Sports Memoirs Recommended by Journalist: From Golf Agents to Tennis Stars and Horses

George Peper ’72 Reflects on Three Sports Memoirs

Golf superagent Hughes Norton shares his story in the new book “Rainmaker,” recounting his time as Tiger Woods’ first agent. Norton achieved incredible success in golf, building a prosperous career until his marriage fell apart and he was forced out of the agency he helped create.

George Peper, a magazine editor and author of 19 books, recommends three excellent sports memoirs. One of these is “Tiger, Tiger” by James Patterson, a recently published portrait of Tiger Woods that offers entertaining stories not found elsewhere. While not a definitive biography, it provides an engaging look at Woods’ life and struggles both on and off the golf course.

Another recommendation from Peper is “Open” by Andre Agassi, which remains compelling after 25 years of publication. Ghostwriter J.R. Moehringer lends his skills to create engaging prose in the book, providing a brutally honest look at Agassi’s life and struggles both on and off the tennis court.

Lastly, Peper recommends “Seabiscuit” by Laura Hillenbrand, which tells the triumphant story of an ungainly horse who transformed into a cultural icon through the owner-trainer-jockey trio that trained him. The book captures the struggles of a nation during challenging times while remaining both intimate and panoramic. It is an engaging read that captures the essence of Seabiscuit’s story.

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