This is not an easy book to categorize.

First and foremost, it is a biography of a golf teacher whose dedication to his profession led to his untimely death. He died in a small plane crash on the way to a golf school.

Davis Love, Jr. was, by all accounts, a remarkable man. He was respected by his peers, a major, positive influence on his sons, and deeply loved by his wife. In the game of life, that can be scored a hat trick, and it’s pretty rare.

Second, it is an autobiography by his more famous son, Davis Love III. Working with Michael Bamberger (To The Linksland), Davis outlines his formative years. We learn how, with his father’s close and careful instruction, he developed into the accomplished touring professional we’ve enjoyed watching over the last dozen years.

The book was completed before the amazing rainbow finish at the 1997 PGA Championship, where Davis III won his first major. For those who enjoy watching good people be rewarded, that was an incredible, stirring triumph. His father would have been so proud.

Third, it is a eulogy. Davis, Jr.’s widow, Penta, his long-time friend and fellow golf teacher Jack Lumpkin, his two sons, Mark and Davis, and Davis’s wife, Robin, each contribute portions of this book that would have been perfectly appropriate for a memorial service.

Fourth, it is a useful instruction book. Davis, Jr. kept hundreds of notes during his career, and Davis III found and used them well in this book. His father also was a constant list maker, and the advice contained in the notes and lists described in this book will help any golfer.

Finally, it is a guide to living. Davis, Jr. seems to have figured out how to balance his work life and family life, and how be an effective parent. He knew enough not to push Davis III into golf, but to slowly encourage his and Mark’s participation until they themselves chose to seek improvement. His advice extended well beyond golf lessons, to how to conduct oneself in work and in life. The Chapter titled "Do What Tom Kite Does" contains some valuable advice that would help any young man or woman starting out as an adult. For older adults, it doesn’t hurt to be reminded of the same advice.

Davis III is known as one of the real gentlemen of the PGA Tour. Now we know why.

Review Date October 17, 1998

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