A Poetic Look At The Life And Career Of Ben Hogan
Golf's Greatest Ball Striker
There are many great golfers who could be revered
But if one were picked the choice would be clear
Ben Hogan was in a class by himself
And was able to do so with little help
When he first started he was not very good
His slow progress he never understood
He worked night and day and rose to the top
And became nearly impossible to stop
He won nearly everything in sight
Each victory came with vigor and might
Young golfers would ask him what it took to be so great
His compelling response they would anxiously await
You must dig your game from the dirt if you are to the best
If you are willing to do this it will be your greatest test
You could tell Mr. Hogan's shots from the others
When the club struck the ball it sounded like thunder
In 1949 this great player nearly died
In a head on collision that caused the golf world to cry
The doctors said he would never walk for sure
But one year later he was back on tour
He went on to win many more events
And continued to exhibit his total intent
It was believed by most he had developed a secret
That gave him a swing which was considered perfect
Everyone guessed what the secret might be
But he never disclosed it which did not surprise me
His caddy of many years recently created a buzz
When he said Mr. Hogan told him what the secret was
He wrote a book where it was revealed
I read and now use it but my lips are sealed
Mr. Hogan was a humble man of few words
But when he spoke it was like a shot heard round the golf world
His true nature was hard to define
But all who knew him said he was very kind
His wife Valerie was the love of his life
Building him up and helping avoid strife
If we were to select one description from them all
It would be he was the greatest striker of the ball
Many have emulated him even to this day
And one has emerged who is far and away
His work ethic and character were an inspiration to all
May we remember his example when strike our own golf ball
