New Ben Hogan Book Review

I just had the opportunity to read Kris Tschetter’s new book Mr. Hogan, The Man I Knew, an autobiographical account of her relationship with Ben Hogan. The book reveals the man behind the gruff image often portrayed in the media, from the perspective of an LPGA golfer.

A little background. Kris Tschetter received a golf scholarship to play at Texas Christian University in the early 1980s. The university is located in the Dallas-Ft. Worth area where Hogan made his home. She and her brother received junior memberships at the Shady Oaks Country Club where Hogan was a member early in her college career. It was there that she ultimately befriended Hogan.

Hogan, Mr. Hogan as he is referred to by Tschetter, became her mentor and coach, and they ultimately became very close, as did their families. Tschetter reveals a side of the man that virtually no one was aware of, particularly his charitable side and his care for children. She also confirms his desire for privacy and his methodical demeanor.

As my own career as a golf instructor has evolved, I have become more and more fascinated by Hogan due to his success, particularly after his near fatal car accident. Tschetter’s book reveals that Hogan was indeed human, and not just a ball striking machine. He won his many tournaments by outworking and being better prepared than his competitors. It is clear that he could have likely won many more championships and major championships had it not been for the accident. His injuries not just to his legs and hips were devastating, but he also received a head injury that damaged his eyesight. His ability to overcome these injuries and go on to win several more major championships is simply awe inspiring.

As an instructor, what I take away most from the book are the golf course management lessons that Hogan gave to Tschetter. He actually did not stress swinging the golf club a particular way to her. With all the instructors out there who try to copy Hogan’s swing and his teachings, he never felt that his way was the best way. His swing simply worked for him. In the book, there is actually a passage where Tschetter is complaining about her inside takeaway. Hogan replies that she should not focus on that much, and he refers to Ray Floyd’s swing, since he had just won the U.S. Open at Shinnecock. Hogan simply stressed being in the right position just through impact. If you could get that right, chances are, you have made good contact with the ball. I can relate, because I have a similar type of takeaway.

After reading this book, I have concluded that it will be one of the best golf related books for years to come. The information in the book is extremely valuable from the perspective of a golf instructor and any golfer who wants to improve their game. There are no secrets! Becoming a great golfer requires hard work and patience along with a solid foundation in the fundamentals. However, from the standpoint of providing a glimpse into the life of Ben Hogan, I think it is even more revealing. The man clearly should be admired as a person, rather than just a legendary golfer, and Tschetter does an excellent job in uncovering the truth behind the legend. I will be forever grateful for her contribution to the game!

Scott Cole
www.scottcolegolf.com
www.onlinegolfswingcoach.com