HOT CORNER

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What: “Tales From Augusta”

Author: Jim Hawkins

Publisher: Sports Publishing LLC

Price: $19.95

This 200-page, 5x8 1/4-inch hardcover books opens with this quote from Jack Nicklaus: “The Masters is a monument to everything that is great in golf. It is a cut above. Way above.”

The author opens with: “The first thing that strikes you the first time you set foot on hallowed, immaculate Augusta National is how utterly green it is. How absolutely perfect.”

It’s clear from the start how the author, a Detroit-area sports journalist who covered his first Masters in 1968, feels about Augusta National and the tournament it hosts.

The book consists of a series of light vignettes that are organized somewhat haphazardly. But there are enough good tidbits to make the book an interesting read.

The first chapter points out some things that make the Masters unique, such as fans not being called “fans” but rather “patrons.”

The book mainly deals with those who have played at Augusta. The second chapter is on Tiger Woods, the third on Nicklaus. Chapter Six provides a background of the television coverage, which began in 1956.

One of the 22 chapters is titled “Slammin’ Sammy” and features Sam Snead, who died last week. Snead won the Masters three times.

What is lacking in the book, besides any hint of investigative reporting, is good artwork. There are no classic photos--actually no photos at all. The only artwork consists of 22 amateurish sketches. Most don’t even look like the person they’re supposed to represent.

What saves this book is the subject matter. It’s hard to miss with a book on the Masters, even if it is mostly just fluff.