Once Upon a Tee: A Golf Story by William Willis
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
First, I must say that I edited this book and oversaw the publication for my client, so you would expect me to give it five stars. However, I didn’t give it five stars because I edited it–I gave it five stars because it deserves it. I am selective about books I edit, and I loved this one from the time I read the first chapter. I had already worked with the author on his first book, Base Jumping: The Vagabond Life of a Military Brat, and knew he was a good storyteller.
Even though I’m not a golf fan, I found the golf history intriguing. Boudreaux and Johnny fascinated me, and the story of their imprisonment in a Japanese prisoner of war camp and the aftermath touched my heart.
I could visualize the scenes, whether it was Boudreaux in the Bataan Death March, Boudreaux and Johnny caring for each other in the camp, or Boudreaux playing golf in the US Open at Medinah Country Club with Johnny alongside as his caddy.
The secondary characters added color to the story–young Mickey was a special favorite.
Boudreaux and Johnny survive the horrors of the camp and overcome their physical and emotional wounds to follow their dream.
If you enjoy chronicles of individuals triumphing over adversity, inspiring tales of innovation and creativity, and beautiful stories of love (brotherly and romantic), you’ll enjoy Once Upon a Tee.