The Majors: In Pursuit of Golf's Holy Grail Paperback – Illustrated, 1 May 2000

Feinstein at its best, give you a lot of insight about the golf stars in the 90s, a lot of inside stories that nobody knows about the players, and the majors. A must read for all the golfers in you.

John Feinstein loves writing about golf. All his books on the subject are informative and well researched. Read them all

This book is notable for its ability to get inside a professional golfer's head & inside a PGA Tour locker room. It's typical of all of Feinstein's work in that his subjects have provided him with unfettered access to their professional and personal lives. For any anyone interested in golf - or simply in competition at its highest level - the story that Feinstein has pieced together around the 1998 major championships is an absolute delight.One seldom-mentioned aspect of the book that I really enjoyed: Feinstein tags along for the US Open Regional and Sectional qualifiers, as well as for a British Open qualifier. The qualifiers may represent golf in its purest form, and he builds a gripping tale as various strugglers try to fight their way into the big show. It's a thrill to hitch a ride on Larry Mize's back as he tries to qualify for the British. Here's one shining example that it's truly not always about the money.Make sure you go for the paperback version of this book. It has a sizable 'Afterword' that summarizes the 1999 season, especially Payne Stewart's redemption at Pinehurst & untimely death, plus a recap of Tiger Woods' breakout campaign.One small complaint: the cover. Okay...Duval, Stewart, Furyk and Woods were a compelling storyline in the book because they each played a significant role in one or more of the majors. But where are the winners? How about using shots of O'Meara, Janzen and Singh instead? Especially O'Meara, with two majors and Player of the Year honors. You'll telling me that Jim Furyk (Q Rating = statistical noise) is going to sell more books that Mark O'Meara? Feinstein does justice in his work to O'Meara's quest to wipe away his reputation as "King of the B's," but this cover is a real slap in his face.

Great book. Feinstein is best golf writer bar none

I couldn't put this book down. Feinstein weaves a great story together about the 1997 Majors season. This was Tiger's first US Open defense, and a great year for O'Meara. John Daly was falling apart, and Fred Couples was having his challenges.I'm guessing that through interviews with the players, as well as their friends and family, Feinstein gets a great deal of background material. The story that he's put together takes the reader through the four Majors in order, and makes each place come to life. I learned a great deal about what it's really like to play at Augusta National. For that matter, I learned a great deal about what it's like to spectate at the Masters.Admittedly, I have a love for the game of golf. I have played it for over twenty years; since about 7th grade. I play well, I love being on the course and I love watching the majors.So, buyer/reader beware. I ought to have loved this book. That being said, it's got plenty to offer if you're a golf widow or just like a good read about professional athletes.