I have the greatest admiration for people who can do things better than their fellow man—people such as Babe Ruth in baseball, Dr. Dave Freeman in badminton, Eddie Arcaro in riding, Howard Hill in archery, Ned Day in bowling, Misha Elman with the violin, Babe Didrickson in just about everything she undertook, my good friend Clarence Buddington Kelland with words, Bobby Jones or Ben Hogan with a golf club, to name a few standouts.

When thinking of standouts who are in the ascendancy, but whose careers are too young to be placed with the above-mentioned greats, the name Gene Littler readily comes to mind.

At about the time I became associated with the La Jolla Country Club, six years ago, this fine young man turned professional amid much speculation as to whether or not his game would stand up against the seasoned professionals in one of sport's toughest leagues.

The record has indicated that it would, for, in spite of a sensitive disposition bordering upon shyness, Gene Littler has compiled an enviable record, including a win of the United States Open at Oakland Hills Country Club in Birmingham, Michigan. He has been the winner of the Las Vegas Tournament of Champions three times in succession; has been the leading money winner on one occasion and finished high up on this list every year.

The reason for Gene's fine record is a well-rounded game in every department, but most particularly it is because of his medium and long iron play, which borders on sheer wizardry.

Often when one thinks of long iron play, he recalls Tommy Armour, Byron Nelson, Denny Shute, or Craig Wood. Armour for the gentle hook; Nelson for either the gentle hook or the fade; Shute, like Nelson, for either; and Wood for his low wind-cheating powerful shots. Now, I have witnessed the wonderful shots of all these greats, but, in my opinion, Gene Littler, with a medium or long iron in his hands, can do everything these great champions could do and more, in that his shots sit more lightly on the greens than those of any player I have ever seen, and this I believe to be a mark of greatness.
Any book that will give a hint as to how Gene accomplishes these remarkable iron shots is a must in anyone's golf library, and here's wishing him much success with it.

PAUL RUNYAN
La Jolla, California
January, 1962

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