Ben Hogan: The Myths Everyone Knows, the Man No One Knew

by Tim Scott

Overview

Ben Hogan’s accomplishments on the golf course are the stuff of legends, but his life off it was exceedingly private. In this biography, author Tim Scott demonstrates why such public perception was not representative of Hogan’s personality, offering a firsthand glimpse into the famous golfer’s humor and sensitivity. Hogan wasn’t perfect, and many of his fine qualities were never made public until now, as Tim Scott shares his personal experience with Hogan as well as Hogan’s friends, family, and acquaintances. Along the way, a clearer picture emerges of Hogan as a man, a golfer, a friend, and a husband.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781629370965
Publisher:	Triumph Books
Publication date:	04/01/2015
Edition description:	None
Pages:	384
Product dimensions:	6.30(w) x 9.10(h) x 1.30(d)

About the Author

Tim Scott worked at the AMF Ben Hogan Company from 1969 to 1982. During his last eight years at the company he was the vice president of sales and marketing, a position that allowed him to work closely with Ben Hogan. Scott is a graduate of DePauw University and The Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth. He and his family and reside in Fort Worth, Texas.

Table of Contents

Foreword ix

Acknowledgements xi

Introduction xvii

1 Hogan - Character Tough 1

2 Contributing to His Public Image 49

3 Hogan's Character 60

4 The Mind of Ben Hogan 73

5 Hogan's Meticulousness 81

6 Hogan Turned Inward - Respect 95

7 The Ben Hogan Company 102

8 Hogan Speeches/Honesty 117

Lyne Price's Retirement Toast 130

9 The Kinder, Gentler Ben Hogan 137

The Gentleman 152

Max, Duffer and Buster 155

"Toofies" - The Grandfatherly Ben 159

10 Pic & Marvin 167

Henry Picard 169

Marvin Leonard 175

11 Sense of Humor and Notable One-Liners 185

12 When First Meeting Ben Hogan 194

Presence on the Golf Course 198

13 Ben Hogan With a Golf Club - I Wouldn't Have Believed It Myself 215

Legend Shaft Commercial 219

Apex Ball Commercial 222

Hogan & His Shag Boys 228

Hogan Putting 234

14 Ben Hogan's U.S. National Open Victories: When is a National Open Not a National Open?? 248

15 Hogan's "Secret" 269

16 Reverence for The Game of Golf and Contribution to Golf & Professional Athletes 298

Appendix: Ben Hogan's Golf Records & Accomplishments 320

Credits/Sources by Chapter/Sub-Chapter 331

Editorial Reviews

04/01/2015
While there are many descriptors of Ben Hogan—imperious, cold, controlled, and controlling—in truth, modern golf is largely a footnote to the legendary golfer. Hogan (1912–97) was the standard for course management, practice, and attention to detail. His records, though surpassed by Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods, remain impressive. There are many previous works on the player, with Curt Sampson's Hogan being perhaps the most noteworthy, yet nearly all of those books focus on his competitive career. Debut author Scott, an employee of Hogan's club business for 13 years, does a credible job of sorting legend and reality. The author's experience is that the Hogan myth did not always match real-life. An introvert, Hogan strongly believed in letting his actions speak for themselves. However, when the occasion called for it, he could entertain with public speaking, be warm with children, and engaging with his employees. The player could also demonstrate kindness and generosity, though preferably behind a veil of anonymity. In an era when sports figures are handled by professional managers and publicists, there is much to be learned from Hogan. VERDICT Required reading for those who plan a career in sports, and, more importantly, their parents.

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