The Match

The Day the Game of Golf Changed Forever

By: Mark Frost

Narrated by: Richard Poe

Renowned novelist and screenwriter Mark Frost turns his eye for golf to an event so famous that it’s grown to the stuff of legend. In 1956, a casual bet between two millionaires eventually pitted two of the greatest golfers of the era—Byron Nelson and Ben Hogan—against top amateurs: Harvie Ward and Ken Venturi. Frost recounts this dramatic tale from start to finish, detailing the match that vaulted golf out of the shadows and into the national spotlight.

©2007 Good Comma Ink, Inc. (P)2010 Recorded Books, LLC

Critic reviews

"Frost has a penchant toward the florid, but he captures an elusive magic in this improbable matchup and what it meant for those who played and witnessed it." ( Publishers Weekly)

Captivating

I am an avid golfer and loved this book. When I play golf now, I think about these guys and how mentally tough they were to play the game well under pressure. A must read for any golfer.

just good

try it, you might like it. the review requires 20 words so I have to keep writing but this requirement Will keep me from reviewing Mott books.

If You Love Vivid Golf Stories...

What made the experience of listening to The Match the most enjoyable?

The vivid account of the people and circumstances surrounding one of the pivotal, albeit, friendly, matches in the history of American golf.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Match?

Each of the histories of the match's participants.

What does Richard Poe bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Richard did an outstanding job bringing the story to life. I could almost hear the sea gulls over Cypress Point and the wind rustling the trees.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Laughed and cried and felt great elation for what it takes to be a champion.

Any additional comments?

If you love golf, and the history of American golf, you will love this story.

A must listen for anyone that loves the game

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes, this book is a beautiful entertaining history lesson on the legends in which the current game of golf is measured.

What did you like best about this story?

Learning about all the characters involved in shaping golf as I know it today.

What about Richard Poe’s performance did you like?

His voice captured the moments and made you feel as if the events of the book were happening live.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes

If You Like Golf…

Would say you have to like the game to enjoy this book. That and a desire for nostalgia on old times in the US. I am a fan of both so thought it was a great book.

Epic Golf

Whether you are good at it or not, if you love the game you need to listen to this tale. what I would give to have been there that day.

great story

i love playing golf and thoroughly enjoyed both the history of this story as well as the competitive suspense.

Golf History

Incredible glimpse at golf history and some of the best players that ever played the game.

great summer read

Would you listen to The Match again? Why?

perhaps, I rarely do this.

What did you like best about this story?

The well told story of a match and four great golfers

What does Richard Poe bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

He just does a wonderful job

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

the best vs. the best

A great listen

Frost writes so well you forget about the writing and simply follow the story. He floats back and forth between the Match and the various chapters of the competitors' lives. I'm not sure he ever supported the claim that it was the turning point in the history of golf, but it's a great story none the less. If you love hearing about the greats of the past, the Monterey courses, or anything to do with this insanity we call golf, you will enjoy this one.