Invited to speak at the anniversary of the Chicago Open, Jack Handley returns to the exclusive Midwest course where he caddied as a young boy. Now a respected and elderly historian, Jack recounts to the assembled sons and daughters of members he once knew his recollections about the historic summer of 1946, when Ben Hogan visited the club to play in their famous PGA golf tournament.At the time, Matt Alexander was the young club pro - Jack's idol, his dear friend, and a talented player with a velvet swing. Caddying for Matt, Jack oftentimes reined in Matt's reckless play as together they dissected each hole in preparation for Matt's attempt to qualify for the Chicago Open. But a secret romance that began between working-class Matt and Sarah, the daughter of the club president, threatened to disrupt their training - and their friendship.Shortly before the Open, on a momentous late afternoon, fourteen-year-old Jack found himself caddying a tense practice round between Matt Alexander and Ben Hogan. In between golf swings and cigarette breaks, Hogan spent time with the impressionable Jack, teaching him far more about life than about golf.Jack, thrilled by Hogan's presence at the country club but mindful of his own friendship with Matt, found his loyalties were divided when it came time to caddie in the Open. In a series of events - both poignant and tragic - Jack's decision on whom to caddie for became the pivotal moment of the summer, and perhaps his life.The summer of 1946 was a time of heightened emotions for the young teenager, and the Chicago Open itself was a moment of truth for Jack Handley. Retelling the story at the anniversary, he relives the golf matches - and reveals to his audience the human side of the iconic Hogan.The Caddie Who Knew Ben Hogan is filled with stories about this golden era of golf and the legendary Ben Hogan. It is a bittersweet novel about golf and growing up, and the strangers we meet along the way who make all the difference in our lives. Read Less