From Library Journal
This is one of those rare books that actually delivers more than the title promises. Corcoran, one-time editor of Golf Illustrated and author of The PGA TOUR Complete Book of Golf, highlights the stirring battle waged between Tom Watson and Jack Nicklaus for the 1977 Open (British) Championship in Turnberry, Scotland. The author offers both a succinct history of that tournament, reaching back to the mid-19th century, and a particularly revealing examination of leading participants from the United States. He tells how Arnold Palmer's 1960 quest for the title rekindled the interest of America's top touring pros in the four-day event that most golfers consider the world's most important. Corcoran provides rich analyses of Palmer; Nicklaus, the man who dethroned him; and Watson, who out-dueled the Golden Bear during a magnificent final 36-hole shootout. Even for those who recall the event in detail, this book will prove entertaining and enlightening, with riveting hole-by-hole accounts, evocative depictions of the weather, course conditions, and emotions besetting the golfers. Included are telling portraits of other noteworthy linksmen from the era. Highly recommended. Robert C. Cottrell, California State Univ., Chico Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.


From Booklist
Like Michael D'Antonio's Tour '72 [BKL Mr 15 02], which explained why 1972 was a crucial year in golf history, Corcoran's account of the 1977 British Open makes the case for that classic battle between Jack Nicklaus and Tom Watson as the game's greatest mano a mano duel (over the last two rounds of the tournament, Watson was 10 under par and Nicklaus nine under, with the winner not decided until the last hole). Using the tournament itself as his frame story, Corcoran reprises the history of the British Open; offers revealing profiles of Nicklaus, Watson, and the other leading players of the day; and effectively sets the context for what happened on the course. Corcoran tells the tale as an adventure story, effectively re-creating the drama and tension of the moment, and best of all, capturing the unique flavor of competitive golf at its finest: two great champions competing ferociously but always cognizant of the other's talent and the wonder of the game itself. Bill Ott
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved


Book Description
The British Open, or the Open Championship as it's known outside the United States, is believed to be the most challenging tournament in professional golf. There was no greater Open than in 1977 at Turnberry on Scotland's southwest coast, when Tom Watson and Jack Nicklaus battled over the last thirty-six holes with Watson winning with a closing birdie. Drawing on interviews with participants, caddies, journalists, and spectators, Michael Corcoran brings the drama of this historic Open Championship to vivid life. Along with a revealing retelling of the '77 Open, Corcoran delivers an evocative historical overview of the Open and the tradition it represents. Michael Corcoran is deputy editor of Stuff magazine. He is author of several books, including How to Break 90: An Easy Approach for Breaking Golf's Toughest Scoring Barrier and The Golf Dictionary: A Guide to the Language and Lingo of the Game.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

The British Open, or the Open Championship as it's known outside the United States, is believed to be the most challenging tournament in professional golf. There was no greater Open than in 1977 at Turnberry on Scotland's southwest coast, when Tom Watson and Jack Nicklaus battled over the last thirty-six holes with Watson winning with a closing birdie. Drawing on interviews with participants, caddies, journalists, and spectators, Michael Corcoran brings the drama of this historic Open Championship to life. Along with a revealing retelling of the '77 Open, Corcoran delivers an evocative historical overview of the Open and the tradition it represents.

FROM THE CRITICS

Library Journal