[Yoda]

i was actually honestly asking if you had any concrete knowlegde of how much time ben spent with homer...i have never really asked ben directly....i have always assumed that they spent many hours together

i do know that ben knew homer before that day in 1969 because they attended the same church...

I don't know how much time they spent together. I do know that Homer had a great deal of respect for the work Ben did to learn the book. Here's something Homer said (from the tapes from my Master Class):

"He really put in the time. When I can't find a reference that I know is in the book, I'll call Ben. He always knows where it is!"


Also, Homer told the story of how he came to meet Ben. He had gone out to a PGA Tour event being held in Seattle at The Broadmoor Golf Club, and he kept hearing people ask, "How's Ben doing?" and "What hole is Ben on?" He had no idea who Ben was -- turns out he was the Head Professional at the club! -- but he went out to take a look. He watched him play a few shots but didn't ask for an introduction.

Some time later, Homer was at a wedding reception, and one of the church members learned he was writing a golf book. She told him he "had to go meet Ben" who, unknown to Homer, was also a member of the church. Having heard the name for a second time and on that recommendation, Homer called Ben.

And the rest, as they say, is history.