Hogan: The Man Who Played for Glory

by Gene Gregston

Book Overview

Hogan: The Man Who Played for Glory is an authentic and griping book about a man who not only was the greatest golfer who fondled a seven iron, but who remains a thoroughly puzzling human being. This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0133924645
• ISBN13: 9780133924640
• Release Date: January 1978
• Publisher: Prentice Hall
• Length: 192 Pages
• Weight: 0.70 lbs.

Customer Reviews

A human story for the golfer

Most sports biographies have to generate human drama to support a sporting accomplishment. Hogan's story is a simple compelling rags to riches with a horrific accident thrown in, made accessible by the fact that Hogan had none of the attributes of a sporting star. He was small, and awkward physically, and abrasive in his demeanor. He accomodated his lifes challenges by developing a tough exterior and extraordinary will and work ethic. This book compresses his life's work into a telling set of events and the time surrounding them to reveal how a game like golf can be the stage for a human achievement. Hogan's game is hard work, and brains applied rigorously and relentlessly. The author tells this story both in prose and in an astute sporting analysis which reveals how the man overcame all his obstacles using the tools he had available to become the greatest golfer of his time. Whether one appreciates or understands the nuances of stroke counts, short iron play or not, the accomplishment of Hogan's rise from the wreckage of his mid career accident is told in a riveting way, delivered in the fewest strokes required to reach the conclusion.

Hogan

Ben Hogan is widely recognized as the greatest golfer of his day, and perhaps of all time. His tenacious, positive attitude, and his drve for success led him to win the "Triple Slam" in 1953 by taking the Masters and the U.S. and British Opens. But more than a giant in the golf circuit, Hogan is a man for all seasons. Gene Gregston, who covered Hogan for the press throughout his career, knows his history, his friends, his family, and his peers. Now, for the first time, he addresses all of them in this conclusive biography. He tells the story of "Bantam Ben's" life with a full appreciation of the drama and achievement of this remarkable sports figure. And what a story it is! Of a small man with an unorthodox swing who struggled for years before winning his first big tournament. Of a string of victories in sixty-eight major tournaments over an incredible thirteen years, climaxing with the "Triple Slam." Of the drama behind Hogan's four U.S. Opens, two P.G.A.'s, two Masters and a British Open. Of a miraculous recovery from a near-fatal auto accident which resulted in widespread speculation that he would never walk again, let alone play golf. Yet Hogan fought back courageously, going on to win his greatest victories. --- from book's back cover

I preferred this to Curt Sampson's biography

I had previously read pretty much everything I could find about Hogan, including Curt Sampson's recent biography. I picked up a copy of this much older work with low expectations and surprisingly found it totally enjoyable. It's full of little details that you won't find elsewhere. For the period of Hogan's career from the start through 1960 or so, it's invaluable. I've seen it criticized by more recent authors, but it certainly comes with ringing endorsements from the people who knew Hogan most intimately.

Hogan, as told by someone who knew and worked with him

Hogan was a taciturn straightforward person who scrapped to get out of poverty. This book tells his story with respect and without speculation. The facts of his life speak volumes. The analysis of his game is fascinating for the golfer and fan alike.

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