An Enduring Passion

Oct 4, 2024 9:15 AM

Author:Sam Torrance

An Enduring Passion

The Ryder Cup has defined Sam Torrance's life as a professional golfer. He has played with and against some of the greatest golfers the game has ever known, in the biggest and most high-pressure team event in golf.

In An Enduring Passion, Torrance recalls every great moment in the two decades he spent pursuing Ryder Cup glory and looks at how the event has changed since he was trying to qualify for it as a player in the late 1970s. He examines the tactics and techniques of the captains he played under and those he played against, and tells how his huge experience as a player, and his vice captaincy to Mark James in the bear pit of Brookline, shaped the way he conducted his own captaincy at The Belfry in 2002. Everything he had learned about the Ryder Cup went into his leadership during that event, and when he raised the trophy aloft at the end of it all he knew he had learned the lessons well.

Today, Sam Torrance is one of the most identifiable faces, and voices, of golf. It is the Ryder Cup, though, that made him, and this book is his enlightening account of the competition from an insider's perspective.

Reviews

Like being a fly on the tank top of the moustachioed Scotsman himself . . . fascinating stuff

—— Sport Magazine

Fun for those who love Sam

—— Golf World

A great read

—— Today's Golfer

Captures the experience of the iconic contest

—— City AM

Gutsy and funny

—— Daily Telegraph

Recommended for anyone who has ever struggled with fitness, body shape and life in general

—— Church Times

Searing honesty

—— Daily Telegraph

A different class... superb insight

—— Linda Maher , Sunday Business Post

Compelling, entertaining and woven together with particular style and grace... O'Gara is up with the greats

—— Dave Hannigan , Evening Echo

He should be commended for his frankness. It certainly defines this tome in contrast to the usual drudgery of rugby autobiographies

—— James Corrigan , Independent

Since so many sports efforts in this genre tend to reveal very little, a memoir like O'Gara's, one with real bite and new insight, makes for a markedly refreshing read. The book is laced with fleshy anecdotes. All make for bona fide eyebrow arching, giggle-inducing, page turning stuff

—— Dermot Keyes , Munster Express

It is to O'Gara's credit that his autobiography remains true to his personality. It is a compellingly candid read... There is a sense of singularity about O'Gara that takes him into places others find uncomfortable... few men walk the walk better than Munster and Ireland's No. 10

—— Vincent Hogan , Irish Independent

This engrossing book sails straight between the posts

—— John O'Donnell , Irish Times

Arguably the best Irish book of the year... told with flawless skill

—— Malachy Clerkin , The Sunday Tribune

The perfect present for any rugby fan. It shows the goldfish-bowl aspect to life as a modern-day sporting legend and gives an insight into what it's like on the inside looking out

—— Irish Independent

Whether you are a rugby fan or not, this book is likely to please... This honest autobiography will provide an intriguing read for the Christmas period

—— South Tipp Today

Compelling reading

—— Richard Fitzpatrick , Irish Examiner

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