The Longest Shot: Jack Fleck vs Ben Hogan – 1955 U.S. Open Upset | Thomas Dunne Books

Underdog courage on golf's biggest stage

The Longest Shot tells the gripping, true-life tale of an overlooked Iowa golfer who challenged the sport’s legend during the 1955 U.S. Open. Jack Fleck stood across from Ben Hogan, a match-up that captured the imagination of fans and critics alike as Hogan appeared to be cruising toward another banner victory.

When NBC-TV signed off with Hogan as the presumed winner, Fleck’s journey was just beginning. Across three grueling rounds, he chipped away from a nine‑shot deficit, turning doubt into momentum on greens that seemed to test every nerve. The drama culminates on the final hole of regulation play, where a pressure-packed putt keeps the contest alive and sets the stage for a dramatic 18-hole playoff. Fleck ultimately triumphs, in a moment many fans still recall as one of sports history’s most startling upsets.

What you’ll discover

• A vivid, on-course sense of the layout, crowd energy, and the mental grind of championship golf.
• A thorough account of the late rally, the final-hole tie, and the high-stakes playoff that followed.
• Context on media narratives and public perception of golf in the 1950s.

Perfect for readers who love true sports stories

• Golf enthusiasts seeking insider perspectives without needing specialized terminology.
• Sports history fans drawn to unlikely triumphs, strategic decision‑making, and real-life drama.

Reading experience

Written in clear, engaging prose, the narrative balances factual detail with human moments—the quiet confidence of Fleck, the iconic calm of Hogan, and the roar of a crowd that believed in the improbable. It reads like a suspenseful game played over three days and a pivotal playoff that remains a landmark in American sports lore.

Product notes

• Used Book in Good Condition