This issue offers critical appraisals of works regarding Ben Hogan's private life, the best woman golfers of the twentieth century, the art and science of professional caddying, and the mental game. There's also Ben Crenshaw's analysis of Bob Jones on laying a stymie.

Our Talking Point interview is with Professor Bradly S. Klein, longtime course architecture editor for Golfweek and, since its inception, editor of Superintendent News. We talked about green fees at Pebble Beach, U.S. Open conditions generally and specifically, and Herbert Warren Wind's reaction to Tom Watson's miraculous chip-in during the 1982 Open. The conversation took place the week before Tiger's emasculation of the field at Pebble.

Southern Pines, North Carolina, is another of golf's cherished addresses, and for good reason. It has many of the evaporating qualities we revere: understated, civilized, a rustic, revitalizing tonic to the spirit. A recent visit was sadly abbreviated but still nourishing. A short paean to the Mid Pines resort, and its 10th green appears in "Playing Through."

Mark James adroitly disarmed the media at the Ryder Cup in Brookline. His published reminiscences have set off minor maelstroms. Tales of ransacked lockers and behind-the-scenes intrigue will surely stoke the fires for The Belfry. James's counterpart is also hard at work on his book. Stay tuned.

Swing Thoughts - Volume I
Swing Thoughts - Volume II