Among the 40 million active golfers in the world today, Callaway is
recognized by touring pros and amateurs alike for having created the
most compatible golf equipment ever made. Indeed, Callaway's
revolutionary approach to research and manufacturing changed the game,
and how people approached it, for the largest subset of players in
history.
However, not many know that the company was founded by one man, Ely
Callaway (1919-2001), who, at the age of 65--after enjoying successful
careers in textiles and wine--began it as a garage start-up in southern
California. Within ten years, Ely (Ee-lee) built the Callaway Golf
Company into the largest golf club company in the world and one of the
sport's most prestigious brands. Golf was Ely's passion project: he had
spent 50 years playing the game as an amateur; following the example of
his hero and first cousin, Grand Slam winner Bobby Jones; analyzing the
golf industry; and reflecting on the true meaning of the game.
The success of the Callaway Golf Company was a direct result of its
charismatic leader, who made a deep impression on everyone he met. Ely
was beloved by millions around the world, from golfers to presidents,
pop stars, to corporate titans, and most importantly, the weekend
players who often struggled with their game.
In the last years of his life, Ely wrote a book about the secrets of his
success. He wanted to share his outlook on life with others, and why he
kept at "the unconquerable game" for as long as he did. Ely died in 2001
however, before he was able to publish the book.
Now, a generation later, the "lost book" of Ely Callaway is finally
edited and compiled by his son, Nicholas Callaway. Here for the first
time are Ely's stories from his lifetime in the game of golf, the people
he met along the way, as well as vignettes from his career in business.
Ely was a man who loved his work and sport and life, and the wisdom
embedded in these pages offers promising life lessons for all.
