The Leaderboard

Book excerpt: Every golfer has a story. And for many, sharing stories about the game's challenges and pleasures, legends and lore, is as much a joy as playing the game itself. Amy Alcott, one of golf's great personalities and an LPGA Hall of Fame member, has drawn upon her remarkable network of well-known golfing friends and gathered their stories for the first time ever. In this entertaining and fascinating collection of candid conversations, Alcott offers a rare look at the personal lives and experiences -- both on and off the golf course -- of prominent entertainers, athletes, political leaders, and other influential figures. A fierce love of golf connects them all, but their varied anecdotes show how this magical sport has touched each of their lives in unique ways. Some highlights: Bill Clinton reveals why Hillary encouraged him to start playing again in his late twenties; Jack Nicholson explains how he began to play golf in his forties and got good enough to shoot a sixty-five; Ben Crenshaw reminisces about his close relationship with Harvey Penick and about winning the 1995 Masters just days after serving as a pallbearer at Penick's funeral; and Jim Nantz compares his relationship to his dad with the close relationship that Tiger Woods had with his own father. And many, many more. At times poignant, illuminating, and laugh-out-loud funny, The Leaderboard is sure to inspire and capture the imagination of golf fans everywhere.