After Trevor Immelman's dramatic win at the Masters last week, I was primed to tackle a good golf book. I've been a lifelong fan of the game and occasional player and am always on the lookout for good books that capture the personalities behind the game. I was intrigued when I came across Ian O'Connor's new book Arnie & Jack: Palmer, Nicklaus, and Golf's Greatest Rivalry (Houghton Mifflin). Here was a brand new book about two of the most respected and arguably most influential golfers that have ever played the game. Given the subject, this should have been an enjoyable read. Frankly, I was disappointed with it.
Perhaps it's because as a child I looked up both to Palmer and Nicklaus that I had a hard time objectively reviewing this book. As I was learning to play the game, both of these men were making a big splash on the PGA tour. Nicklaus especially was the equivalent of Tiger Woods in popularity as I was growing up in the early 1970s, and many kids like myself who were getting hooked on golf were influenced by Nicklaus.
Perhaps my lack of objectivity comes from my knowledge of golf history and knowing enough to understand the tremendous impact that Palmer (and later, Nicklaus) had on the PGA Tour. Today's millionaire pros have both of these men to thank for the opportunity to earn the huge prize money that's available today on Tour.
My biggest problem with Arnie & Jack, then, is the lack of respect shown for both of these legends. Mr. O'Connor had unprecedented access to Nicklaus and Palmer, yet instead of writing a book that pays due respect to the duo -- given their combined achievements — he instead writes rather unflattering portraits.
This could be due to the fact that the relationship between Nicklaus and Palmer has been one of grudging respect and intense competition both on and off the golf course. It's fair to say they probably aren't the closest of friends. But both recognize the impact that the other has made on the game. Each has had an important part to play in the success and growth of the PGA tour. Both of them also have made important contributions to the game of golf in their off-course activities.
Article comments
1 - jamie
The book points out that Arnie and Jack have always been part of the golf establishment, i.e.; against intergration and testified against Casey Martin. If your illusion of their greatness was overshadowed by the truth - then too bad.