02/13/2017
Sportswriter Callahan (His Father’s Son: Earl and Tiger Woods), known for intimate portraits and insider perspectives, breezily floats from story to story across the life of legendary golfer Arnold Palmer, describing dashing Palmer’s enduring appeal from the moment he burst onto the new television screens of the 1950s. Callahan spent significant time interviewing Palmer before the golfing great’s September 2016 death, and readers will enjoy the author’s pointed questions and the Palmer’s amiable answers. Callahan then blends his own experiences, primary sources, copious interviews, and a thorough appendix to create a joyful, definitive biography. The contributions of Gary Player, part of the “Big Three” along with Palmer and Jack Nicklaus, are particularly insightful. The stories extend well beyond golf, including Palmer’s love of flying; his complex relationships with his father, aging star Ben Hogan; and friendships with the likes of Bob Hope, President Dwight Eisenhower, and Fred Rogers. Callahan shows obvious affection for Palmer, but he is not afraid to add his own takes on contentious topics such as Augusta National’s race policy, the oft-chilly Palmer-Nicklaus rivalry, and Palmer’s seminal partnership with agent Mark McCormack. Callahan successfully argues that Palmer’s seemingly charmed life included great difficulty even as he revolutionized golf. (Apr.)
At last, a major biography of one of golf's greatest legends.
Arnold Palmer changed golf--and sports--forever. The winner of more than 90 tournaments, including four Masters, the numbers on his resume don't do justice to the greatness of his achievements. Because Palmer wasn't just a golfer in the golden age of the sport, knocking heads with other greats like Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player--he also was one of the first sportsmen to understand the marketing possibilities of his, and all, sports. Forging an alliance with sports agent Mark McCormick, Palmer parlayed his brilliance on the course into deals and paydays previously unheard of, and paved the way for the multi-million dollar deals that are standard across all sports.
But no one ever ended up hating Palmer for being a businessman as much as a golfer--instead, he was beloved for his powerful hitting, his nerve on the greens, and his great relationships with fans, whose nickname for him (”the King”) was heartfelt.
When Palmer died, in 2016, it was front-page news across the country. Tom Callahan knew Palmer well for many years, and has assembled, here, a trove of anecdotes and great stories from all the key people in Palmer's life. Put together, the stories tell an extraordinary sports and human story, the definitive oral biography of one of the greatest golfers ever to play the game.
This book is perfect for any golf enthusiast, especially fathers or dads who love the sport.
It's a great gift for Father's Day or any occasion, and provides an inspirational and motivational look at one of the greatest golfers of all time.
HarperCollins 2024
At last, a major biography of one of golf's greatest legends.
Arnold Palmer changed golf--and sports--forever. The winner of more than 90 tournaments, including four Masters, the numbers on his resume don't do justice to the greatness of his achievements. Because Palmer wasn't just a golfer in the golden age of the sport, knocking heads with other greats like Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player--he also was one of the first sportsmen to understand the marketing possibilities of his, and all, sports. Forging an alliance with sports agent Mark McCormick, Palmer parlayed his brilliance on the course into deals and paydays previously unheard of, and paved the way for the multi-million dollar deals that are standard across all sports.
But no one ever ended up hating Palmer for being a businessman as much as a golfer--instead, he was beloved for his powerful hitting, his nerve on the greens, and his great relationships with fans, whose nickname for him (”the King”) was heartfelt.
When Palmer died, in 2016, it was front-page news across the country. Tom Callahan knew Palmer well for many years, and has assembled, here, a trove of anecdotes and great stories from all the key people in Palmer's life. Put together, the stories tell an extraordinary sports and human story, the definitive oral biography of one of the greatest golfers ever to play the game.
This book is perfect for any golf enthusiast, especially fathers or dads who love the sport.
It's a great gift for Father's Day or any occasion, and provides an inspirational and motivational look at one of the greatest golfers of all time.
HarperCollins 2024
Editorial Reviews
Product Details
BN ID: | 2940173541000 |
---|---|
Publisher: | HarperCollins |
Publication date: | 04/04/2017 |
Edition description: | Unabridged |