WRITING

​

I have been utilizing my writing skills professionally since 1983, when I assisted a former professor and his colleague in writing a book on a former one-room school house in Washington state. I conducted oral history interviews with former students and also produced a narrated slide program used at an event celebrating the school's history and preservation.

​

While at George Washington University I served as co-editor of the “GW Historical Encyclopedia” (a then university on-line publication), and contributed over 300 articles on history of the university going back to 1821. (Click here for a sampling of articles.)  I also contributed articles to GW Magazine, and Washington History magazine.

​

While doing work for the United States Golf Association, I wrote on the history of women's golf in this country from the 1890s to the present. I also wrote on the development of the Curtis Cup, a biennial competition between teams of women from the U.S. and Great Britain and Ireland, and the first match in 1932.

​

​

​

​

​

​

      

​

​

​

​

 

 

 

Books

​

I am the author of three books. Trials and Triumphs of Golf’s Greatest Champions: A Legacy of Hope was published by Rowman & Littlefield in 2016, and is described in the tab on this page titled “Books.” Below are two reviews of it.

​

“Anyone who appreciates the cosmic connection between golf’s seen and unseen worlds understands that success is inextricably linked to the player’s ability—and determination—to overcome adversity in whatever form it comes. In this way, the game really is a lively microcosm of life, a human principle brilliantly reinforced in Lyle Slovick’s outstanding new book Trials and Triumphs of Golf’s Greatest Champions. As both fan and historian, I admire how he’s adroitly chosen examples of courage and determination under fire that link us all to the giants of the game, presenting a very important message about golf’s greatest, if rarely explored, gift—a refiner’s fire that reveals and sometimes elevates the inner man. This is a book to read slowly and savior—and even meditate upon.” — James Dodson, author of USGA Book Award winners Ben Hogan: An American Life and American Triumvirate: Sam Snead, Byron Nelson, Ben Hogan, and the Modern Age of Golf

​

“Typically, golf books are written by either sportswriters or golfers. However, Slovick tackles golf from the perspective of a historian . . . [T]his narrative provides an affirmation of grace in the face of adversity. Slovick profiles six golfers who achieved fame in the 20th century: Harry Vardon, Bobby Jones, Babe Didrikson Zaharias, Ben Hogan, Charlie Sifford, and Ken Venturi, along with one caddy, Bruce Edwards. Notably, all of the personages had long careers and grew into the role of elder statesmen. While Slovick’s perspective is focused, it relies heavily on previously published work. As such, the footnotes and bibliography are noteworthy. The question one has to ask is why these seven? Through the years, other golfers have faced daunting challenges, though perhaps the ones presented here were iconic. This book provides a helpful backdrop for more contemporary studies. . . .VERDICT Best suited for those new to the game with a pious respect and knowledge of the past.”  — Library Journal

 

Select Magazine Articles

 

“George Y. Coffin: A Schoolboy’s Life in 19th Century Washington”

 

“The St Andrews Rabbit Wars of 1801-1821”

 

“The 1932 Curtis Cup: Its Evolution and Legacy” (Part 1)

​

“The 1932 Curtis Cup: Its Evolution and Legacy” (Part 2)

​

“The 1932 Curtis Cup: Its Evolution and Legacy” (Part 3)

​

"Old Tom Morris: His Last Decade and Sad Financial Troubles"

​

​