Editorial Content for Feherty: The Remarkably Funny and Tragic Journey of Golf's David Feherty
Contributors
Reviewer (text)
When prolific author John Feinstein selected David Feherty as the subject for his latest book, he probably had no inkling that the world of golf would be entering a tumultuous year. FEHERTY is a lighthearted yet poignant story of a man who achieved modest success as a golf pro and then skyrocketed to fame as a commentator and Renaissance man of the world. For both avid and casual fans of the sport, it is an affectionate and entertaining biography.
"This glorious portrait of a beloved sports figure whose life behind the cameras was a constant struggle is thoughtful, candid and balanced."
Because of the arcane rules in place, Feherty was required to qualify for the PGA Tour by playing in the grueling 90-hole Tour School tournament. He succeeded but then was forced to attend classes for all the golfers who had been awarded PGA Tour playing cards. One such class involved a media coach who explained to the aspiring young golfers how they should handle the media. Feherty slept through much of the presentation but at one point raised his hand and asked this question, which is quintessential David Feherty: “Is there something wrong with just telling the truth?”
The book is loaded with anecdotes from Feherty’s life. Feinstein is a brilliant writer and reporter, and the stories range from laugh-out-loud funny to moving. Feherty’s long-running talk show on Golf Channel included interviews with sports figures and presidents, and he had the uncanny ability to get even the most reluctant subjects to open up to him. Regardless of your level of enthusiasm for golf, you should take the time to watch some of these conversations. In many ways, they exhibit Feherty’s philosophy of life. It’s serious stuff, but it doesn’t need to be taken seriously.
Feinstein ends the book with Feherty’s recent switch from NBC to LIV. As a fan of his, I was upset by this decision. In his interviews with Feinstein, he says that he loves his job and doesn’t care about how much he’s paid. Yet moving to LIV was indeed a question of money. Even Feinstein, an exceptional reporter and perhaps one of the most knowledgeable sportswriters in the world, cannot make the LIV-PGA war anything other than what it is --- an acrimonious revenge-laced fight between two rich and powerful entities with the real losers being golf fans around the world.
Nevertheless, David Feherty has rightfully earned his spot as an iconic sports commentator. The triumphs and tragedies of his life have been handsomely chronicled by a truly accomplished writer who has produced another in a long line of sports masterpieces. This glorious portrait of a beloved sports figure whose life behind the cameras was a constant struggle is thoughtful, candid and balanced. You will enjoy reading it.
Teaser
John Feinstein, who has spent four decades finding intriguing sports characters and narratives and turning them into classic books, chronicles the life and career of David Feherty. The two have known each other for years, beginning with Feinstein’s work on A GOOD WALK SPOILED, which was researched and written at a time when Feherty was an excellent player who won five times in Europe and was on the '91 Ryder Cup team, but also was a functioning alcoholic. In retirement from the game, Feherty has sobered up, while his golf world persona has only grown in stature. Feherty is now a grand ambassador for golf, a man who is feted by US Presidents and respected by every big name in the game.
Promo
John Feinstein, who has spent four decades finding intriguing sports characters and narratives and turning them into classic books, chronicles the life and career of David Feherty. The two have known each other for years, beginning with Feinstein’s work on A GOOD WALK SPOILED, which was researched and written at a time when Feherty was an excellent player who won five times in Europe and was on the '91 Ryder Cup team, but also was a functioning alcoholic. In retirement from the game, Feherty has sobered up, while his golf world persona has only grown in stature. Feherty is now a grand ambassador for golf, a man who is feted by US Presidents and respected by every big name in the game.
About the Book
The definitive biography of enigmatic golfer, commentator and performer David Feherty --- one of the most universally beloved figures in the game.
John Feinstein, who has spent four decades finding intriguing sports characters and narratives and turning them into classic books, chronicles the life and career of David Feherty. The two have known each other for years, beginning with Feinstein’s work on A GOOD WALK SPOILED, researched and written at a time when Feherty was an excellent player who won five times in Europe and was on the '91 Ryder Cup team, but also was a functioning alcoholic. In retirement from the game, Feherty has sobered up, while his golf world persona has only grown in stature. Feherty is now a grand ambassador for golf, a man who is feted by US Presidents and respected by every big name in the game.
Feinstein tells hilarious true tales about Feherty’s time in the limelight and interactions with stars such as Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy, Payne Stewart and Seve Ballesteros. He also details Feherty’s struggles with alcoholism, the death of his son who was lost to addiction, and the highs and lows of Feherty’s marriages. Feinstein captures the human being behind the athlete, and his triumphant rebound as a golf commentator after his athletic career fell apart.
FEHERTY is fall-down-funny, self-deprecating and a lifelong underdog who has thrived as a commentator and television interview host, and most recently as a touring stand-up comic, using the difficult experiences of his life as a source for humor and understanding, which Feinstein mines with an expert’s touch.
Audiobook available, read by John Feinstein
