BIOGRAPHY Notable caddie's life and battle with disease

The story of Bruce Edwards gives an insider's view of professional golf.
By JIM SHEA
HARTFORD COURANT
"Caddy for Life: The Bruce Edwards Story," by John Feinstein (Little Brown & amp; Co., $25.95)
In the winter of 2003, author John Feinstein was among those shocked to learn that Bruce Edwards, a well-known professional golf caddie from Wethersfield, Conn., had amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, better known as Lou Gehrig's disease.
Not only is ALS incurable, but Edwards, then 48, had the more aggressive strain, meaning one to three years to live. Edwards, in fact, died Thursday morning.
It wasn't until the spring that Feinstein met up with Edwards at the Masters tournament. During a conversation, Edwards asked Feinstein if he would be interested in writing a book about his life on the PGA Tour and his celebrated relationship with golfer Tom Watson.
Feinstein's initial reaction was to decline for personal reasons. But he also knew that agreeing to write the book would mean spending time with Edwards as ALS slowly robbed him of his ability to speak, to walk, and ultimately, to breathe.
No sooner had Feinstein finished telling a disappointed Edwards that he could not do the book than he reconsidered.
For golf fans, for fans of John Feinstein and for fans and friends of Bruce Edwards, it was a fortunate decision.
"Caddy for Life" is not only an interesting behind-the-scenes look at the world of professional golf from a caddie's perspective, it is also a moving and compelling human-interest story. And it more than measures up to what we have come to expect from Feinstein: solid, detailed reporting, good storytelling and crisp writing.
Edwards' background
For those who follow golf, the name Bruce Edwards is no doubt familiar. Edwards, the son of a dentist, grew up in Wethersfield and attended local schools. At a young age, he got his first taste of caddying when the PGA Tour came to the Wethersfield Country Club.
After graduating from high school, Edwards eschewed his parents' plans for him to attend college and instead decided to give the PGA Tour a try. He liked everything about the life and the work and eventually hooked up with Watson, who would become one of the sport's superstars.
In one of the most memorable moments in golf history, Watson was seen running around, pointing at Edwards and mouthing the words, "I told you," after sinking a miraculous chip shot on the next-to-the-last hole at the 1982 U.S. Open. The shot put him into position to win the tournament.
In chronicling Edwards' career, Feinstein explores such subjects as the caddie lifestyle, the culture, the pay structure and the caddie-player relationship, both on and off the course.
The book also deals in depth with the close friendship between Edwards and Watson, a bond that was tightened by ALS.
Emotional present
As it must, "Caddy for Life" eventually turns its focus to the present and Edwards' battle against an opponent he can only temporarily hold off, not defeat.
Feinstein is at his absolute best in dealing with this chapter of Edwards' story. Calling upon a reserve of talent and craft developed over a career, Feinstein deftly takes the reader on an often emotional ride.
He infuriates with his recounting of the manner in which an insensitive doctor at the Mayo Clinic cavalierly informs Edwards he has ALS and little time to live.
He conjures fear with his exploration of life's fragility -- healthy one day, terminal the next.
He impresses with anecdotes that show Edwards' vulnerability, courage, patience and grace.
And he moves us with his description of Edwards' widow, Marsha, who married him last year knowing full well what she would face.
Whether it was his intention or not, "Caddy for Life" is not only a book about Bruce Edwards, but also a book for Bruce Edwards. And that's OK.