Feherty: The Remarkably Funny and Tragic Journey of Golf's David Feherty

by John Feinstein

The definitive biography of enigmatic golfer, commentator, and performer David Feherty—one of the most universally beloved figures in the game.

John Feinstein, who has spent four decades finding intriguing sports characters and narratives and turning them into classic books, chronicles the life and career of David Feherty. The two have known each other for years, beginning with Feinstein’s work on A Good Walk Spoiled, researched and written at a time when Feherty was an excellent player, who won five times in Europe and was on the '91 Ryder Cup team, but also a functioning alcoholic. In retirement from the game, Feherty has sobered up, while his golf world persona has only grown in stature. Feherty is now a grand ambassador for golf, a man who is feted by US Presidents and respected by every big name in the game.
 
Feinstein tells hilarious true tales about Feherty’s time in the limelight and interactions with stars such as Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy, Payne Stewart, and Seve Ballesteros. He also details Feherty’s struggles with alcoholism, the death of his son who was lost to addiction, and the highs and lows of Feherty’s marriages. Feinstein captures the human being behind the athlete, and his triumphant rebound as a golf commentator after his athletic career fell apart. Feherty is fall-down-funny, self-deprecating, and a lifelong underdog who has thrived as a commentator and television interview host, and most recently as a touring standup comic, using the difficult experiences of his life as a source for humor and understanding, which Feinstein mines with an expert’s touch.

Genres: Sports, Biography, Nonfiction

273 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 9, 2023

About the author

John Feinstein was an American sportswriter, author, and sports commentator.

Reviews

[Kasia · Rating 2 out of 5]

**ARC provided by publisher in exchange for an honest review**

I am not very into golf but I love biographies/memoirs detailing struggles with addiction so I decided to enter the giveaway of this this book. Unfortunately for me the biography of David Feherty is just an excuse to talk about high-level golf, all the past champions and controversies in golfing world. Everything is written for a golf enthusiasts so a casual golf watcher like me found it quite boring and unengaging. The fact that I am not the target audience obviously does not warrant a low-star rating - I am giving this book two stars because when its not boring, it is repetitive and for a biography it fails to really show David Feherty life.

Let's start with repetition - sometimes the same information is repeated twice within the same page, few sentences apart. The anecdotes about how David Fehery met his second wife or what he talked about with Tiger Woods are mentioned multiple times and every few pages you would read about different people saying that David's humor is off the wall, and that he is easy-going and self-deprecating. Using different people's opinions to tell you what kind of person Feherty is a nice addition to bigraphy but when it replace the effort to actually show it it comes acros as lazy and not very convincing. Especially that all the people quoted in the book seems to be in close relationship with Feherty, author included.

When it comes to showing David Feherty life it does not do a good job either. First wife is only briefly mentioned as a bat-shit crazy without giving you any examples of what that really means. The struggles with alcoholism and vaguely described "drugs" are only a passing issue that flair up maybe two times in his life. The career is described as brillant and David Feherty is constantly praised by the author for everything. The controversy about deciding to join LIV and sportwashing money from Saudi Arabia is the only moment that shows David Feherty in bad light and maybe because of that I found it the most interesting. I wish author would dive into this issue a bit deeper. Overall this biography gives me a strong vibe of one buddy writing a story about his other good buddy with praise and friendship pouring out of the pages. It's a nice present for David Feherty but utterly boring for a casual not a huge golf fan reader like me.

The first half of this book also struggles to stick to a coherent timeline which I personally do not appreciate. Overall I did not enjoy this book however it was an ARC so final version of this book might still be better.

[Andrew · Rating 3 out of 5]

It’s really clear that Feinstein loves Feherty but this biography does not gloss over Feherty’s serious issues with addiction and the like. However, I thought the book was repetitive and really stretched out. I just don’t think there was enough there with Feherty’s life to make a full fledged biography. I love golf and I love Feherty and I like my fellow Dukie, Feinstein but this book was just a cut above average but if you love golf and Feherty you will enjoy.

[Lance · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sometimes the life of a celebrity, even those who were very popular in their media shows such as television or movies, is not well known. David Feherty could be considered to be one of those celebrities and this book by best selling sports author John Feinstein uncovers many aspects of the life of this golfer and television personality.

The overriding theme of the book is Feherty’s humor. Whether it was from his popular show on the Golf Channel (abruptly cancelled in 2020 during the height of the COVID pandemic) or from family members such as his second wife Anita, readers will not only learn about his funny side but will be laughing at his many jokes. A reader will also learn why Feherty uses his humor as he does and what makes him a person that so many will learn to overlook his shortcomings.

Wanting to become a professional golfer even though he was at best good, but not excellent, at the game as a youth, Feherty nonetheless achieved that goal and also had a small amount of success, but where he really made a name for himself in the sport was on television. Whether it was the aforementioned talk show, his reporting either on the ground with golfers or up in a tower or even as the subject of an interview himself, the personality of Feherty shines through in the book.

While I am a big fan of Feinstein’s books, this one didn’t quite have the same level of excellence that one finds in his other works, especially his golf books. While it is very good as a way for a reader to learn about Feherty, especially those who may not know much about him (as this reviewer), it gets repetitious at times and also seems to throw out opinions at inopportune times. This isn’t to say that there shouldn’t be any political or social commentary or opinions – they are just shown at some awkward times. This is not to take away from the overall enjoyment one gets from reading the book, just that this one wasn’t up the usual very high standards of a Feinstein book on golf.

Whether or not one watched his show, is a fan of golf, or just wants to read about a very interesting character, this book is one to pick up.

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

[Chaz · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting story and entertaining read but not one of Feinsteins better books. Could have really used a good dose of editing. The story jumps back in forth in time and there are MANY bits of redundant writing… stuff needlessly repeated over and over. This is not the caliber of “A Good Walk Spoiled” so if that’s what you’re looking for, keep looking.

[markpills · Rating 3 out of 5]

[published by Hachette Books] More than a tightly written sports biography, this is a twisted tale of money, golf, lost love, addiction, politics, humor, and how many of us have struggled since 2017; Feherty is funny, relatable, and flawed, for sure; but this book raises the question about his life following the sun on the journey of professional golfing: Q, would he have been better served to remain a regular bloke, high school dropout, Billy’s son, in Bangor County, Northern Ireland, born in the “troubles” than to chase the fame and riches he did by becoming a “successful” American citizen, at age 52? I liked Feherty, even when at times he was hard to like, but this is a complicated person who is evolving, even in his sixties, and now involved in the global golf organization called, LIV. I miss his longform, pre-podcast, TV interview show on Golf Channel, eponymous and exotic, as only David could conduct such a series of 150 shows. John Feinstein’s epilogue was used in 2022 as a classic, executive summary, and wrap-up for the previous 12 chapters, an obvious tool to assist the ADHD, largely male audience, for which this book was written. I have not read David’s autobiography, “A Nasty bit of Rough.” ##

[Augusto Rojas · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve gotten into golf the last few years, both playing it and watching it. I lived through so much golf history however I never really paid much attention to the game as much as I have the past 3 years. That being said I did know of David Feherty, I understood that he was funny and charismatic, but like many I didn’t know his story.

I decided to read this book because it looked interesting and I’m glad I did. It’s a fairly simple read, the author writes very well, it’s easy to follow, and of course it’s an amazing story, both funny and sad, and inspiring.

I’ve begun to listen to Feherty’s shows on Spotify as a result and enjoying each interview.

Thank you for writing this book, most importantly thank you Mr Feherty for sharing your life.

[Glen House · Rating 3 out of 5]

When I saw this book, I was really excited about reading it. I'm a big fan of David Feherty golf and have read many of John Feinstein's books in the past and enjoyed them. However, I'm disappointed with the writing. I enjoyed the subject matter and learned some things about David Feherty that made me consider giving this a 4-star rating. It was Feinstein's writing that lowered my rating of the book. Feinstein kept repeating himself throughout the book. As I was reading, I kept thinking that you've already told us this multiple times! I don't mind an author reiterating a point, but he does it so often it makes me think he was using filler because he didn't have more to write. The other thing that was annoying was that Feinstein kept inserting his own politics into the book. I don't care what your politics are and how you feel about certain politicians or what your stance is on issues. Stick to the subject and be an honest reporter. If you want to write a book about politics, then do so instead of trying to force your feelings upon the reader who is reading the book to learn more about the subject rather than your politics.

[Ryan Miller · Rating 2 out of 5]

It’s hard to differentiate a biography’s writing from its subject, but that’s what I’m doing here. David Feherty seems like a flawed yet wonderful man. And readers are told that repeatedly. Only in the last chapters, in selected quotes from his children, do we find any hints that there might be more to his story.

A biographer interested in telling a thorough story may have delved more deeply onto their remarks. A biographer interested in telling a thorough story may have talked to the unsympathetic characters who did not love the subject—like Colin Montgomerie and Feherty’s ex-wife. A biographer interested in telling a thorough story may have structured the story more clearly, so that anecdotes are not repeated.

I want to know more about Feherty, and I have greatly appreciated Feinstein’s writing in the past. But what this book told me is that there is an excellent biography about Feherty waiting to be told. It’s just not this one.

[GAllonFan1 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to the author, publisher and Net Galley for the ARC of this book.

I have been a big fan of Mr. Feinstein's books and most certainly his books on golf have been his best. His immense talent mixed with a truly unique and brilliant subject in Mr. Feherty lead to a wonderful book on the multi-talented golfer, announcer, and celebrity. The book shows that behind that very likeable exterior lies a complex story of a man dealing with some incredible demons. I highly recommend this book whether you like golf, sports or not. 5 - stars!!!

[Bookreporter.com Biography & Memoir · Rating 5 out of 5]

When prolific author John Feinstein selected David Feherty as the subject for his latest book, he probably had no inkling that the world of golf would be entering a tumultuous year. FEHERTY is a lighthearted yet poignant story of a man who achieved modest success as a golf pro and then skyrocketed to fame as a commentator and Renaissance man of the world. For both avid and casual fans of the sport, it is an affectionate and entertaining biography.

Because of the arcane rules in place, Feherty was required to qualify for the PGA Tour by playing in the grueling 90-hole Tour School tournament. He succeeded but then was forced to attend classes for all the golfers who had been awarded PGA Tour playing cards. One such class involved a media coach who explained to the aspiring young golfers how they should handle the media. Feherty slept through much of the presentation but at one point raised his hand and asked this question, which is quintessential David Feherty: “Is there something wrong with just telling the truth?”

The book is loaded with anecdotes from Feherty’s life. Feinstein is a brilliant writer and reporter, and the stories range from laugh-out-loud funny to moving. Feherty’s long-running talk show on Golf Channel included interviews with sports figures and presidents, and he had the uncanny ability to get even the most reluctant subjects to open up to him. Regardless of your level of enthusiasm for golf, you should take the time to watch some of these conversations. In many ways, they exhibit Feherty’s philosophy of life. It’s serious stuff, but it doesn’t need to be taken seriously.

Feinstein ends the book with Feherty’s recent switch from NBC to LIV. As a fan of his, I was upset by this decision. In his interviews with Feinstein, he says that he loves his job and doesn’t care about how much he’s paid. Yet moving to LIV was indeed a question of money. Even Feinstein, an exceptional reporter and perhaps one of the most knowledgeable sportswriters in the world, cannot make the LIV-PGA war anything other than what it is --- an acrimonious revenge-laced fight between two rich and powerful entities with the real losers being golf fans around the world.

Nevertheless, David Feherty has rightfully earned his spot as an iconic sports commentator. The triumphs and tragedies of his life have been handsomely chronicled by a truly accomplished writer who has produced another in a long line of sports masterpieces. This glorious portrait of a beloved sports figure whose life behind the cameras was a constant struggle is thoughtful, candid and balanced. You will enjoy reading it.

Reviewed by Stuart Shiffman

[Scott Nickels · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am a big, big fan of David Feherty. I am a big, big fan of John Feinstein. And, fortunately for me, I am ever so glad to have just finished reading Feinstein’s biography named, aptly, “ Feherty.” One can tell how much Feinstein likes David Feherty both as a private person as well as the television star played by…David Feherty! The book captures Feherty’s wonderful sense-of-humor that often translates to laugh-out-loud guffaws from my sofa. The book, sadly, captures much of the pain and anguish suffered by Feherty and Feherty’s wives and children due to his lifelong issues with addiction. One will go on that awful journey that culminates with the tragic death —due to addiction — of one of Feherty’s sons.
I very much appreciate being given the chance to read “Feherty” by NetGalley and the publisher. Oddly, since I have read several John Feinstein books in the past, this book had any number of repetitive sentences and/ or paragraphs that surprised me due to being used to Feinstein’s great writing style. He and his editor need to take another run-through to clean up those repetitions. The book feels stretched out and would be more enjoyable with a bit less. Also, since Feherty told Feinstein that no area, or people, were off-limits he may have chosen to dive deeper into specifics behind the many references to the “difficult” family times they all lived through interacting with David.
I recommend this book and gladly give it 4 stars.

[Joseph Trella · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was so disappointed. To be clear, I have really enjoyed Feinstein's work, and I am a huge fan Feherty (there has never been another golfer turned golf analyst, and there never will be). But this book does not do justice to David Feherty. Feinstein writes great books on topics (golf, Army v. Navy annual football game, etc), but as a biography, this book lacks depth. For example, Feherty's ex-wife is described as bat-shit crazy and that Feherty was living as a hostage in their marriage but there is nothing in the book about that marriage or the reasons that made Feherty feel that way (outside of what the ex said at their son's funeral but that is such a traumatic incident that it could be equated to intense grief). There is more about Feinstein's politics rather than Feherty's first marriage and his ex,-wife.

Also, the book repeats itself. The same stories and situations are repeated almost verbatim in different chapters. Even the description of Feherty is re-iterated time and time again and lacks depth or deep insight into how Feherty became Feherty. Finally, the book is scattered with tangent stories and plot lines inserted when it seemed like the book lost steam. The material presented was not meant to be for a book - maybe a series of long articles and the book does not justice to who David Feherty is. It really is a shame.

[M. Tenenbaum · Rating 3 out of 5]

I met Feherty many years ago when he was the celerity golfer in the Byron Nelson Pro-Am in Irving, TX. I would like to say I was a golfer in the foursome but at least I was a caddy for one of the amateurs. What a great guy! He not only chatted up the players but he didn't leave us caddies out.

So it was great to read more about him. I knew there were issues in his life but never knew the depth of it. I find myself wondering how much he was going through when I met him.

On the positive side, I still remember my several hours with him fondly. Mike Tirico of ESPN is quoted in the book mentioning Feherty as someone who once you've met him, you feel like you've met a good friend.

To this day, remembering my friend, I use a few of his golf euphemisms I learned in the foursome that day. On a very high shot he said "I wonder if that ball will burn up during re-entry?" On a putt he missed badly: "I read that like a Russian newspaper." On a very close missed putt, well, I need to keep this clean but let's say I still use it.

If you're a golf fan, this read is a good one.

[Gregory Thompson · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Fair Fable of Feherty by Feinstein

Feinstein is the go-to storyteller on all things golf so it is not surprising that he would undertake telling the story of David Feherty. He did a good job, as you would expect, and while the book is a very readable biography of the Irish golfer and commentator, the subject matter is not all that compelling (except for die hard golf fans). Feherty has led a life of many ups and downs, both personal and professional, and they are recounted in Feinstein's typically polished style. Unfortunately, being a funny guy in the button down world of the PGA Tour only gets you so far (although it does get you a big, fat LIV contract).

I was not expecting a Pulitzer Prize winning analysis of the man and I was not disappointed. There is a reason that Walter Isaacson did not write this book. All that said, it was an entertaining read for a golf fan and it did offer some insights into the world of network golf coverage. Sometimes, you get what you pay for, which is why I borrowed this book from the library.

[Brent Lloyd · Rating 3 out of 5]

David Feherty’s reputation and name in golf is unique, as a former golfer without a major title, he has nonetheless taken his charisma and charm and made himself into a figure indispensable to golf. Feinstein clearly has an affection for Feherty, which is what drives him to write this fun and honest biography. In many ways, the honesty of this biography, the troubles Feherty has dealt with and the realities of his life, is a refreshing look at someone who refuses to hide or shy away from his demons, instead recognizing and embracing them with a brutal honesty that is unique. At times, Feinstein definitely fawns over Feherty’s humor and personality, and it is clear that this book is something that will likely mean more to someone who is a golf fan and who is aware of Feherty as a television personality, as opposed to a casual golf fan such as myself. But as a light and breezy biography with humor and honesty, this is a solid read.

[Dennis Hogan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finished Feherty: The Remarkably Funny and Tragic Journey of Golf's David Feherty by John Feinstein, a new book about the retired gold professional and current TV golf broadcaster. Feinstein is the author of 42 books, 23 of them NY Times Bestseller including the 1995, A Good Walk Spoiled about the pressures of competing on the PGA Tour. Feherty is a fascinating guy, a wickedly funny guy who is nearly universally loved by the golf community. This book traces his life from humble beginnings in Northern Ireland amidst the sectarian fighting known as “The Troubles”,to his musical abilities, life as a golf professional and ultimately his Golf TV work for CBS, NBC, The Golf Channel and now the LIV tour. He became a US citizen in 2010 and has raised over 30 million dollars for his veterans charity. The book does not shy away from his struggles with drugs and alcohol.

[E · Rating 3 out of 5]

I appreciated Feinstein's candid look at this beloved figure in the golfing world. He does not shy away from Feherty's rampant alcoholism, but neither does he denigrate the man's incredible gifts, either. Gifts with the microphone, far more than with a five iron. John Feinstein knows absolutely everyone, and interviewed them for this book. It's a complete picture, despite the fact that there is some repetition (same quotes, same anecdotes appearing multiple times--I suppose a rushed edit?). The biggest tragedy of Feherty's life has been the death of his adult son, a man who faced many of the same demons as his father, and did not survive them. It hounds Feherty to this day via depression and the allure of the bottle. But Feherty presses on.

[Martha · Rating 5 out of 5]

My son introduced me to this book. Funny and endearing. There is so much more to David Feherty than I ever imagined. This story full of laughter and tears as you follow David from his birth home in Bangor, Northern Ireland to his life and work in America. The "Troubles" of Ireland in the 60's and 70's affected David his whole life. He found solace in golf when school did not hold his enthusiasm. Would you believe he almost became and opera singer? Lots of surprises with his turmoil in addiction, a bad marriage, redemption, friendship, fame and a loving family. A very human story. Whether you know him or not, read this book. Lots of insight into the nature of the golf industry too.

[Tom Gase · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have now read 32 books by John Feinstein. He is one of my all-time favorite writers, possibly top five ever. But this book was possibly the worst I've ever read by him. Very repetitive, this shouldn't have been a book. Maybe a long New Yorker article. It's about 230 pages but should have been 150 or less. David Feherty has lived an interesting life, but by the fifth chapter I felt I knew it all and the sixth chapter was repeating stuff. Feinstein does a great job of storytelling and getting the reader deep inside the daily life of the main subject, but halfway through the book I was kind of bored. The stuff at the end didn't even seem like it was about Feherty at all but instead the LIV. Avoid unless you are a die-hard Feinstein fan like myself and even then...avoid.

[Andy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Disappointing from both author and subject.

I've read about a dozen of Feinstein's books, and while he had many gifts as a storyteller, humor wasn't one of them. Telling Feherty's story requires somebody with a gift for snark. Many on this thread are critical of the repetition in the book too ... add one more to the list. Did anyone edit this?

David Feherty is hilarious. I've read a couple of his books, and I started this already knowing some of his story. But I wonder how the U.S. troops he so ardently supports feel about him boastfully taking millions to broadcast a Saudi-backed golf league? At least he's honest about why he jumped to LIV -- which is struggling for viewers -- but my opinion of him is lessened.

[Don Gorman · Rating 2 out of 5]

(2 1/2). I have been a Feinstein fan for ages. I knew a fair amount (as a certified golf nut) of Feherty's story prior to reading this, but this book really fills everything in. All the gory details, good and bad. David Feherty is kind of the Robin Williams for golf commentators, and that is a heavy burden to bear. This book fully explains it. I had to mark it down to two stars because Feinstein kept repeating so many things in different chapters. I know that is the editor's fault, but it demeans the overall reading experience. Lots of fun tales, glad I picked it up at the library. Pretty good stuff.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Having watched my fair share of Feherty shows and following golf the teensy bit that I do, I decided to pick this up when I saw it on my library’s ’quick picks’ display recently. Plus, John Feinstein. I definitely feel like I understand Feherty better now and his life’s struggles. I am amazed by his ability to entertain and make us all laugh while internally fighting to keep his personal demons at bay.
I found the content to be repetitive throughout and it was jarring because it happened so often. Otherwise, a quick read of interest for any golf fan. LIV is touched upon at the end although no discussion or afterword focused on the merger.

[Lucas · Rating 5 out of 5]

John Feinstein does a fantastic job to get the reader behind the scenes and into the life of David Feherty. His humor, his pain, and his addictions, all wrapped up into a book that is hard to put down.

A fan of Feherty's for as long as I can remember watching golf, this book brings a human touch, and a better understanding for who Feherty is and makes what he does and how he does it that much more special.

For any golf fan, or anyone that may have an addiction or knows someone who is, this is a must read.

[Bill · Rating 5 out of 5]

John Feinstein is a great writer and I always look forward to his books. So I picked this one up knowing I do have one thing in common with Mr. Feherty and it's staying sober one day at a time. For me it's been 34 and a half years and I'll root for Mr. Feherty to keep at it. I really enjoyed the book. Reading about Feherty's rise as a golfer, to his television career, was interesting. He's definitely had his ups and downs in his life. Good read, highly recommend it. I'm not much when it comes to book reviews but I enjoyed this book a lot.

[Bruce · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting biography of a very different golfer. Feherty’s life resembles those of many successful comedians: he had a challenging childhood (stable, intact family, but raised during “the Troubles” in Northern Ireland), as well as academic struggles, yet managed to overcome them and become famous and successful. Nonetheless, he continues to struggle with his demons; he’s celebrated for his wit and generosity, yet is racked with insecurity and guilt.

While I was already familiar with Feherty, I learned a great more about him, and (unlike many biographies) came away with admiration.

[Maureen Cronin · Rating 3 out of 5]

I agree with a few of the reviews here = seems we ALL love Feherty, but this book was very drawn out on the details or of what had been presented of Feherty's life and journey. There are times when material and events are followed along in order, but other times that the same scenarios are repeated and the time-line goes back and forth. While I do enjoy the stories about golf, Feherty's admirable career, and his actions that made him the star he really is, some of the back and forth could have been narrowed down a bit and it'd still be an interesting bio.

[Kirk LaPean · Rating 3 out of 5]

Couldn't pick a better topic to write about than David Feherty for the true golf fan, but somehow Feinstein seems to make it about himself. One rule when writing a biography, never input yourself into the story. Unfortunately, Feinstein's politics is so evident throughout the book. Additionally, through the entire book, Feinstein would repeat stories over and over. I kept feeling I was having deja vu. By following this format, Feinstein makes the story hard to follow. If the story wasn't about Feherty, I would give it two thumbs down, but instead, I am only giving it one.

[Lietke · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kudos to some of the new material in there, and talking to some people that were not mentioned prominently in Feherty's autobio a few years ago.

The thing that kept this book from being much better is that, similar to the last book I read from Feinstein, it is extremely repetitive. The exact same descriptions and some of the same scenarios are shared more than once. This was not used as a literary device, but frankly as lacking self (and external) editing. It as as though it was written and nobody read it prior to press.

[Alexander L. Buck · Rating 1 out of 5]

Love John Feinstein. Love David Feherty. The editing of this book has multiple anecdotes told twice or more throughout the book. They didn’t add or illuminate anything. Just made me feel that the editor must think I’m stupid and needs to wear me out about a particular point. I’ve never read a book edited this poorly. Ruined what is truly a remarkable story about a unique and spectacular talent and person from one of my favorite writers. Makes me sad to write this.

[Philip · Rating 3 out of 5]

The content of the book was excellent. The writing?!! Well Feinstein continually rewrites the same stuff. He is super repetitive. At one point I thought I had lost my place in the book because what I was reading was so familiar.

Are all of his books like this? There are some interesting topics he has written about but I don’t want to read, re-read, and re-re-read the same stuff in the same book