The story of a Kiwi legend

Sir Bob Charles – the Biography by Geoff Saunders, Nationwide, $60

The 1963 British Golf Champion wasn't only a left-hander, he came from a nowhere place called New Zealand and his name remains etched in gold today, nearly 60 years later. Surprising then that this publication by Geoff Saunders is the first comprehensive biography of our greatest golfer.

Saunders takes us back to Bob Charles' long heyday in the high profile world of international golf. Even though he never won the Open again, he did come second twice, in 1968 and 1969, when he was at his peak as a professional golfer. And he kept on being reminded that he was a leftie, not that it mattered to him. Being on the road was always a challenge, perhaps more-so back then. He forged what was to be a lifelong friendship with Gary Player, one of the game's “big three”, and winner of nine golf major titles. This biography takes us deep into the man whose achievements helped put New Zealand on the map, a result that was so much harder to attain in the 1960's and ‘70's. The detail of Charles' entry into professional golf is a real eye-opener, for how he managed to enter this world, and what golf was like all those years ago.

His success at major tournaments, his victory in 1963, the story of his later career in the ranks of Seniors golf is just as compelling. Geoff Saunders does Bob Charles justice one hundred percent. As a holiday read about one of New Zealand's most successful sports professionals you won't find a better gift to yourself or someone you know.