In another life, Johnson covered the sport for the Leicester Mercury, where he got close to the Tigers players. Too close sometimes - Johnson's probing risked him being dragged into the showers, clothes, notebook and all. Like most Open champions Tiger Woods has had a replica of the trophy made. But I hope he also has something that, though not matching the replica, spells out and sums up just why he was so proud to win it. It is the official history of the event at St Andrews, and it is a treasure.
Most official histories are dry and dusty affairs.
Not this one. Even while these events were taking place, golf was a part of St Andrews. The book takes us, compellingly, through the championships right up to 1995, and if it is not on hand in Tiger's house, it should be. It is said that Lance Armstrong's transformation from testicular cancer patient to Tour de France winner is to be made into a film. But it is hard to see any movie doing justice to the script provided by Armstrong's own account, co-authored by Sally Jenkins and winner of this year's William Hill sports book of the year award.