ON AND OFF THE FAIRWAY: A Pictorial Autobiography

by Jack with Ken Bowden Nicklaus ‧ RELEASE DATE: Nov. 1, 1978

As a portrait of the world's greatest golfer, this image-conscious olio rates a double bogey. The photographs--over 200 of them--range in quality from early family album to late wire service and PR. And the bland, choppy text, which has a bad word for no one, is really a series of captions from the ""there I am with/at. . ."" school. Nicklaus simply does not do justice to his own story, which begins in Columbus, Ohio, where his druggist dad introduced him to golf at age ten. The prodigy matured and, over a 16-year professional career, has won a record 15 major championships: five Masters; three U.S. and three British Opens; and four PGAs. With the exception of this year's too-late triumph in Scotland, each is discussed in summary fashion. In the meantime, Nicklaus has made a success of business. But there's scant information on his corporate vehicle, named Golden Bear, Inc. (after the fair-haired author), beyond the fact that it engages in golf-course design and unspecified publishing activities. Fans of Madison Avenue, though, may thrill to the four solid pages of ad reproductions featuring Nicklaus and such other household names as Hart, Schaffner & Marx; Hathaway; Magic Chef; Pontiac; and Vigoro. Readers are solemnly assured that, yes, Jack uses and admires all of the goods or services for which he shills. Repeatedly, Nicklaus explains that he wants to keep his personal life private. That he does, by skimping on virtually any detail that would explain his remarkable career.

Pub Date: Nov. 1, 1978

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Simon & Schuster

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Nov. 1, 1978

Categories: NONFICTION