I am going to make like Oprah for today's article and recommend a book for good casual reading about golf. This book includes some golf instruction, and a lot of interesting sidelines and information about a national golf treasure that you will find informative and interesting. Lastly, this book is chock full of life learning, altering and living experiences that all of us can relate to. I have just started this book and am recommending it because it is already so good. It is a fast and easy read and is chock full of great stories and life lessons. I can't wait to finish it, and I know will this week before the other three I am stuck in.
I received this book in a very unusual way. DJ rented a house for the week during the Masters. When we arrived and entered through the garage, a couple of sets of golf clubs in the center was proof our hosts were golfers. I went into the kitchen and proceeded to put my keys on the breakfast bar. There was a handwritten note and message from the owner to us. Picking up the letter revealed 'The Book' lying under it. After reading the notes about the house and places where to find things, etc., the note mentioned the book as being left as a present for DJ. The home owner noted that this copy was pre-release, and he got it from the author, a close friend, who inscribed a personal message to DJ. I read the introduction, and asked DJ if I could read it first, which he readily agreed to. He knows and likes the fact that in all books I read, I underline important points, then write references of page numbers and notes on the blank pages in the back of the book.
The title of the book is, Freddie and Me. The subtitle is, Life Lessons from Freddie Bennett, Augusta National's Legendary Caddy Master. So now you know the national golf treasure that you will learn interesting facts about. The Author is Tripp Bowden, copyright 2009 by him, and the publisher is Skyhorse Publishing, New York, NY. To give you some insight, the book reveals very early that Tripp's father is Freddie's medical doctor and personal friend. That's the tie in to their relationship.
The book contains 72 chapters, so with only 202 pages the chapters range in size of 1 to 3 pages, making for easy reading, especially when you have to put it down to go mow the grass or head to the club to play a quick nine. Each chapter is a short, insightful snippet of one memorable event or life altering observation. The book flows smoothly in chronological order and is humorous, serious and a great story of family and friends, the meaning of devotion, dedication and purpose of life.
Freddie and Me also has some golf instruction snippets that are simple and to the point as anything you will ever read or hear. Chapter 3 is titled, 'Night Crawlers and the Vardon Grip.' Freddie takes Tripp fishing. Freddie knows (from Tripp's father) that Tripp has no interest in playing golf. So, Freddie tactfully and ingeniously works into the conversation a question about why Tripp does not like golf. To which Tripp answers, 'It's a stupid game.' He then reveals that 'my Dad tried getting me interested in golf, but I wouldn't let him. I'd rather play soccer or fish Rae's Creek. My old man loved golf, and I hated how it took him away from me.' Chapter 3 ends with, 'We need to talk,' says Freddie, grabbing my fishing pole.
Chapter 4 is titled, 'My First Golf Lesson.' It starts off with Freddie making a statement that then leads into a question when he says,
'I know you said earlier you didn't like golf. But you also said you never gave it a chance. I'm not going to force you to play. This ain't about that. Just want to give you a chance. That cool?' I shrug my shoulders, nod my head. No way could I ever say NO to Freddie. And so, the golf lesson on gripping a golf club commences with the aid of their cane fishing poles, right there on the bank of one of the ponds on the Augusta National Par 3 course. The course where the traditional Par 3 tournament is played on Wednesday every year at the Masters.”
I have to at this point give you some golf instruction and will do it in the words and wisdom of Freddie.
'The secret, like all secrets, is simple. Grip it in the fingers, just like you would a baseball. That's where all the power hides.' (Note: this next sentence blew me away, and is what provoked me to pass on and recommend this book as great read.) 'And if anyone ever tells you to grip the SOB like a baby bird or a tube of toothpaste with the cap off, walk away —fast as you can.' Another great statement Freddie makes is about grip pressure. 'All right now, I want I want you to grip it tight enough to hold on to, but light enough to feel the nibble. (Remember, they are fishing) No more and no less.' Sounds something like how I talk about grip pressure. “Hold the club, Firm and Taut, but not tight and tense.” No baby bird or open toothpaste light grip baloney.”
Freddie and The Surge think alike.
Tripp wrote DJ a nice inscription on the first inside blank page.
'Have a wonderful Masters! I'm curious ' Who was the Freddie in your Life? All the Best, Tripp, 29 March 09
I know the Freddie(s) in my life'¦Do you know Yours?
Enjoy the read'¦
The Surge
P.S. Learn about the PPGS grip and more. Click here!