The Ben Hogan Collection

Before Tiger and Phil, Nicklaus and Palmer, there was Ben Hogan (1912-97). Schooled in both the disciplines of golf and the traditional Depression-era hard knocks, the self-taught Hogan struggled mightily before becoming a tour phenomenon. In 1953, he capped a miracle year by winning all three majors he competed in (Masters, U.S. Open, and British Open). Today, his up-from-the-bootstraps story and virtually flawless swing continue to capture the linkster's imagination. The Ben Hogan Collection is a three-disc set (plus an interactive CD-ROM that allows viewers to control the speed of Hogan's swings on the computer) covering all aspects of the icon's career. Disc one and two present the “swing revealed,” with in-depth looks at Hogan's techniques, while the third disc fills in the biographical blanks about the man and his legacy (DVD extras include “lost” 8mm film footage). Combining amazing archival material with contemporary interviews of many in Hogan's immediate circle, this collection nicely celebrates one of golf's true heroes. Highly recommended. Aud: P. (B. Gibron)