The King of Swings: Johnny Goodman, the Last Amateur to Beat the Pros at Their Own Game

By Michael Blaine

Book Overview

An orphan turned caddy born near the Omaha stockyards, Johnny Goodman was considered too small, too foreign, and too poor to play the country club game. But he swore he would prove everyone wrong, and before a nation's riveted gaze this self-taught kid from the wrong side of the tracks beat the legendary Bobby Jones in the 1929 U.S.
Amateur at a little-known California course called Pebble Beach. Goodman's victory sent shock waves through the rarified world of golf in the Roaring Twenties, but he was just getting started. The idealistic Goodman clung to his amateur status despite lucrative offers from sponsors and Hollywood, ultimately winning the 1933 U.S. Open--the last amateur to perform this stunning feat. A hero in the Depression-era press, Goodman went on to win the 1937 U.S. Amateur--becoming only the fifth golfer in history to wear both crowns.

Like The Greatest Game Ever Played, Michael Blaine's King of Swings brings the story of one of golf's forgotten heroes to life.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0618871896
• ISBN13: 9780618871896
• Release Date: April 2007
• Publisher: Mariner Books
• Length: 368 Pages
• Weight: 0.89 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 5.3" x 7.9"

Customer Reviews

Thoroughly engrossing and enjoyable

Great stories these days are hard to find, so reading the King of Swings was a rare treat. Michael Blaine's golf descriptions of actual tournaments from 70 years ago brought each match to life as if I was watching on TV as I was reading. I couldn't wait for another match to begin with Johnny Goodman taking on the best in the world. He was a unique and special person and I treasure being introduced to him. This has been a book that resonates within me months after my reading experience.