Rating: 
Summary: A Famous Golfer's Dual with Self
Review: Come back --- underdog --- fighter --- champion --- commentator. These are words about Venturi, who it seems most of his life was always dualing with himself against others to show them what he was made of: toughness and talent that could and would succeed in winning.He suffered through much: hand injuries, marriage trauma, etc. But the biggest hurdles were those letdowns, those meltdowns which occur in sports when one is so close to seizing the brass ring, only to have it slip out of grasp. As Venturi would describe, someone else always played phenonemenal to do just that. He would be a previous generation's Greg Norman. Anyone who was so close and fondly associated with the likes of Nelson, Sarazen and Hogan, now this is a special person. Or for Vince Lombardi to admire the look in an competitor's eyes, this is a special golfer. One who endured severe heat and win his country's national golf championship in the doing, this is a special golfer. This carried over in his broadcasting. Concise, poignant, to the point. Let the golf describe most of the action. I like millions admired and respected his great gifts for commenting, but never really knew about the stammering. Maybe the greatest hurdle of all. What courage he showed and can encourage all who have such to do the same. A man of principle. Somehow as good as this read was with all the fascinating stories and incidents, I thought it was slightly "I oriented" too much. Thus, four not five.
Rating:
Summary: A Famous Golfer's Dual with Self
Review: Come back --- underdog --- fighter --- champion --- commentator. These are words about Venturi, who it seems most of his life was always dualing with himself against others to show them what he was made of: toughness and talent that could and would succeed in winning. He suffered through much: hand injuries, marriage trauma, etc. But the biggest hurdles were those letdowns, those meltdowns which occur in sports when one is so close to seizing the brass ring, only to have it slip out of grasp. As Venturi would describe, someone else always played phenonemenal to do just that. He would be a previous generation's Greg Norman. Anyone who was so close and fondly associated with the likes of Nelson, Sarazen and Hogan, now this is a special person. Or for Vince Lombardi to admire the look in an competitor's eyes, this is a special golfer. One who endured severe heat and win his country's national golf championship in the doing, this is a special golfer. This carried over in his broadcasting. Concise, poignant, to the point. Let the golf describe most of the action. I like millions admired and respected his great gifts for commenting, but never really knew about the stammering. Maybe the greatest hurdle of all. What courage he showed and can encourage all who have such to do the same. A man of principle. Somehow as good as this read was with all the fascinating stories and incidents, I thought it was slightly "I oriented" too much. Thus, four not five.
Rating: 
Summary: A wonderful and comendable life story
Review: I can't remember when I last enjoyed a book so much, I found it to be down to earth, with many wonderful stories, some would bring a tear, and some to make you laugh. I have read some of the other reviews, and I can't imagine why anyone would have a SOUR GRAPES attitude towards this book. Well done Mr. Venturi,
and thank you for sharing your life story with us.
Rating:
Summary: Wonderful and Heart Warming
Review: I would like to thank Mr. Venturi for letting us into his very personal life, I found the book to be a down to earth and hart warming. Once I started reading it, I couldn't put it down. It made laugh and made me cry. I also found it very informative on the game, written in a way that I could understand it. I can't imagine anyone not liking this book... except maybe someone who purposely tried to hurt Mr. Venturi. I give it a two thumbs up.
Rating:
Summary: Story of a hard life, a good life
Review: Ken Venturi as the voice of golf on CBS is one of the most popular sportscasters of his day. Now retired, he finally has a chance to say things that he couldn't say on the air or anywhere else. In this book he talks about his life as a golfer, his life as a sportscaster, and his life as a man.
He has not had a life that was all roses. Medical problems from carpal tunnel ended his professional golfing career after only 10 years of play. Other illnesses plagued he and his wife from back surgery to multiple bouts with cancer. He has not only survived these, but through it all has kept his sense of humor and overall happiness with the world.
As an accomplished communicator, Mr. Venturi has the ability to tell stories about golf, about himself that make very good reading.
Rating:
Summary: Wonderful memoirs of life
Review: Ken, We loved the book, and want to thank you for shering all the wonderful stories, both about golf and the "ups and downs" of your life We found it to be very moving, We definitely will recomend it to all our friends, and we miss you on T.V.
Rating:
Summary: A fair book from someone who's been there
Review: Not only read Ken Venturi's book, but read the many different reviews here. To those who accuse Ken Venturi of sour grapes and whining about his close Masters losses, I say that every golf tournament has two stories to tell. Everyone loves a winner obviously, but the guy who tasted victory and had it snatched from his hands also has an interesting story to tell. If Greg Norman or Tom Weiscopf ever write their autobiography, or Sam Snead could tell his story of the '39 US Open, it too would strike some as just sour grapes. Doesn't make their stories any less valid. As for stories of gamesmanship, rule bending, and maybe even (borderline) cheating, why do so many golf fans show a willingness to believe it about some major champions (like Seve Ballesteros, Vijah Singh, Gary Player) but find it implausable when discussing someone like Arnold Palmer? Are they still so childlike in their awe of their golf hero that even firsthand reports are automatically dismissed? Reminds me of what Tommy Bolt always said about news stories of his club throwing. He said that Arnie threw as many clubs as he did, but the stories never stuck. Anyway, a good book, Ken. And I too miss your voice on TV, particularly at the Masters.
Rating:
Summary: Venturi-Great Golf Bio
Review: One of the best golf books in the last 30 years. Venturi unleashes a candid view of his life, one that will make you cry and beam with pride as he overcomes many of life's obstacles to become a champion, and more than that a man. A man who plays the game the way he lives life, with passion, honor, and integrity. A must read for every golf fan.
Rating:
Summary: Venturi-Great Golf Bio
Review: One of the best golf books in the last 30 years. Venturi unleashes a candid view of his life, one that will make you cry and beam with pride as he overcomes many of life's obstacles to become a champion, and more than that a man. A man who plays the game the way he lives life, with passion, honor, and integrity. A must read for every golf fan.
Rating: 
Summary: Whine Whine
Review: The whining drunk shows his true colors. Should have been off the air at least 10 years before they finally showed him the door. What a low-life ... if you're broke, it's your fault. And, if you lost the Masters vs. Arnie, it's because you didn't play well enough to win.
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