For Trial and Triumphs

​

“Read Trials and Triumphs of Golf’s Greatest Champions as it delves into much more than the surface history of these famous golfers, detailing the obstacles and struggles with which they all had to deal.”—Tom Watson, member of the World Golf Hall of Fame, winner of eight major championships

 

“Trials and Triumphs is the perfect affirmation of what makes golf the greatest game of all—overcoming odds and adversities to achieve greatness. As you will see, there is no other way!”—Jim Nantz, CBS Sports

 

“Anyone who appreciates the cosmic connection between golf’s seen and unseen worlds understands that success is inextricably linked to the player’s ability—and determination—to overcome adversity in whatever form it comes. In this way, the game really is a lively microcosm of life, a human principle brilliantly reinforced in Lyle Slovick’s outstanding new book Trials and Triumphs of Golf’s Greatest Champions. As both fan and historian, I admire how he’s adroitly chosen examples of courage and determination under fire that link us all to the giants of the game, presenting a very important message about golf’s greatest, if rarely explored, gift—a refiner’s fire that reveals and sometimes elevates the inner man. This is a book to read slowly and savior—and even meditate upon.”—James Dodson, author of USGA Book Award winners Ben Hogan: An American Life and American Triumvirate: Sam Snead, Byron Nelson, Ben Hogan, and the Modern Age of Golf

 

“Here we have a unique instruction book on golf. It doesn’t try to cure the slice. Instead, it provides an array of inspirational stories about some of the game’s heroes.”—Dan Jenkins, Golf Digest columnist, author of Semi-Tough and Dead Solid Perfect

 

“Lyle Slovick points out many of the hardships my father faced in trying to fulfill his dream. All he wanted to do was to play the game of golf on an equal field.”—Charles Sifford, Jr., son of golfing great Charlie Sifford

 

“Lyle Slovick has a fine sense of the human condition and in this book brings it to an ever-fascinating subject, the will of an individual to overcome formidable roadblocks and succeed in a very difficult game. Well done!”—Al Barkow, former editor of Golf Magazine, author of USGA Book Award winner Gettin’ to the Dance Floor: An Oral History of American Golf

 

“Why is golf one of our greatest games? Because it tests us—our patience, persistence, perseverance—in ways we don’t expect and often can’t even imagine. In Trials and Triumphs of Golf’s Greatest Champions, Lyle Slovick reminds us, through the soaring profiles of golf’s most courageous fighters from Bobby Jones to Babe Didrikson Zaharias, that far more important than any golf lesson is the grit and greatness we find inside ourselves when we need it most.”—Don Van Natta, Jr., ESPN investigative reporter, Pulitzer Prize winner, and author of New York Times bestseller First Off the Tee and USGA Book Award winner Wonder Girl: The Magnificent Sporting Life of Babe Didrikson Zaharias

 

“Impressively researched, carefully documented, and clearly written, Lyle Slovick’s Trials and Triumphs goes beyond tournament competition to examine the transcendent qualities of golf, offering a vivid, moving reminder of why the game matters so much to so many people. In an era when sports headlines draw our gaze downward to corruption, vice, or health risks, Slovick’s book appeals to the better angels of our nature, sensitively and judiciously recounting the histories of such golf greats as Vardon, Jones, and Venturi, as well as those of lesser known heroes like Thomas McAuliffe. Poignant and uplifting, Trials and Triumphs is golf literature at its finest.”—Stephen Lowe, professor of history and author of USGA Book Award winner Sir Walter and Mr. Jones: Walter Hagen, Bobby Jones, and the Rise of American Golf

 

“Every person in this book loved golf for golf’s sake, the freedom and purity of the game, and was driven by it. It shows so much of the human spirit and an insight into the personalities of each person that one has not seen before.”—Renee Powell, LPGA pioneer and member of the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews

 

“Lyle Slovick’s compassionate voice rings through the words of this book. The individuals featured demonstrate to the reader that even in the face of sickness, sadness, and cruelty there are the triumphant lessons of courage and perseverance. The connection may be about golf, but it is about life, too.” — Susan Wasser, Assistant Director and Curator, United States Golf Association Museum

 

“The title of this book is an understatement to the compelling stories of the great Champions. Lyle Slovick has captured the incredible spirit and determination of those who strove ‘with their last ounce of courage’ to leave an impact on the game of golf forever. After reading Trials and Triumph, you will never again lament an errant shot or a missed putt, rather be grateful that you have ever walked a fairway. Golf truly is analogous to the journey of life and if you ever doubted this statement, you will no longer at the conclusion of this masterpiece.” - Jane Blalock, CEO JBC Golf, Inc., winner of 27 LPGA titles

 

“In Trials and Triumphs, Lyle captures the same dedication to and love of golf that I’ve seen in so many of our nation’s post-9/11 wounded and injured veterans. One comes away from the book with a reminder that the spirit of the game is truly timeless.”—Jamie Winslow, co-founder/president, Salute Military Golf

​

“Sometimes, the more familiar a subject, the more you appreciate an author who synthesizes what you know in a new way, with unbridled enthusiasm, mature judgment, and a clear message. Lyle Slovick does just this in Trials and Triumphs—a meticulously researched, easy-to-read, truly inspiring tour de force of modern golf history.” —Steven Schlossman, hisory professor and co-author of Chasing Greatness: Johnny Miller, Arnold Palmer, and the Miracle at Oakmont

​

"Human beings are far from perfect and it is these imperfections laid bare that somehow make the lives of those featured all the more poignant.  For they overcame difficulties that most of us will never face; they triumphed over cruelties that fate can enforce and they show us that life is for learning…and we can all learn."   - Angela Howe, Director of the British Golf Museum

 

“‘The stories of these golfers, of their flaws as well as their virtues, offer lessons in perseverance, dignity, humility, faith, and of lives well lived.’ Well said, and well written Mr. Slovick!”—David Joy, golf historian, author of St. Andrews & The Open Championship and The Scrapbook of Old Tom Morris

 

“Ken Venturi was the very first person to 'go public' about his stuttering and has served as an inspiration for those who stutter for many years. Trials and Triumphs author Lyle Slovick does a brilliant job of highlighting why this remarkable man stands out as a beacon to so many.”—Jane Fraser, President of the Stuttering Foundation

 

"As I read it I was once again reminded of why we love this game. It’s not just the game itself, but the characters in it. - Jeff Skinner, Links Life Golf blog 

​