Nicklaus

If it's all in the timing, Shaw's (Bury Me in a Pot Bunker) biography of golf's great player is singularly unseasonable, because Nicklaus's long-anticipated autobiography (Forecasts, March 10) is available. With his own book in the works, Nicklaus declined to be interviewed for this one. Nonetheless, Shaw draws an accurate portrait of his subject, particularly in analyzing the elements that led to so many triumphs on the links--intellect, discipline and focus. The writing is enticing, although there is one disappointment: the book is being promoted as concentrating on the 1972 season, when Nicklaus was at the height of his power, yet such is Shaw's disregard for chronology that this is not apparent. Aficionados will be amused by the concluding chapters, in which the player elected Golfer of the Century is measured against other champions from Harry Vardon to Tom Watson. Shaw's book is a worthwhile supplement to the star's own account of his life. (June)