Getting Up & Down: My 60 Years in Golf

Too young to know Ken Venturi as anything but the voice of CBS golf, his story as a golfer is phenomomal. His heartbreaks in the game were many and tend to overshadow the triumphs but this a great story of the human spirit. Some of the most interesting parts of the book are the stories behind the 3 Masters defeats('56,'58 & '60) and the 1964 US Open victory. The "inside" the ropes stories about some of the "Gods" of golf will make most rethink the images that have been fed to us through the years. Don't get me wrong as you would expect, Venturi does it with class. The other thing that will surprise his fans from the broadcasting days is his behind the scenes intensity as a player and as the winning captain of the 2000 Presidents Cup team. I checked it out from my library but will be buying it because it is a story I want my sons to read some day. You will not be disappointed!

Ken Venturi as the voice of golf on CBS is one of the most popular sportscasters of his day. Now retired, he finally has a chance to say things that he couldn't say on the air or anywhere else. In this book he talks about his life as a golfer, his life as a sportscaster, and his life as a man. He has not had a life that was all roses. Medical problems from carpal tunnel ended his professional golfing career after only 10 years of play. Other illnesses plagued he and his wife from back surgery to multiple bouts with cancer. He has not only survived these, but through it all has kept his sense of humor and overall happiness with the world. As an accomplished communicator, Mr. Venturi has the ability to tell stories about golf, about himself that make very good reading.

Ken, We loved the book, and want to thank you for shering all the wonderful stories, both about golf and the "ups and downs" of your life We found it to be very moving, We definitely will recomend it to all our friends, and we miss you on T.V.

I would like to thank Mr. Venturi for letting us into his very personal life, I found the book to be a down to earth and hart warming. Once I started reading it, I couldn't put it down. It made laugh and made me cry. I also found it very informative on the game, written in a way that I could understand it. I can't imagine anyone not liking this book... except maybe someone who purposely tried to hurt Mr. Venturi. I give it a two thumbs up.

One of the best golf books in the last 30 years. Venturi unleashes a candid view of his life, one that will make you cry and beam with pride as he overcomes many of life's obstacles to become a champion, and more than that a man. A man who plays the game the way he lives life, with passion, honor, and integrity. A must read for every golf fan.