One Magical Sunday: (But Winning Isn't Everything) [Hardcover]

Phil Mickelson (Author), Donald T. Phillips (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 21, 2005

Every year, he became so close only to fall short. Every year, the dream grew larger, only to fade away. Yet every year, his gallery of fans grew in support of his quest. Then on April 11, 2004, for the most beloved golfer of the decade, everything changed.

In ONE MAGICAL SUNDAY, Phil Mickelson takes us on a magical journey inside a life few have seen up close, but a life whose lessons can be cherished forever. As we travel hole-by-hole through the triumphant Sunday at the Masters, Phil looks back at the influences that made him the man he is today: his mom and dad, who mentored him on the balance between family and golf; his wife, Amy, who has given him so much happiness and fulfillment; and their three children, who remain their top priority.

With personal insights from Phil's family and never been seen photos of his most treasured moments, ONE MAGICAL SUNDAY is a book not only for Phil's millions of fans, but for everyone who finds inspiration in reading about a champion on and off the course.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Mickelson was long known as "golf's most lovable runner-up" until he finally won the Masters in 2004... He's become a crowd favorite second only to Tiger Woods not only because of his dry spell but also because of his legendary work ethic. Indeed, he begins this book by describing his famous pretournament routine of hitting 100 three-foot putts in a row without missing, no matter how many shots it takes. This and other insights into the methods of a pro golfer are the most fascinating parts of Mickelson's text. Each of the 18 chapters begins and ends with detailed descriptions of how Mickelson played each hole of his Masters' victory (e.g., how he "analyzed the shot dispersion patterns for both right-handed and left-handed golfers" to figure out that the tournament's 12th hole is "set up perfectly for a left-handed player" such as himself). However, the bulk of the book is devoted to the story of Mickelson's life. Although these passages are often moving (concerning his battle to overcome a deep playing slump and his wife's nearly fatal delivery of their third child), the story is marred by frequent generalizations like "success is more rewarding when it is difficult to achieve" and "picking your life partner is a critical decision" for "personal happiness." More golfing and fewer inspirational insights would've strengthened Mickelson's eventually triumphant tale.
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

From Booklist

Mickelson's victory in the 2004 Masters golf tournament, his first "major" tournament win after 42 tries, was one of the most exciting, fan-friendly moments in recent sports history. The inevitable follow-up book has arrived right on schedule, just in time for this year's Masters. Perhaps it's the fault of all that visualization top golfers employ to hit their best shots, but their autobiographies rarely remove the rose-colored glasses. This one doesn't either, as Mickelson combines a shot-by-shot replay of his triumphant Masters final round with backstory on his life up to that point. The string of homilies about the importance of family, his love for his children, and his respect for his parents is clearly heartfelt, though the blandness of the telling will inspire most readers to skip quickly to the golf parts. Fortunately, Mickelson's shot-by-shot narrative has all the crispness and detail-rich insight that his personal reflections lack. As we walk the azalea-lined Augusta National fairways with Mickelson, we see how his course knowledge affects his decisions on club selection and shot shape--common themes of golf commentators--but we see these matters in a much more personalized and precise way than we hear about them on TV. Golf fans will want to hear what Phil has to say about each of Augusta' s 18 holes before watching this year's tournament. Bill Ott
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 224 pages
• Publisher: Grand Central Publishing (March 21, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0446578576
• ISBN-13: 978-0446578578
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.1 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.5 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (17 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #184,261 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars THANKS FOR RIDE PHIL, March 24, 2005

By 

L. Charles Wimer III (Coatesville, PA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: One Magical Sunday: (But Winning Isn't Everything) (Hardcover)

If you like Phil Mickelson or if you like a feel good story -- then I strongly recommend that you read this book. Phil not only takes the reader through his final 18 holes at Augusta but also the foundation that he was provided as a child. The book is very easy and a quick read. Surrounded by supportive family and friends, Phil makes it a point not to take any of that for granted. Unlike so many professional athletes, Phil is grounded and humble. It is impossible not to cheer for Phil Mickelson. Of course, I am terribly biased as I am a huge Phil Mickelson fan. I am a die-hard sports fan and am seldom moved by accomplishments. However, I must say I wore out my family room carpet as he played the back 9 on Sunday at Augusta. Enjoy the book golf fans because I know I did.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One Magical Sunday = One Magical Book, May 2, 2005

By 

Matt Papuchis (Washington, DC) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: One Magical Sunday: (But Winning Isn't Everything) (Hardcover)

It's rare that an athlete or to be more specific, an athlete's accomplishment can capture the attention and hearts of an entire nation. But that is exactly what happened on that April day in 2004, that One Magical Sunday when the entire country became enthralled with the left-handed "lovable loser" from San Diego.

I am not sure what it is about Phil Mickelson that earned the love and respect of nearly every golf fan, and in this book, Mickelson wonders the same thing. There is something about us as Americans that makes us root for the underdog - the Rocky Balboas, the Boston Redsoxes, and the Phil Mickelsons of the world seem to epitomize everything that is America - the belief that dreams can come true, even in the face of adversity. And as quaint as that may sound, those beliefs come to life in this book.

This book takes us on a roller coaster ride of all 18 final holes at Augusta National, but much more than that, this is a story of a man who truly feels he is more blessed to have the love and support of his family more so than a major championship.

Sprinkled between a play-by-play recap of the final round of the 2004 Master's, are little anecdotes about Phil's life - from his childhood in San Diego through his college years at ASU through the birth of his three children, we become privy to a world of Phil Mickelson that most of us never knew, and we get to meet the people who helped shape Phil's life and influence him the most - from his parents to his college golf coach to his wife and kids.

The result? You walk away liking the guy even more than you already did, which is no small feat considering how much he was admired to begin with. This is a quick read and a real gem for golf fans and anyone who loves a great story of an underdog's triumph.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Loves Life and The Game, April 12, 2005

By 

rodboomboom (Dearborn, Michigan United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)   

This review is from: One Magical Sunday: (But Winning Isn't Everything) (Hardcover)

I truly enjoyed reading this book due to its unique organization, simple language and profound principals expressed by Phil. The chiefest of these is that life to him is much more than golf. The joy that comes from the game is import to him, not winning, accolades, etc.

His family is primary also, as evidenced by the decisions he has made in favor of his family over golf, e.g. Mercedes tournament absence.

There is much revealed in this chronicle of his magical Masters victory, which is the organizational center, then revolving around this is past memories which cropped up in his Green Jacket round, and then contributions by friends, competitors, relatives, caddie, etc. This makes for a great insight into the talented, competitive golfer who so often is misunderstood and misportrayed by the media.

Thus, this book helps to clear the media polluted air about this great golfer and more importantly, family man. The story of his 2003 with all its trials, but especially about the severe, life threatening birth of son episode endures this great person to me even more. The joy he takes from more simple things off camera are touching and should be inspirational to many.

A great read to all golfers and those interested in Phil.