Talking Sports: Book learning

“What a stupid I am.”

That’s what Roberto De Vicenzo said after the 1968 Masters Tournament.

“I’m such an idiot.”

The words of Phil Mickelson following the 2006 U.S. Open. I don’t remember what Colin Montgomery said after his final round that year. Nor do I remember what Jean Van de Velde said after the 1999 Open Championship. But they were stand-up guys at least, I remember that.

But for the first 13 and most of the past four years I’ve played golf all my life. Most of that golf has been recreational. But I’ve played enough competitive golf to know that recreational golf...