Summary

Harry Vardon and Francis Ouimet came from different worlds and different generations, but their passion for golf set them on parallel paths that would collide in the most spectacular match their sport has ever known.

Harry Vardon and Francis Ouimet came from different worlds and different generations, but their passion for golf set them on parallel paths that would collide in the most spectacular match their sport has ever known. Through hard work, courage and determination, Vardon escaped poverty in Britain to achieve recognition as the greatest champion in the game's history. Ouimet, a virtual unknown from Massachusetts, only three years removed from his career as a lowly caddie, worshiped Vardon, a man twice his age, innovator of the modern grip and swing. When these unlikely opponents came together in a legendary battle at the 1913 U.S. Open, the world's reaction gave rise to the sport of golf as we know it today. Weaving together the stories of Vardon and Ouimet, Frost has crafted an intimate epic, equal parts sports biography, social history and human drama.--From publisher description.