Golf can be a vexing and cruel game, and teaches us much about ourselves. It has been described as “a contest calling for courage, skill, strategy and self-control. It is a test of temper, a trial of honor, a revealer of character.” In the end, as with most of life, success hinges on the character and spirit we possess. But how would our tempers be tested if we suffered a career-threatening injury from a near-fatal car accident, as Ben Hogan did in the prime of his life? How would our honor be preserved if we faced constant derision and racism both on and off the golf course, as Charlie Sifford encountered his entire career? How would our character be revealed if cancer robbed us of the ability to play the game we loved, as it did to Babe Didrikson Zaharias? Would we give in to self pity, or persevere and keep going? In Trials and Triumphs of Golf’s Greatest Champions: A Legacy of Hope, Lyle Slovick has pulled together the inspirational stories of six golfers and a caddy whose strength of character sustained them against the physical and emotional trials that threatened both their careers and lives. In an era when many athletes have lost their luster as role models, the people in this book—Harry Vardon, Bobby Jones, Ben Hogan, Babe Didrikson Zaharias, Charlie Sifford, Ken Venturi, and Bruce Edwards—offer lessons in perseverance, dignity, humility, and faith. Slovick tells each of their stories with rich detail, including the childhoods that shaped their characters, their rise in the world of professional golf, the crises they faced in their lives, their struggles to keep doing what they loved, and their refusal to give up. They had their flaws, to be sure. But when faced with a true test of will, all showed a strength that inspired those around them. The first book to gather the stories of these golfers into a single volume, Trials and Triumphs of Golf’s Greatest Champions offers a unique blend of characters who shared the same love for a game that gave them the courage and fortitude they needed to face whatever life threw their way. This book will not only interest golfers and fans of the game, it will also inspire those who have suffered their own personal setbacks and show them they are not alone in their trials.

"Typically, golf books are written by either sportswriters or golfers. However, Slovick tackles golf from the perspective of a historian . . . [T]his narrative provides an affirmation of grace in the face of adversity. Slovick profiles six golfers who achieved fame in the 20th century: Harry Vardon, Bobby Jones, Babe Didrikson Zaharias, Ben Hogan, Charlie Sifford, and Ken Venturi, along with one caddy, Bruce Edwards. Notably, all of the personages had long careers and grew into the role of elder statesmen. While Slovick’s perspective is focused, it relies heavily on previously published work. As such, the footnotes and bibliography are noteworthy. The question one has to ask is why these seven? Through the years, other golfers have faced daunting challenges, though perhaps the ones presented here were iconic. This book provides a helpful backdrop for more contemporary studies. . . .VERDICT Best suited for those new to the game with a pious respect and knowledge of the past." - Library Journal

"Many golfers, just from their love and experience of the sport, are familiar with a number of the stories chronicled by Lyle Slovick in his moving portrayal of some of golf’s iconic legends in Trials and Triumphs of Golf's Greatest Champions: A Legacy of Hope. Slovick tells these stories with style, grace and insight. There is more to golf than changing your grip to cure a slice. Stories of the game’s great heroes and what they overcame in their lives can certainly serve as inspiration for golfers and non-golfers alike.... If you are looking for a gift for a young golfer, Trials and Triumphs of Golf's Greatest Champions is the perfect choice." - Bookreporter

"I really enjoyed Lyle Slovick's history filled novel, Trials and Triumphs of Golf's Greatest Champions: A Legacy of Hope. Although knowing very little of all 7 people he chose to write about, I felt after reading his novel I had gained some insight into their lives both on and off the golf course. Golf was a game they all loved and inspired them when things in their lives might keep most from just giving up. Inspirational for golfers and non-golfers these individuals who were and are part of golf history had to endure both personal and physical challenges and Lyle weaves through their lives with a fine toothed comb. His adaption of their lives through extensive research was remarkable but it was neither over the top or borish. A few pictures for ever chapter also had me googling other black and white photos especially of Harry Vardon, Bobby Jones and Ben Hogan. Summertime reading is suppose to be fun because a lot is done on or near the beach or hanging out with your kids. Generally I don't want something to read that's going to bog me down. I usually catch up on reading issues of Golf Digest or a good book of short stories. At just over 300 pages Trials and Triumphs is perfect for anyone who enjoys golf. A historical and inspirational novel to immerse yourself in this summer." - Ottawa Golf Blog

"Trials and Triumphs of Golf's Greatest Champions was like a visit with some long lost friends. Names I haven't heard in years popped up with great regularity.... 'Golf is the closest game to the game of life. You get bad breaks from good shots; you get good breaks from bad shots - but you have to play the game where it lies,' OB Keeler a famed golf writer states. This is the first sentence of Trials and Triumphs and captures the tone of the book perfectly.... I was fascinated to learn more about each golfer and inspired as well by the way they carried on and persevered. While this book initially interested me because of it's focus on the sport of golf, these are great stories on amazing athletes that can be enjoyed by anyone." - Tina Says...