White Fang and the Golden Bear

“Thinking how White Fang got into Joe Wessel’s hands to me HAD to be some sort of betting settlement. To [Jack’s son] Steve, it was probably just another of the many putters Jack had laying around … but to Jack, obviously this particular putter was a bit more ‘special.’ I’m glad Jack got it back.” —Mark Lye, 18-year PGA Tour player, and 18-year golf analyst at Golf Channel “Hearing the story of White Fang and Joe playing Augusta National with his dad reminds me of the time I played with my son Carter. I’ve played the course a hundred times, but playing with my son is one of the most memorable experiences.” —David Toms, Professional Golfer, 2001 PGA Champion, 13-time winner on the PGA Tour “I was very lucky to grow up in the shadow of a giant, my father Don Shula. As detailed in this book, Joe and his dad had a wonderful relationship that I enjoyed watching grow for many years.” —Dave Shula, wide receivers coach at Dartmouth College; former NFL coach; and former executive at Shula’s Steak Houses, LLLP “Joe has been a lifelong friend. He and I have played a lot of golf over the years, and every time I heard his White Fang story I thought it was one of the best golf stories I have ever heard.” —Skip Holtz, head football coach and assistant for over 30 years “I have been around golf my whole life and Joe’s White Fang story is one of the best I’ve heard. A must read—and not just for golfers!” —Gary Koch, PGA Tour Professional and Network Golf Analyst

Joe Wessel is a former defensive back at Florida State University. He holds FSU and NCAA records for blocked kicks in a game (2) and in a season (5), as well as the most touchdowns scored off blocked kicks in a game (2). Wessel was an assistant football coach for 13 years, at the college and NFL levels. He was the Florida president for HomeBanc Mortgage Corporation and is currently the SVP and National Sales Manager for Raymond James Bank. Joe is an avid golfer and winner of the Outback Pro-Am in 2005. He is married to Mary Gayle Hamilton and has two sons, Trent and Parker. Wessel currently resides in Tampa, Florida.

Bill Chastain began his journalism career as a freelance writer shortly after graduating from Georgia Tech in 1979. Chastain is the author of Payne at Pinehurst: The Greatest U.S. Open Ever; Steel Dynasty: The Team That Changed the NFL; and Hack’s 191: Hack Wilson and His Incredible 1930 Season.