The Feeling of Greatness: The Moe Norman Story

by Tim O'Connor

From the award-winning journalist and a biography of “the ‘Rain Man’ of golf. It’s a character drama. It’s an underdog story” (Barry Morrow, Academy Award–winning screenwriter).Documentary now in production!In The Feeling of Greatness, second edition, golf coach Tim O’Connor updates his previous biography of the late great, Canadian golfer Moe Norman, who was famous for introducing the single plane golf swing. This edition includes new anecdotes about Moe both on and off the course by golfers, journalists, friends, and family, and offers a more in-depth portrait of the man and golfer, especially in the last years of his life. O’Connor shares with readers his personal and professional friendships with Moe along the way. Some twenty years later, from a distanced perspective, O’Connor sets the record straight about Norman, promotes his legacy as the legendary golfer he was, and reflects on life lessons learned from their association over the years.Praise for Moe Norman and The Feeling of Greatness“Only two players have ever owned their Moe Norman and Ben Hogan.” —Tiger Woods“Well-written and meticulously researched.” —James McCarten, PGATour.com“Tim O’Connor has helped us better understand one of golf’s most intriguing and disturbing members.” —Hal Quinn, The Financial Post

Genres: Biography

364 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 1, 1995

Reviews

[Tony · Rating 5 out of 5]

I must have read this book about 10 times and if I only had one book I could take with me anywhere, this would be on the shortest of shortlists. Moe was, in the eyes of many of those who saw him - including many notable professionals - the best ball striker there has ever been. Only Ben Hogan is spoken of by way of comparison. But Moe's personality didn't allow him to reach the heights of Hogan, Snead, Palmer, Player, etc. Tim O'Connor recounts his life story beautifully, from his early struggles trying to find a swing and eke out a living to his amateur and professional successes (including his short foray on the PGA Tour), to his struggles in later years until his recognition by Wally Uihlein of Titleist and others that cemented his reputation and gave him security and acceptance in his older years. The stories about Moe's shotmaking, his wheeling, and dealing, and his idiosyncratic temperament are at times awe-inspiring and at times hilarious, but there is poignancy too at times. All in all, it's a wonderful book and a great gift to give someone who has only heard of the man but has not heard his life story.

[Brian Best · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is likely that nobody has ever been able to repeat a swing like Moe Norman.

The ball just went dead straight every time.

The secret? "Hard work - you can't buy it."

The swing is genius, but it is the hard work that makes it happen.

[Edward Zitvogel · Rating 4 out of 5]

E-180.00/5.56 (112525)

[Sharon · Rating 3 out of 5]

wow-pretty amazing life of this golfer I'd never even heard of, altho, only mediocre career..
2nd edition-you'd think there'd be no errors whatsoever-ha!
errors: p.73-'..beginning stories with the lede'... uh, hello-what exactly is a LEDE???
p.96-'Moe had finally chosen been'... uh, yeah-that sounds right..
p.277-'an-ymore'... word was split this way at the end of a line-could very well have been a printer's error, but! the author didn't re-read his OWN WORK??? tch tch..

[Michael Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good biography of an incredible man

I enjoyed learning the life and story of Moe Norman. It is incredible that such a talented player is still not known by the masses. Can’t wait to experience that feeling of greatness!

[Richard Koppy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Very boring after a while going over the same biographic material... way too long... i wouldn't read this author again...

[David Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read

Understanding Moe and his swing and why he developed it. Sad he never won on the PGA Tour! A true legend.

[Francis · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the great stories of golf was the life of Moe Norman. A Canadian who suffered a head injury as a child and who then exhibited autistic behaviour patterns for the rest of his life. It seemed his one joy was hitting golf balls and he went about it with an intensity that has never been rivalled. Never well known until late in his life and then still relatively obscure he has been called by many including the many professionals who watched him hit balls as the greatest ball striker ever. And this from a totally unorthodox self-taught golf swing. If you love golf, this is a book you will enjoy.

[Benny]

loved it