The Greatest Course That Never Was

by J. Michael Veron

Book Overview

The decision to travel across the country to investigate one of the biggest stories in sports history, which all depends upon the testimony of a half-baked caddie, may jeopardize the promising legal career of a would-be writer.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1886947929
• ISBN13: 9781886947924
• Release Date: May 2001
• Publisher: Gale Cengage
• Length: 378 Pages
• Weight: 1.20 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.3" x 5.3" x 7.8"

Customer Reviews

Ace in the hole

From the time that I received this book (it was a gift from a fellow hack), I was skeptical as to whether or not Vernon could actually pull of a book entitled, "The Greatest Golf Course that Never Was" in a convincing fashion. To my satisfaction, Vernon succeeded in surprising me. Vernon tells a story that is enjoyable and, given the title and subject matter, not entirely implausible (despite being a work of fiction). Vernon writes to the reader, providing him with set-ups, without entirely giving the story away during the first half of the book. One of Vernon's strengths, in my opinion, is that he writes to his audience-golfers-well. I particularly enjoyed his periodic references to Tour professionals and history, both of the current and the not-so-current variety, such as a golfer nearly pulling a "Van de Velde." During the read I felt that Vernon might have overplayed the mystic element of the course for my taste, but found that the resolution of the book even softened that minor critique. I have recommended this book, as well as Vernon's "The Greatest Player Who Never Lived," to all of my golf buddies. Michael, may you find success in your quest to find a cure for the yips. I know many who suffer!

Worthy Sequel to Beau Stedman Chronicle

I found Veron's second work to be equally as captivating, entertaining and believable as the first.Taking right off where the previous novel left off, a young attorney now working within Bobby Jones' law firm receives mysterious communications from one who eventually identifies himself as Moonlight.Turns out this is a connection to Augusta and Jones and Roberts and Pebble Beach and Stedman, and even W.C. Fields.I have no problems as others with a hidden course being a possibility. It fits perfectly with Jones' desire for privacy and Roberts' power. Perfect place, on a military base, on ocean frontage. Easily could be preserved by the games' best as their own private refuge.The author's style is very comfortable, yet classy. No foul language which litters much of the other golf fiction and leaves a foul taste in my mouth even for well written golf plots otherwise. Besides a great read, there is I believe very good golf philosophy handed out, e.g. "Ya' see, lad, it's not 'bout how ya' swing, but whre ya' put the ball. That's what made Mr. Jones so great. Ya' never heard anyone say that a particular course favored Mr. Jones or was well-suited for his game. He studied every course he played to figure out the best way to play each hole. Mr. Hogan was the same way."

wonderful journey

once again, michael veron has written a story where you can just sit back and be taken through a series of events through the eyes of charley hunter. it is an incredibly easy read that allows you to share in the passion of an old caddie named "Moonlight" and his incredible entertwining with golf history. after reading the first book, i could not wait to read this one. i gave the first one to my brother and as soon as he finished it, my dad, who never reads, got a hold of it and could not put it down. guess what they are getting for father's day? if you are a golf lover, michael veron's books are must reads.

An Incredible Story

Charley Hunter, who uncovered Beau Stedman in "The Greatest Player Who Never Lived" is back and this time he hooks up with Moonlight McIntyre, an old caddie from Augusta National so Charley can tell the story of a secret golf course that was built by none other than the legendary golfer Bobby Jones. This book is fascinating in that you virtually go with Charley and Moonlight to find this golf course and experience the magic of the course as if you were there. It has mystery, intrigue, legal encounters, is loaded with golf history and has stories within the story. It even has a secret within the golf course! Even if you don't play golf, this book is so well written and the golf history blended in so well with the story that it becomes a believeable story that's almost real and thoroughly enjoyable. You can lose yourself in this story and when you get through reading it you feel like you've been a part of it. What an incredible story. Keep them coming!

Another birdie.

I loved Veron's Greatest Player Who Never Lived and quickly ordered The Greatest Course That Never Was to see if Veron would match his first, and spectacular novel. He succeeded in spades. Larger than the first, it was again a captivating read with Charley Hunter on the hunt for Augusta National's secret golf course, which was a brilliant plot to tie in Hunter and the legacy of Bobby Jones again.If you liked The Greatest Player, I would strongly recommend The Greatest Course.