I just read, Afternoons With Mr. Hogan…, by Jody Vasquez. I was impressed by his story-telling and sense of humor. The book was filled with eye-witness accounts of Ben Hogan in different “compartmentalized” areas of his life from 1964 until his passing. J.V. Got to see Mr. Hogan from a unique perspective, to say the least. The stories he shares are fun and describe the pioneer of modern golf. Leave it to a Texan.

The stories that end with a short answer were my favorites. “You’re a golf professional aren’t you?” Yes. “Then, you should know why.” Ha! I laughed out loud. However, one line stood out. Jody’s had an interesting observation regarding the sound of a Hogan impact. He said, “I believe his flat swing plane enabled him to keep the clubhead traveling along the target line longer, and thus kept the ball on the clubface an instant longer. Hence, a deliciously unique sound.”

Then, the best line of all came after hours of work with Jay Hebert. I’m laughing as I write. “That son of a bitch better play good tomorrow, with all the work we put into him.” Oh, my God, that’s priceless. I’d always heard Hogan was efficient with words. However, it turns out he was funny, too. Hogan’s spirit reminds me of my college coach, Katman.

We were eating at a Pizza Hut during a competitive trip. We were hungry and, of course, irritable. One of the guys asked when we could expect the pizza. The waitress said, it’s coming. Katman said, “So is Christmas”. That story always makes me smile, and that is the feeling I got reading about Jody Vasquez’s Hogan experience. Well done, sir.

The Open Stance Academy