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

I am a 31 year old former college golfer. I am a history buff of all sports but I really didn't know my golf history as well as i should. This book really helped me. The book details Palmer, Player, Trevino, Nicklaus, Watson and a host of others. You also learn the detailed history of the British Open or as they call it "The Open" The detail of how the British cadies talk is alone worthy as a reason to read this. If you are a golf fan this is a 5 star book if you are not a golf fan I would not recommend it. Although I wouldn't want to dress like they did in the 1970's ; this book made you wish that you did grow up then.

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.

The storytelling and the quality of writing in this book are excellent. You won't want it to end.

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.

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.