Duel in the Sun: Tom Watson and Jack Nicklaus in the Battle of Turnberry (Hardcover)

by Michael Corcoran (Author) "IN THE SUMMER OF 1977, THE EIGHT BEST GOLFERS IN the world were all veteran American players..." (more)
Key Phrases: Open Championship, Jack Nicklaus, Tom Watson (more...)

Editorial Reviews

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

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 224 pages
• Publisher: Simon & Schuster (May 28, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0743203100
• ISBN-13: 978-0743203104
• Product Dimensions: 9.6 x 6.3 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #143,635 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Duel In The Sun, June 6, 2002

By	Rich Bernstein (Monroe Township, NJ United States) - See all my reviews

Michael Corcoran leads the reader on an exciting journey as he details the theatrics provided by Tom Watson and Jack Nicklaus at the '77 Open at Turnberry. The descriptive detail provided by Corcoran brings the classic matchup of two of golf's all-time greats to life. Corcoran's factual, yet extremely entertaining account of 1977's "Duel In The Sun" results from his unique ability to present the intricacies of The Open Championship with the elegance and flare reminiscent of P. G. Wodehouse or Bernard Darwin and the explicit clarity of John Feinstein. This book is highly recommended by this reader.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great read!, July 30, 2002

By	"jmatus1" (Forest Hills, NY USA) - See all my reviews

Even the most casual sports fan will love this book. Like Laura Hillenbrand did in Sea Biscuit, Corcoran breathes life into an epic moment in sports history, the duel between Jack Nicklaus and Tom Watson in the 1977 British Open. The writing makes you feel like you're right there during the twists and turns of the tournament, getting to peek inside the heads of the athletes during the most pressure-filled moments. And the story is terrific... two golfers at the top of their game, battling a course that none of their competitors could handle. This book was really top-notch.

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The best kind of golf book, June 8, 2002

By	Randall C. Voorhees (Lambertville, NJ United States) - See all my reviews

This is the best golf book I've read in several years. The author makes exciting an event which took place more than a quarter-century ago, and that's no easy chore. The minor characters are just as interesting and entertaining as Nicklaus and Watson. Corcoran weaves together geography, history, psychology and more as he tells the story of the greatest mano a mano golf showdown ever. Corcoran does an excellent job of building drama and tension page by page, until finally a winner is revealed. I couldn't put it down! In fact, I read it twice in two days. Buy this book for yourself or for the golf nut you know. You won't be disappointed.