Reviews for How I Play Golf

How I Play Golf by Tiger Woods Summary and Reviews

How I Play Golf List Price: $19.99
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Book Reviews of How I Play Golf

Book Review: A good reference you will find yourself going back to
Summary: 4 Stars

I am a low handicapper and can say that this book, while there weren't any epiphanies for me, confirmed for me a lot of the fundamentals and nuances to the game. I argue with my dad a lot about fundamentals and technique and I often turn back to this book to make my arguments. It is structured well, starting out with easy concepts (putting, chipping) and moving to the more difficult aspects of the full swing. The book also does not neglect the mental/conditioning aspects of the game, and specifically mentions fitness & stretching, one thing that very few weekend golfers do and it plagues their games and consistency.

Pros:
- Large color photos: too many golf books I've read try to explain the concepts almost solely in words and if you are not going to take lessons, seeing exactly what you should be doing in living color is the next best thing.
- Well structured: Starts w/ the easy stuff like putting/chipping to give golfer a sense of accomplishment, then moves to meat of book w/ basic full swing and a few variants.
- Time series: not many books I've seen have full-color, multiple angle time series and this book has several. Nothing beats videotaping yourself and comparing your swing to a pro at every point in your swing.
- Didn't forget the basics: he could've filled the book with trick shots and sophisticated moves, but there are a ton of good, basic lessons and thoughts for every phase of the full swing (and other parts of game). He includes the basic lessons on shot shaping and course management as well.
- Explains the "feel" well: a lot of golf is getting the feel of the right physics, and tiger explains some of the key `feel' points like the initial weight shift on the downswing well.

Cons:
- Time series: it's good that they're there, there just aren't enough of them and the intervals between shots within each times series could've been shorter.
- A little promotional: I guess you have to expect this and his editor/publisher probably insisted on it.

While I don't think Tiger needs any more money from book sales in addition to the millions he's already earned, I do find myself recommending this book to my high handicapper friends a lot and reference it myself a good deal.


Book Review: A great golf book from a great golfer
Summary: 5 Stars

In How I Play Golf, Tiger Woods covers the basics as well as more advanced technique. The illustrations in his book are outstanding. I recommend this book to those who want to improve their golf game or to those who simply want learn how Tiger plays.

Book Review: A life saver!
Summary: 5 Stars

This book is truly a life saver for me. I am a single Mom who decided to take up golf a year ago for fun, relaxation and to introduce my eight year old son to a sport we could play together. We both have golf lessons with the same golf pro and we have made steady progress. My son is now in Junior Golf and plays tournaments each week. My problem is he never listens to any advice I give him! Obviously I am no Earl Woods and there isn't any one around to take on that role except me, hence our golf games were becoming stressful, frustratinag and everything but relaxing! I now have Tiger by my side! My son can read the book, look at the photos and see exactly what he should be doing. The book is easy to read and contains precise instructions. The photos are superb and guide the reader through every step of the swing. Tiger's thoughts about the game are inspiring and insightful. A great book, a great read and a life saver for those of us who do not have a wealth of experience and wisdom about golf to fall back on. I know my game has improved since I obtained this book and so has my son's. Thank you Tiger.

Book Review: A must buy book for golfers
Summary: 5 Stars

If you like Tiger Woods, buy it.
No exception.
I read his book and then went to the driving range.
It works; I know why I hit straight, hook, or slice.
I may not become a better player but I know how I can do that.
This is my sincere review.
It worths your money.

Book Review: A unique look at how Tiger plays golf
Summary: 5 Stars

When I heard Tiger Woods was releasing an instructional golf book, I remember thinking that I had to buy it as soon as it came out. As we all know, Tiger Woods is an amazing golfer, and his first foray into writing an instructional golf book is a success. This shouldn't come as a total surprise, since he had been a playing editor at Golf Digest (which also helped in writing this book) for several years before the release of this book.

First, I'll mention what you won't find. This book is not overly technical and can be read profitably by recreational golfers and even non-golfers. The book is thoroughly illustrated with photographs (they are actually the primary medium of instruction), which is quite different than Ben Hogan's classic "Five Lessons: The Modern Fundamentals of Golf". By way of comparision, this book is considerably less technical than Hogan's book.

The book is laid out by tackling the shortest shots first - putts. Tiger explains that the book proceeds with the shortest shots and progresses through longer shots because he was taught golf that way. He explains why he plays the game the way he does (for example, he uses the interlocking grip instead of the more common overlap grip) and frequently points out other methods that could work. Tiger is quite thorough about exploring not just the technical aspects of playing shots, but also the mental side of the game, such as pre-shot routine and course management. He periodically uses actual pivotal moments from tournaments (such as the 13th at Augusta on Sunday at the 2001 Masters) he played in as illustrations of the principles he talks about in his book.

Another fascinating aspect of "How I Play Golf" is when Tiger discusses the off-course side of his golf preparation. Obviously, this includes exercise and fitness, but also includes diet and nutrition. He doesn't get too in depth about any of these subjects (he's actually quite secretive about the details of his exercise routine), but explains the general principles of why he does what he does. Tiger Woods is one of the most fit people on the planet, and the emphasis on physical well-being is a great message for the public.

Since this book was published shortly after he completed the Tiger Slam in 2001, there is undoubtedly much that he would change if he wrote another book like this right now, eight years later. Nevertheless, the information here can help a wide range of golfers. Even if you don't play golf, this book is still enjoyable to read and may convince you to give the game a try. It would be fascinating if Tiger wrote another book like this near the end of his competitive playing career to see the evolution of his thoughts on playing golf - we can only hope!
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