazen withdrew after the 12th hole.

p. 167) Playing by the Rules: All the Rules of the Game, Complete with Memorable Rulings from Golf's Rich History.

p. 235) Davis Love III at the 16th in 1995: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PMq22...

[Ben · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unless you love the Masters golf tournament and spend 4 days in April each year glued to the tournament coverage, this book is not for you. However, if you are a fan and love everything about the tournament, this book offers a lot stories of historical shots, both good and bad, from each hole on the course. Many of the shots were ones I remember seeing live, while others I have seen in replays, and this book covers those moments and many others. In addition to the stories of famous shots, the book takes moments in each chapter to share other aspects of Augusta National, its charm and it’s traditions.

I liked this book because I love this tournament and know the course and it’s history very well. I can imagine someone without any prior knowledge of the Masters picking up this book and hating it. But for those who are fans of golf and love this prestigious tournament, you would probably enjoy this book as I did.

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this. The Masters is my favourites of the Golf Tournaments and I just love Augusta National it is such a beautiful course and they always manage to play it just as it always looks it best.

I know (especially being English) I am supposed to say The Open Championship because it is the oldest, but the Masters will always be my favourite.

I liked the lay out of this book, you got a nice bit of history as to how Augusta became a golf course to start you off and then hole by hole it went through them, going through any changes made to it and the highs and lows that happened on each hole. I do love how each hole is named after a different tree because it was originally a tree nursery. It went from the start in 1933 and covered up to the 2017 Masters.

4 stars. A really pleasant surprise how readable that was.

[daniel talsma · Rating 3 out of 5]

OK , far from great

A series of snapshots and anecdotes, no theme or narrative. But many of the anecdotes are compelling, so not a complete loss.

[CJ Saunders · Rating 5 out of 5]

The stuff of legends

[Matthew Stetz · Rating 3 out of 5]

Probably should have been 2 stars but because it was about Augusta National I give it 3. The stuff on the design and re-design of holes was good. Too much about random shot at the holes that didn’t have historical significance.

[Michael Webb · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty much what it says it is-stories and legends from each hole of America's premier golf course. Of no interest to non golf fans.

[Bob · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of cool history.