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  • The First Major

  • The Inside Story of the 2016 Ryder Cup
  • By: John Feinstein
  • Narrated by: John Feinstein
  • Length: 11 hrs and 30 mins
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars (24 ratings)

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The First Major

By: John Feinstein
Narrated by: John Feinstein
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Summary

From the number one New York Times best-selling author of A Good Walk Spoiled, a dramatic chronicle of the bitterly fought 2016 Ryder Cup pitting a US team out for revenge against the Europeans determined to keep the cup out of American hands.

Coming into 2016, the Americans had lost an astounding six out of the last seven Ryder Cup matches, and tensions were running high for the showdown that took place in October 2016 in Hazeltine, Minnesota, just days after American legend Arnold Palmer had died. What resulted was one of the most raucous and heated three days in the cup's long history. Award-winning author John Feinstein takes listeners behind the scenes, providing an inside view of the dramatic stories as they unfolded: veteran Phil Mickelson's two-year roller coaster as he upended the American preparation process and helped assemble a superb team; superstar Rory McIlroy becoming the clear-cut emotional leader of the European team and his reasons for wanting to beat the US team so badly this time around; the raucous matches between McIlroy and American Patrick Reed - resulting in both incredible golf and several moments that threatened to come to blows; the return of Tiger Woods not as a player but an assistant captain and his obsession with helping the US win - which was never the case when he was playing.

John Feinstein's classic best seller, A Good Walk Spoiled, set the bar for golf books. Now Feinstein provides his unique take on the Ryder Cup, which has clearly become golf's most intense and emotional event...it's 'first Major'.

©2017 John Feinstein (P)2017 Random House Audio
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Critic reviews

"Feinstein compellingly re-creates the excitement, sometimes shot by shot, especially in the classic McIlroy-Reed singles match, which has come to be a symbol of golf at its best, both for shotmaking and sportsmanship. A great moment in golf history, vividly captured." ( Booklist)
"Golf fans love Feinstein's books because he's trusted by the pros and thus can give inside information no other journalist can capture, plus he has a flair for telling a great story.... His journalistic style of short, pithy paragraphs drives the narrative along at breakneck speed. Recommended for any sports enthusiast and a must for golfers of all handicaps." ( Kirkus Reviews)

What listeners say about The First Major

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Excellent audiobook

Thoroughly enjoyed this. Particularly like the way John introduces a player, and hen goes into his history. Some great insights especially into past Ryder cups. Occasionally repeats himself, but this a minor gripe. Overall for a golfer this is fascinating, and made several dull car journeys fly by. As John’s golf books go, this is second favourite. Open (about bethpage) was in my opinion the best. Anyone who’s ever had any interest in Ryder cup will enjoy this.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars
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Enjoyable

Very detailed account of the 2016 match up that also delves deep into Ryder Cup history and has fascinating behind the scenes tales from both camps. The repetition in certain instances does become quite irritating.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Fabulous insight, intelligently read.

Fabulous, wonderful, everything I hoped. Feinstein is a truly remarkable author. Great insight, great pace.

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