Ralph Guldahl

The Rise and Fall of the World's Greatest Golfer

Kevin Kenny author

Format:Paperback

Publisher:McFarland & Co Inc

Published:24th Jun '16

Currently unavailable, and unfortunately no date known when it will be back

Ralph Guldahl cover

This biography chronicles the rise and fall of Ralph Guldahl, once the world's top golfer during the Great Depression, exploring his remarkable achievements and subsequent decline.

Set against the backdrop of the Great Depression, Ralph Guldahl explores the life of a once-celebrated golfer who captivated the sports world in the 1930s. Ralph Guldahl rose to prominence during a challenging economic time, earning recognition as the best golfer globally. His impressive achievements between 1936 and 1940 include winning two consecutive U.S. Opens, a Masters title, and three Western Opens, along with maintaining an exceptional scoring average. He was also a key player in the Ryder Cup, boasting an impeccable record.

However, the narrative takes a poignant turn as Guldahl's fortunes began to wane. Following his extraordinary success, he faced a decline that left many wondering what had happened to him. This biography is the first comprehensive account to delve into both the highs and lows of Guldahl's career. It seeks to unravel the mystery behind his sudden disappearance from the spotlight and the factors that contributed to his decline.

Through meticulous research and engaging storytelling, Ralph Guldahl not only highlights the achievements of this remarkable athlete but also reflects on the broader context of the era in which he competed. The book invites readers to ponder the complexities of success and failure, making it a compelling read for sports enthusiasts and history buffs alike.

“Ralph Guldahl’s rapid rise and fall has been a curiosity of golf historians for a long time. Kevin Kenny’s richly documented story of the hardscrabble days of professional golf during the Depression and pre–World War II, when the tour was filled with immense talent, confirms Ralph Guldahl beat them all for a short while.”—Ben Crenshaw, two-time Masters champion and Ryder Cup player and captain

ISBN: 9781476662626

Dimensions: 229mm x 152mm x 10mm

Weight: 277g

192 pages