mr. hogan, the man i knew

Ben Hogan was perhaps the greatest golfer of all time, and he was also one of the most private. These are the Hogan stories that you’ve never heard, stories that unlock the mystery to who he was as a person.

As a collegiate golfer in the 1980’s, Kris Tschetter was fortunate enough to become a member at the prestigious Shady Oaks Country Club in Texas where Ben Hogan was a member. There was an unwritten rule at the club: don’t bother Mr. Hogan. However, 18-year-old Tschetter was unaware of the spell he held over the golf world when she first passed him in the halls of Shady Oaks. Maybe it was Tschetter’s work ethic, or maybe just her youthful enthusiasm, but Hogan noticed her practicing and offered to help her with her swing. Over time she penetrated the tough exterior of the golfer know as the “Hawk” and the “Wee Ice Mon” and a unique friendship began.

By the time Tschetter met Mr. Hogan he was in his 70’s, and although his golf swing hadn’t changed, his enthusiasm for the game had waned. The two spent countless hours practicing together on the “little nine” at Shady Oaks, and Tschetter saw a side of Mr. Hogan that few ever knew. While he taught her priceless lessons on golf and life, she helped him recapture his passion for the game by giving him the chance to take the journey all over again.  "MR. HOGAN, The Man I Knew" sets the record straight about this American icon, revealing his humor and sensitivity. It captures the magical connection that sometimes happens in life in a truly beautiful story about an unlikely friendship between two very different people who shared the same passion.

For decades golfers have searched for Hogan’s “secret,” the key to his unparalleled ball striking. The reader will discover that the real secret lies in who Ben Hogan was as a person.

Praise for MR. HOGAN, THE MAN I KNEW:

“This young lady obviously knew my friend, Ben, very well. Her anecdotes demonstrate his genuine character. I found her book delightful.”

– Jackie Burke, PGA Golfer of the Year, 1956

“You don’t have to know the difference between a hook and a fade or a birdie and an eagle to enjoy this heartfelt story about an unexpected and unlikely friendship between two people in different stages of their lives, brought together by the game of golf. ” 

– Linda Cohn, ESPN Sportscaster

"I never tire of hearing Hogan stories. These stories are special, though. My profound thanks to Kris for sharing her personal thoughts and remembrances of a man so few knew well. This book finally brings to light his humorous and sensitive side. I loved it.”

~ Ben Crenshaw, Masters Champion, 1984 and 1995  

“It’s not only the best ‘golf’ book I’ve ever read, it also unveils a Hogan his legions of fans and followers never knew.”

– Jim Mahoney

"I wasn't expecting much when I bought this book. Being a big Hogan fan, I was willing to settle for a few new anecdotes, a rehash of the old ones and perhaps a tip or two about his golf swing. Having read one of his biographies and many articles about Ben Hogan I didn't think there was much more that Kris could add. I was wrong. This is one of the most delightful books I have read in a while. I often found myself smiling or chuckling and vicariously enjoying the unique company of Ben Hogan and the charming banter between Kris and Ben. This is a very personal and heart felt memoir of how golf acted as a vehicle to foster a beautiful friendship between an aspiring young women and a nurturing, if curmudgeonly, old gentleman. A wonderful little book for anyone and a must read for Hogan fans."

~  Bokonon 

"James Dodson's book will likely remain forever the definitive biography of the legendary Mr. Hogan. This book is its perfect companion. It really introduces us to him as the wonderful man at Shady Oaks. It is a deeply personal remembrance of a man who touched lives and gave of himself in such a way to make those lives better than they would have otherwise been. Thank you, Kris, for sharing these stories of your relationship with him so the rest of us could "know" him, too. A "must read" for any fan of William Benjamin Hogan."

~ Gary P