One Magical Sunday: (But Winning Isn't Everything)

I can't remember the last time I sat down to read a book and went through 150 pages in one evening. This is a great book. I am a HUGE Mickelson fan and it is great to hear his methods of improving and the dedication that he has put into the game of golf. It also has real neat excerpts from his wife, parents, sister, brother and even in-laws on different parts of his career. I got a chuckle on several different pages. What a neat guy!

After hearing about this book in the radio, and purchased the book and have enjoyed it. The book takes the reader thought two events, how Mr. Mickelson was introduced to golf, how he grew to love the game, how he worked on his swing along with his personal life. The second event is a hole-by-hole thought process of how he won the 2004 Masters. The book includes comments from his parents, coaches, his wife and others that have come in contact with him over the years. They reinforce Mr. Mickelson's love of the game. I am a duffer when it comes to playing golf and I enjoyed this book. I hope that Mr. Mickelson wins another Masters soon and hopefully a second book will follow.

It's rare that an athlete or to be more specific, an athlete's accomplishment can capture the attention and hearts of an entire nation. But that is exactly what happened on that April day in 2004, that One Magical Sunday when the entire country became enthralled with the left-handed "lovable loser" from San Diego. I am not sure what it is about Phil Mickelson that earned the love and respect of nearly every golf fan, and in this book, Mickelson wonders the same thing. There is something about us as Americans that makes us root for the underdog - the Rocky Balboas, the Boston Redsoxes, and the Phil Mickelsons of the world seem to epitomize everything that is America - the belief that dreams can come true, even in the face of adversity. And as quaint as that may sound, those beliefs come to life in this book. This book takes us on a roller coaster ride of all 18 final holes at Augusta National, but much more than that, this is a story of a man who truly feels he is more blessed to have the love and support of his family more so than a major championship. Sprinkled between a play-by-play recap of the final round of the 2004 Master's, are little anecdotes about Phil's life - from his childhood in San Diego through his college years at ASU through the birth of his three children, we become privy to a world of Phil Mickelson that most of us never knew, and we get to meet the people who helped shape Phil's life and influence him the most - from his parents to his college golf coach to his wife and kids. The result? You walk away liking the guy even more than you already did, which is no small feat considering how much he was admired to begin with. This is a quick read and a real gem for golf fans and anyone who loves a great story of an underdog's triumph.

I truly enjoyed reading this book due to its unique organization, simple language and profound principals expressed by Phil. The chiefest of these is that life to him is much more than golf. The joy that comes from the game is import to him, not winning, accolades, etc. His family is primary also, as evidenced by the decisions he has made in favor of his family over golf, e.g. Mercedes tournament absence. There is much revealed in this chronicle of his magical Masters victory, which is the organizational center, then revolving around this is past memories which cropped up in his Green Jacket round, and then contributions by friends, competitors, relatives, caddie, etc. This makes for a great insight into the talented, competitive golfer who so often is misunderstood and misportrayed by the media. Thus, this book helps to clear the media polluted air about this great golfer and more importantly, family man. The story of his 2003 with all its trials, but especially about the severe, life threatening birth of son episode endures this great person to me even more. The joy he takes from more simple things off camera are touching and should be inspirational to many. A great read to all golfers and those interested in Phil.

If you like Phil Mickelson or if you like a feel good story -- then I strongly recommend that you read this book. Phil not only takes the reader through his final 18 holes at Augusta but also the foundation that he was provided as a child. The book is very easy and a quick read. Surrounded by supportive family and friends, Phil makes it a point not to take any of that for granted. Unlike so many professional athletes, Phil is grounded and humble. It is impossible not to cheer for Phil Mickelson. Of course, I am terribly biased as I am a huge Phil Mickelson fan. I am a die-hard sports fan and am seldom moved by accomplishments. However, I must say I wore out my family room carpet as he played the back 9 on Sunday at Augusta. Enjoy the book golf fans because I know I did.