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Tiger & Phil: Golf's Most Fascinating Rivalry
Bob Harig's Tiger & Phil provides an in-depth chronicle of the decades-long rivalry that drove the success of golf's two biggest stars, Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson.
For more than two decades, there have been two golfers who have captivated, bemused, inspired, frustrated, fascinated, and entertained us, and in doing so have demanded our attention – Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson. Even with all the ink that has been spilled on Tiger, no one has ever written about his relationship with Phil and how their careers have been inextricably intertwined. Furthermore, very little has been written about Phil Mickelson, who is more than just an adversary. He is a fascinating Hall of Fame golfer in his own right.
These two biggest names (and draws) in golf have, for better and for worse, been the ultimate rivals. But it is so much more complicated than that. Each player has pushed the other to be better. They have teased each other and fought. They have battled to the bitter end on the course making for some of the greatest moments in the game for the last 20 years. They have each gone through injury and health problems, legal problems, falling in and out of favor with the press. And over the course of their time together in the game they have gradually become not just rivals but friends.
In the tradition of major bestsellers such as Arnie & Jack, When the Game Was Ours, The Rivals, and Brady vs. Manning, Tiger & Phil will change the way we look at these players and the game itself.
For more than two decades, there have been two golfers who have captivated, bemused, inspired, frustrated, fascinated, and entertained us, and in doing so have demanded our attention – Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson. Even with all the ink that has been spilled on Tiger, no one has ever written about his relationship with Phil and how their careers have been inextricably intertwined. Furthermore, very little has been written about Phil Mickelson, who is more than just an adversary. He is a fascinating Hall of Fame golfer in his own right.
These two biggest names (and draws) in golf have, for better and for worse, been the ultimate rivals. But it is so much more complicated than that. Each player has pushed the other to be better. They have teased each other and fought. They have battled to the bitter end on the course making for some of the greatest moments in the game for the last 20 years. They have each gone through injury and health problems, legal problems, falling in and out of favor with the press. And over the course of their time together in the game they have gradually become not just rivals but friends.
In the tradition of major bestsellers such as Arnie & Jack, When the Game Was Ours, The Rivals, and Brady vs. Manning, Tiger & Phil will change the way we look at these players and the game itself.
368 pages, Hardcover
Published April 26, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 93 reviews
April 24, 2022
Tiger & Phil: Golf’s Most Fascinating Rivalry is an in depth look at the talent and contrasting game of two elite golfers, Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson.
As a casual golf fan, I learned more about both golfers and their differences in style and approach. In some ways, Tiger’s more distant, disciplined demeanor, especially in his earlier professional years, reminded me of Kobe Bryant. Between the two, Phil was friendlier and more engaged with fans and the media, though it seems Tiger has warmed up a little more over time. Phil played golf in college at Arizona State and has had one of the most successful collegiate golf careers of all time. In his first 7 tournaments as a pro, Tiger had (5) top 10 finishes — an impressive start.
Tiger & Phil covers it all — The Masters, The Ryder Cup, The Players Championship, how they each got started, how both Tiger and Phil positively impacted the buzz around golf, changes in their coaches and caddies, and personal challenges they each faced off the course.
Over the last 2 decades, there has been no shortage of talent between these 2 incredible golfers. While they may not have always gotten along and can be cordial competitors without being friends, it’s clear they respect the skill and game of each other. An interesting read for fans of professional golf — 3.5 stars (rounded up)
Thank you to St. Martin’s Press for providing a copy in exchange for an honest review.
As a casual golf fan, I learned more about both golfers and their differences in style and approach. In some ways, Tiger’s more distant, disciplined demeanor, especially in his earlier professional years, reminded me of Kobe Bryant. Between the two, Phil was friendlier and more engaged with fans and the media, though it seems Tiger has warmed up a little more over time. Phil played golf in college at Arizona State and has had one of the most successful collegiate golf careers of all time. In his first 7 tournaments as a pro, Tiger had (5) top 10 finishes — an impressive start.
Tiger & Phil covers it all — The Masters, The Ryder Cup, The Players Championship, how they each got started, how both Tiger and Phil positively impacted the buzz around golf, changes in their coaches and caddies, and personal challenges they each faced off the course.
Over the last 2 decades, there has been no shortage of talent between these 2 incredible golfers. While they may not have always gotten along and can be cordial competitors without being friends, it’s clear they respect the skill and game of each other. An interesting read for fans of professional golf — 3.5 stars (rounded up)
Thank you to St. Martin’s Press for providing a copy in exchange for an honest review.
July 7, 2024
Really an awesome book about my favorite golfers. The author’s facts are accurate and well researched.
A good one that I recommend.
A good one that I recommend.
April 14, 2022
Book Review: Tiger & Phil: Golf's Most Fascinating Rivalry by Bob Harig
Published by St. Martin's Press, April 26, 2022
★★★★☆ (4.0 Stars)
Positive!
It was all about Tiger!
In a remarkable endeavor, Sports Illustrated golf writer Bob Harig takes the golf world back to the fever-pitch, frenzied heyday of "Tiger Mania" and "The Tiger Slam" which, without exaggeration, mesmerized the globe.
Fast-forward to Chapter Six, the 1972 Masters, arguably the birthplace of "Tiger Mania".
Paired with 21-year-old Woods in that Saturday's third round at Augusta National, Scottish champion and top pro Colin "Monty" Montgomerie scoffs before the round:
"Hmmm. There's more to it than hitting the ball a long way, and the pressure's mounting more and more. I've got more experience, a lot more experience, in major championships than he has..." (The hmmm is from me, not from the book. That is what, at that moment, I heard.)
After the round, Monty eats crow, as would many in the elite field do for years to come:
"I'm probably the reason he did what he did. I'd just witnessed something very special. I thought I shot a very solid 74, until I lost to him by nine shots. I think he was 60, 70 yards ahead of me all day..."
Twenty-one-year-old Tiger Woods would go on to win the 1997 Masters by an unprecedented 12 shots. It was at this point, many would say, that the global phenomenon called "Tiger Mania" was born.
-----
Not to mention those impossible putts, i.e. NBC announcer Gary Koch's now-iconic “...BETTER THAN MOST...!!!” call at the 2001 Players Championship at Northern Florida's TPC Sawgrass on Tiger's 60-foot birdie attempt from the back fringe which broke three ways before collapsing into the hole. (A hole where I'd lost a ton of balls!)
And Verne Lundquist's "IN YOUR LIFE have you seen anything like that?!" on Wood's 16th hole pitch shot hole out from the rough in the 2005 Masters.
-----
But I digress.
To this reviewer - golf aficionado and long-time weekend warrior who'd witnessed firsthand that high-pitched crack of a cannon shot never before heard, with the zinger sailing endlessly 50, 60, 70 yards beyond everyone else's best shot, Tiger /Phil was never a rivalry.
No sir, this wasn't /isn't a "Bobby Fischer against the Russians" rivalry and in-your-face all out skirmish for all the marbles and national pride with grit, passion and treachery.
But, rather, a juxtaposition of two remarkable golf careers, each with it's own merits.
We all cheered, and will always cheer for Phil.
We admired, and will always admire Woods (despite his personal travails). Particularly, after seeing him with his son, Charlie, in the 2020 PNC Championship.
At times verbose, and in parts repetitive, I did thoroughly enjoyed this book, surely bound to be a relished keepsake in many golfers' bookshelves!
Review based on an advanced reading copy courtesy of St. Martin's Press and NetGalley.
Published by St. Martin's Press, April 26, 2022
★★★★☆ (4.0 Stars)
Positive!
It was all about Tiger!
In a remarkable endeavor, Sports Illustrated golf writer Bob Harig takes the golf world back to the fever-pitch, frenzied heyday of "Tiger Mania" and "The Tiger Slam" which, without exaggeration, mesmerized the globe.
Fast-forward to Chapter Six, the 1972 Masters, arguably the birthplace of "Tiger Mania".
Paired with 21-year-old Woods in that Saturday's third round at Augusta National, Scottish champion and top pro Colin "Monty" Montgomerie scoffs before the round:
"Hmmm. There's more to it than hitting the ball a long way, and the pressure's mounting more and more. I've got more experience, a lot more experience, in major championships than he has..." (The hmmm is from me, not from the book. That is what, at that moment, I heard.)
After the round, Monty eats crow, as would many in the elite field do for years to come:
"I'm probably the reason he did what he did. I'd just witnessed something very special. I thought I shot a very solid 74, until I lost to him by nine shots. I think he was 60, 70 yards ahead of me all day..."
Twenty-one-year-old Tiger Woods would go on to win the 1997 Masters by an unprecedented 12 shots. It was at this point, many would say, that the global phenomenon called "Tiger Mania" was born.
-----
Not to mention those impossible putts, i.e. NBC announcer Gary Koch's now-iconic “...BETTER THAN MOST...!!!” call at the 2001 Players Championship at Northern Florida's TPC Sawgrass on Tiger's 60-foot birdie attempt from the back fringe which broke three ways before collapsing into the hole. (A hole where I'd lost a ton of balls!)
And Verne Lundquist's "IN YOUR LIFE have you seen anything like that?!" on Wood's 16th hole pitch shot hole out from the rough in the 2005 Masters.
-----
But I digress.
To this reviewer - golf aficionado and long-time weekend warrior who'd witnessed firsthand that high-pitched crack of a cannon shot never before heard, with the zinger sailing endlessly 50, 60, 70 yards beyond everyone else's best shot, Tiger /Phil was never a rivalry.
No sir, this wasn't /isn't a "Bobby Fischer against the Russians" rivalry and in-your-face all out skirmish for all the marbles and national pride with grit, passion and treachery.
But, rather, a juxtaposition of two remarkable golf careers, each with it's own merits.
We all cheered, and will always cheer for Phil.
We admired, and will always admire Woods (despite his personal travails). Particularly, after seeing him with his son, Charlie, in the 2020 PNC Championship.
At times verbose, and in parts repetitive, I did thoroughly enjoyed this book, surely bound to be a relished keepsake in many golfers' bookshelves!
Review based on an advanced reading copy courtesy of St. Martin's Press and NetGalley.
October 24, 2025
I’ve read a lot of golf books – stuff on swing theory, course architectural history, making it on the professional tour, and the simple joy of just getting the ball into the bottom of the cup. I can safely say this read, a joint biography of sorts, comes near the top. An inside-the-ropes look into each of Tiger and Phil’s 21 cumulative major championships and concise accounts of their amateur, collegiate, professional, and personal lives – Tiger with his injuries and Phil with his longevity. A must read for a sports fan and especially those into professional golf.
The most interesting part of the read was the epilogue, a conversation between author Bob Harig (senior golf writer for Sports Illustrated) and Jason Sobel (PGA Tour XM Radio Host). As this book was published in 2022, the LIV Golf league had not been created nor had there been a Rory/Bryson resurgence. A cool “time capsule” to see how drastically the professional landscape has changed in 3 short years.
The most interesting part of the read was the epilogue, a conversation between author Bob Harig (senior golf writer for Sports Illustrated) and Jason Sobel (PGA Tour XM Radio Host). As this book was published in 2022, the LIV Golf league had not been created nor had there been a Rory/Bryson resurgence. A cool “time capsule” to see how drastically the professional landscape has changed in 3 short years.
January 14, 2023
I’ve read every book about Tiger and Phil that I could get my hands on. Obviously this one has a lot of the same material but it’s cool to look back and see how their stories crossed over with each other. And I’ll give a great review to any book that talks about the 2019 masters.
June 28, 2022
I enjoyed this book, it’s the story of two of the most influential golfers in the last 30 years. Their individual careers have been analyzed endlessly, but I didn’t realize how their rivalry impacted them.
I like sports biographies because I learn things about the athletes that weren’t publicized. This book is no exception, 4 stars.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed as in this review are completely my own.
I like sports biographies because I learn things about the athletes that weren’t publicized. This book is no exception, 4 stars.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed as in this review are completely my own.
April 13, 2022
For about the last 25 years, the two most recognizable professional golfers have been Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson. Between them they have won 21 major titles and 139 professional tournaments. Their careers, their lives and how they have intersected are documented in this book by gold writer Bob Harig.
The information obtained on both golfers is very good and shows the work that Harig put into this book, especially when one considers how protective Tiger was about various aspects of both his professional and private life. That seems to be a contradiction when one considers how much was revealed during his time away from golf, whether for health reasons or due to scandal, but it is still remarkable at how much Harig was able to write about Woods, as well as Mickelson. Some of this gets repetitive as the book continues but nonetheless is still quite interesting.
The description of both players’ wins in certain major tournaments, especially for those in the Masters (Woods in 2019 and Mickelson in 2010 with his famous tree shot at 13 are notably excellent) are the best aspects of this book for golf fans. Woods’ memorable 2008 U.S. Open win that took an additional 19 holes to finally defeat Rocco Mediate was also a great section. Readers who enjoy watching these two perform, even if they prefer one over the other, will gobble up these pages as they picture those famous moments in their minds while reading. There are also nice passages to other not-so-great moments such as the ill-fated pairing of the two golfers for the 2004 U.S. Ryder Cup team.
That disaster for the Americans is the point where readers will most likely believe that the rivalry between them was at its peak and if one considers this a true rivalry, then that would be true. While Harig does write about the coolness that they had on the course through the years when they played together, the respect each of them had for the other is also portrayed just as strongly. This is especially true for Mickelson’s many quotes about his reverence for the strong play of Tiger. While reading the book, it may feel like the “rivalry” that is touted in the book’s subtitle is more of a creation of either fans or the media rather than a true rivalry. Items like the current spats between Bryson DeChambeau and Brooks Koepka feel more like a rivalry than Woods and Mickelson do, despite the very good information in this book.
While one may question whether Tiger and Phil really had a true rivalry, this book is one that any golf fan, no matter who their loyalty may be with, will want to read to learn more about the fabulous careers of two of the very best to ever play the game and who have kept fans entertained for more than two decades.
I wish to thank St. Martin’s Press for providing a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
https://sportsbookguy.blogspot.com/20...
The information obtained on both golfers is very good and shows the work that Harig put into this book, especially when one considers how protective Tiger was about various aspects of both his professional and private life. That seems to be a contradiction when one considers how much was revealed during his time away from golf, whether for health reasons or due to scandal, but it is still remarkable at how much Harig was able to write about Woods, as well as Mickelson. Some of this gets repetitive as the book continues but nonetheless is still quite interesting.
The description of both players’ wins in certain major tournaments, especially for those in the Masters (Woods in 2019 and Mickelson in 2010 with his famous tree shot at 13 are notably excellent) are the best aspects of this book for golf fans. Woods’ memorable 2008 U.S. Open win that took an additional 19 holes to finally defeat Rocco Mediate was also a great section. Readers who enjoy watching these two perform, even if they prefer one over the other, will gobble up these pages as they picture those famous moments in their minds while reading. There are also nice passages to other not-so-great moments such as the ill-fated pairing of the two golfers for the 2004 U.S. Ryder Cup team.
That disaster for the Americans is the point where readers will most likely believe that the rivalry between them was at its peak and if one considers this a true rivalry, then that would be true. While Harig does write about the coolness that they had on the course through the years when they played together, the respect each of them had for the other is also portrayed just as strongly. This is especially true for Mickelson’s many quotes about his reverence for the strong play of Tiger. While reading the book, it may feel like the “rivalry” that is touted in the book’s subtitle is more of a creation of either fans or the media rather than a true rivalry. Items like the current spats between Bryson DeChambeau and Brooks Koepka feel more like a rivalry than Woods and Mickelson do, despite the very good information in this book.
While one may question whether Tiger and Phil really had a true rivalry, this book is one that any golf fan, no matter who their loyalty may be with, will want to read to learn more about the fabulous careers of two of the very best to ever play the game and who have kept fans entertained for more than two decades.
I wish to thank St. Martin’s Press for providing a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
https://sportsbookguy.blogspot.com/20...
June 7, 2022
Bob Harig’s novel “Tiger and Phil: Golf’s Most Fascinating Rivalry” which I received through Goodreads Giveaways explores the legend of two of golf’s greatest players- Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson . Five years apart in age and from different backgrounds the author explores the careers of these two big names in the world of golf over the last twenty years with their ups and downs, teasing and competitiveness.
Well-researched highlighting their differing personalities and battles for supremacy on the golf course the novel is filled with a wealth of golf history and statistics with little emphasis on the personal scandals that rocked their lives. Two great golfers with Tiger being number one, they have pushed each other to succeed from the time they were amateurs.
For those fans of golf this is an fascinating look at two professionals who will go down in the annals of golf history not just as rivals on the course but friends in the end.
Well-researched highlighting their differing personalities and battles for supremacy on the golf course the novel is filled with a wealth of golf history and statistics with little emphasis on the personal scandals that rocked their lives. Two great golfers with Tiger being number one, they have pushed each other to succeed from the time they were amateurs.
For those fans of golf this is an fascinating look at two professionals who will go down in the annals of golf history not just as rivals on the course but friends in the end.
July 20, 2023
3.5/5 I loved the nostalgia that I experienced from this book. I was at the 2008 US open and remember the feeling that Sunday and Monday. I also remember watching other big moments that the book covers. I did struggle with how the book flowed. It felt like it jumped and sometimes it felt like the number of tournaments won was different even though it was only a couple of pages apart. I’m one chapter the author mentions Phil accepting an invitation to play in the US open and then a couple paragraphs later was giving the scores of the PGA Championship. I had to read it a few times before I realized what he was trying to say. It just seemed like the book jumped and didn’t flow as well as I’d expect. Overall it was fun to recall so many memories.
March 10, 2025
Found this to be an interesting read, I learned quite a few new things about Tiger and Phil’s early careers and a lot more about the intensity of their rivalry. This book makes it quite clear that Tiger is the undisputed GOAT but Phil still had a remarkable and Hall of Fame career while playing at the same time as someone so dominant.
I did find myself skimming through pieces of this book, its information heavy at points and doesn’t read smoothly. Bob Harig does his best to present the information in a story telling kind of way, but I found myself skimming through chapters or paragraphs I found interesting and skipping others entirely.
I did find myself skimming through pieces of this book, its information heavy at points and doesn’t read smoothly. Bob Harig does his best to present the information in a story telling kind of way, but I found myself skimming through chapters or paragraphs I found interesting and skipping others entirely.
February 21, 2022
I’m a fan of PGA golf, so I thought this book about Phil Mickelson and Tiger Woods would be worth reading, and it is. There are many comparisons of match play, majors, and tournament pairings between the two golfers, along with tidbits about other golfers. Even caddies, coaches and family members are included. The book will make a nice gift for all golf fans. Thanks to Net Galley for their advanced reading copy.
January 27, 2022
This was a very interesting look at the parallel careers of these two golfing legends. The writing is clearly well-researched and well-presented by an individual who has long written about sports - golf, specifically - with a close relationship to the game and subject.
April 27, 2022
Fantastic look at the long history of Tiger, Phil and Tiger-Phil. Loads of fabulous stories and anecdotes that I’d either forgotten or never heard, and Harig includes great context for just how incredible and enduring both of their careers have been.
May 12, 2022
Tiger and Phil was a good book. It explored the relationship between Tiger woods and Phil Mickelson and how it evolved though out the years. I really enjoyed the plot in this book. A must read for anyone who likes nonfiction books
January 2, 2023
Incredible. Blown away by the stories, statistics and much more.
January 16, 2025
Excellent read! Some good behind the scenes stories that never got published in mainstream media. would recommend to any golf fan.
July 19, 2022
Definitely a more pro-Tiger book, which makes sense because he is better than Phil. Some interesting stories about their doomed Ryder Cup pairing. Wish it had been released about five months later, after Phil went to LIV and became a heel.
July 24, 2022
I knew before I started that Tiger and Phil weren’t interviewed directly for this book. Still, not hearing about the 2 discuss what the rivalry means to them now is still a bummer. If you’re a Tiger or Phil fan or just a golf fan in general, it’s still a good read.
May 2, 2022
As a huge golf fan, I really enjoyed this audiobook. I thought Bob Harig did a great job at being impartial and unbiased; truly only telling the story in the way it needed to be told.
I have always been fascinated by Tiger Woods — arguably the biggest, most well-known name in the golf world — and I really enjoyed getting to learn more about him through this book. The parts of the story that felt sacred based on being largely unknown for so long were the parts that were most interesting to me. Phil Mickelson is obviously a huge name in golf too, but since he is a bit more open about his upbringing and his personal life, he isn't as much of an enigma. That said, it was still interesting to learn more about him.
It was fun to feel like we were in their heads a little bit with the quotes from caddies, golf professionals, and everyone else who was able to shed insight into both their individual lives and their rivalry.
I did not love how the book started out strongly with statistics and dived right in, if you will. I am both a golf player and a golf fan and I still found myself confused at parts. That said, if you aren't a golf player or fan, or a Tiger and/or Phil fan, then I don't know if this book would be for you. Nevertheless, it was a super interesting read and I was happy to be able to read it.
I have always been fascinated by Tiger Woods — arguably the biggest, most well-known name in the golf world — and I really enjoyed getting to learn more about him through this book. The parts of the story that felt sacred based on being largely unknown for so long were the parts that were most interesting to me. Phil Mickelson is obviously a huge name in golf too, but since he is a bit more open about his upbringing and his personal life, he isn't as much of an enigma. That said, it was still interesting to learn more about him.
It was fun to feel like we were in their heads a little bit with the quotes from caddies, golf professionals, and everyone else who was able to shed insight into both their individual lives and their rivalry.
I did not love how the book started out strongly with statistics and dived right in, if you will. I am both a golf player and a golf fan and I still found myself confused at parts. That said, if you aren't a golf player or fan, or a Tiger and/or Phil fan, then I don't know if this book would be for you. Nevertheless, it was a super interesting read and I was happy to be able to read it.
May 10, 2022
Let’s be clear on one thing: Bob Harig signed up for a tough gig when he set out to write a book charting the rivalry between Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson.
Why? Well, there’s the obvious protest that nobody has come close to achieving ‘rival’ status with The Striped One. That Tiger’s numbers are in another league. That even in the latter stages of their careers, when Mickelson was infinitely fitter than Woods and picked up a Major championship at 50 (Kiawah Island 2021), Tiger could match him by producing a twilight performance of similar enormity (Augusta 2019). It’s an objection Harig doesn’t shy away from in Tiger & Phil.
And then there’s the fact that golf is an awful sport when it comes to painting pictures of a rivalry. There are no guaranteed top-of-the-table clashes. Head-to-head pairings in decisive rounds are few and far between. And it’s not a game of direct combat, where one guy can slam a winner past the other to make the ultimate statement, or flatten his opposite number in a tackle for the ages. In golf, where so much of the action is unspoken and psychological, you have to look deeper.
And kudos to Harig for taking the time and trouble to do that. For doing enough to justify the book’s tagline.
I had my doubts at times. A good quarter of the book, which covers their respective rises to prominence, is mostly about how Tiger and Phil were living entirely separate lives and probably had little more than a passing awareness of each other. Which was already a clear sign that the ‘rivalry’ per se was not going to fill an entire book. That you had to accept Tiger & Phil for what it was: a highlights (and lowlights) reel of the two players’ lives, with the attempt to connect their stories where possible.
But by the end, I was satisfied that Harig squeezed enough out of the rivalry thing. Where opportunity presented itself, he went for it. Hence a full chapter on the duo’s ill-fated Ryder Cup partnership at Oakland Hills in 2004. And their final-round duel at Doral the following year. The 1999 US Open and their Ryder Cup careers get significant attention too. And at the heart of the book is a chapter called Tension, which gets into a couple of the off-course controversies between the pair.
But the rest of the time, you’re mostly visiting the defining moments of each player’s career, whether they were spectacular fails (Phil at Winged Foot in 2006; Tiger’s fall from grace away from the course, etc.) or moments of triumph (The Tiger Slam; Phil winning the Open in 2013, etc.). All these are essentially Tiger chapters or Phil chapters, albeit with a bit of context in terms of what the other was doing and thinking. This format means there’s a degree of chronological jumping – something that makes it harder for the reader to see the ‘rivalry’ thread (such as it is) taking shape.
That said, I’m not sure there was necessarily a better format for this task. And if you pay enough attention, you’ll be able to distinguish how these two went from being amateur strangers to a point where they were trading green jackets for a couple of years in the mid-2000s, the period that came closest to producing a true rivalry and did have its share of tensions. And then how things gradually simmered down as Woods and Mickelson went along wildly differing roads, developing a level of respect as they grew older and regular success grew more elusive.
With each of them having nailed a remarkable Major as the light fades on their careers, completing the book in early 2022 seemed a perfect time to draw a line under their stories. But these two are never done, are they? They both keep on making headlines – we won’t go into all that now – and have already offered up enough for at least another two chapters this spring alone.
But it can’t be helped: such is the lot of the author writing about real life!
Whether or not you truly believe in the ‘fascinating rivalry’, there’s plenty of enjoyment, entertainment and learning to be had reading Tiger & Phil.
For the longer version of this review, visit https://richardasher.substack.com/p/t.... There'll be more sport book reviews coming up there!
Why? Well, there’s the obvious protest that nobody has come close to achieving ‘rival’ status with The Striped One. That Tiger’s numbers are in another league. That even in the latter stages of their careers, when Mickelson was infinitely fitter than Woods and picked up a Major championship at 50 (Kiawah Island 2021), Tiger could match him by producing a twilight performance of similar enormity (Augusta 2019). It’s an objection Harig doesn’t shy away from in Tiger & Phil.
And then there’s the fact that golf is an awful sport when it comes to painting pictures of a rivalry. There are no guaranteed top-of-the-table clashes. Head-to-head pairings in decisive rounds are few and far between. And it’s not a game of direct combat, where one guy can slam a winner past the other to make the ultimate statement, or flatten his opposite number in a tackle for the ages. In golf, where so much of the action is unspoken and psychological, you have to look deeper.
And kudos to Harig for taking the time and trouble to do that. For doing enough to justify the book’s tagline.
I had my doubts at times. A good quarter of the book, which covers their respective rises to prominence, is mostly about how Tiger and Phil were living entirely separate lives and probably had little more than a passing awareness of each other. Which was already a clear sign that the ‘rivalry’ per se was not going to fill an entire book. That you had to accept Tiger & Phil for what it was: a highlights (and lowlights) reel of the two players’ lives, with the attempt to connect their stories where possible.
But by the end, I was satisfied that Harig squeezed enough out of the rivalry thing. Where opportunity presented itself, he went for it. Hence a full chapter on the duo’s ill-fated Ryder Cup partnership at Oakland Hills in 2004. And their final-round duel at Doral the following year. The 1999 US Open and their Ryder Cup careers get significant attention too. And at the heart of the book is a chapter called Tension, which gets into a couple of the off-course controversies between the pair.
But the rest of the time, you’re mostly visiting the defining moments of each player’s career, whether they were spectacular fails (Phil at Winged Foot in 2006; Tiger’s fall from grace away from the course, etc.) or moments of triumph (The Tiger Slam; Phil winning the Open in 2013, etc.). All these are essentially Tiger chapters or Phil chapters, albeit with a bit of context in terms of what the other was doing and thinking. This format means there’s a degree of chronological jumping – something that makes it harder for the reader to see the ‘rivalry’ thread (such as it is) taking shape.
That said, I’m not sure there was necessarily a better format for this task. And if you pay enough attention, you’ll be able to distinguish how these two went from being amateur strangers to a point where they were trading green jackets for a couple of years in the mid-2000s, the period that came closest to producing a true rivalry and did have its share of tensions. And then how things gradually simmered down as Woods and Mickelson went along wildly differing roads, developing a level of respect as they grew older and regular success grew more elusive.
With each of them having nailed a remarkable Major as the light fades on their careers, completing the book in early 2022 seemed a perfect time to draw a line under their stories. But these two are never done, are they? They both keep on making headlines – we won’t go into all that now – and have already offered up enough for at least another two chapters this spring alone.
But it can’t be helped: such is the lot of the author writing about real life!
Whether or not you truly believe in the ‘fascinating rivalry’, there’s plenty of enjoyment, entertainment and learning to be had reading Tiger & Phil.
For the longer version of this review, visit https://richardasher.substack.com/p/t.... There'll be more sport book reviews coming up there!
May 2, 2022
In the world of sports, classic rivalries are usually between teams. It might be the Yankees/Red Sox, Bears/Packers, Michigan/Ohio State or Army/Navy, but it is always a battle steeped in tradition. Professional golf is different; with the exception of certain team events, it's a contest between individuals. Throughout the years, there have been rivalries in the sport --- Ben Hogan/Sam Snead and Arnold Palmer/Jack Nicklaus immediately come to mind.
However, the modern rivalry that seemingly ranks highest in the golfing world is the one between Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson. In addition to frequent battles on the course, their personal lives have been a key part of their rivalry. TIGER & PHIL by golf writer Bob Harig is an exhaustive and appealing account of these legendary golfers, whose careers have dominated the end of the 20th century and the first decades of the 21st.
I must confess to some indifference on the notion that this has been a rivalry that mirrors others in the sporting world. While Phil has his acolytes and is popular in his own right, he has never been a serious challenger to Tiger’s domination of the sport. Tiger won eight major championships before Phil won his first, and early in his career he completed the “Tiger Slam,” capturing all four majors consecutively over a two-year period. He has won 15 majors and trails only Nicklaus in that category. Phil has six majors to his credit, and while his 2021 victory at the PGA Championship at age 50 made him the oldest major winner in golf history, he has yet to win the U.S. Open.
The rivalry may be more media hype than reality, but the two men remain the biggest names in golf. And they share in their careers physical injuries, legal disputes, personal tribulations and a love-hate relationship with sports journalists.
Whether this is the story of a rivalry or just a dual biography, TIGER & PHIL is great reading. Their contrasting styles is well-documented by Harig. Phil grew up in southern California in a golfing family. His amateur career boomed while attending Arizona State University, and at age 20 he won the Tucson Open, becoming only the sixth amateur golfer to win a professional tournament. He also captured three NCAA individual championships and a U.S. Amateur victory, becoming the first left-handed golfer to achieve that.
Tiger’s background was a little more structured. His father, Earl Woods, was very protective of him and demanded a strict work ethic. Tiger would win three consecutive U.S. Amateur championships, the first golfer to accomplish that feat. In 1996, on the day of Tiger’s third championship, Phil won the World Series of Golf for his ninth PGA Tour win. Tiger joined the PGA Tour after his Amateur victory and quickly surpassed Phil’s accomplishments, becoming the dominant professional golfer in the world.
There is no doubt that Tiger and Phil have been rivals throughout their careers, and even when they are occasional teammates, things have not gone well. In the 2004 Ryder Cup, they played together as partners in two matches as the United States battled Europe. Tiger and Phil were soundly thrashed, and the U.S. team was crushed by their European counterparts. The most recent Ryder Cup found both players absent from the tournament for the first time in decades. A new group of young Americans led the U.S. to victory. In team competition, Tiger and Phil seem to have lost their competitive edge.
Harig thoroughly details their personal difficulties, as well as the occasional flashes of friendship that have marked their careers. While they certainly are not close friends, there is a great deal of respect and admiration for all they have accomplished. TIGER & PHIL is the wonderful story of two men who will long be remembered for their contributions to professional golf.
Reviewed by Stuart Shiffman
However, the modern rivalry that seemingly ranks highest in the golfing world is the one between Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson. In addition to frequent battles on the course, their personal lives have been a key part of their rivalry. TIGER & PHIL by golf writer Bob Harig is an exhaustive and appealing account of these legendary golfers, whose careers have dominated the end of the 20th century and the first decades of the 21st.
I must confess to some indifference on the notion that this has been a rivalry that mirrors others in the sporting world. While Phil has his acolytes and is popular in his own right, he has never been a serious challenger to Tiger’s domination of the sport. Tiger won eight major championships before Phil won his first, and early in his career he completed the “Tiger Slam,” capturing all four majors consecutively over a two-year period. He has won 15 majors and trails only Nicklaus in that category. Phil has six majors to his credit, and while his 2021 victory at the PGA Championship at age 50 made him the oldest major winner in golf history, he has yet to win the U.S. Open.
The rivalry may be more media hype than reality, but the two men remain the biggest names in golf. And they share in their careers physical injuries, legal disputes, personal tribulations and a love-hate relationship with sports journalists.
Whether this is the story of a rivalry or just a dual biography, TIGER & PHIL is great reading. Their contrasting styles is well-documented by Harig. Phil grew up in southern California in a golfing family. His amateur career boomed while attending Arizona State University, and at age 20 he won the Tucson Open, becoming only the sixth amateur golfer to win a professional tournament. He also captured three NCAA individual championships and a U.S. Amateur victory, becoming the first left-handed golfer to achieve that.
Tiger’s background was a little more structured. His father, Earl Woods, was very protective of him and demanded a strict work ethic. Tiger would win three consecutive U.S. Amateur championships, the first golfer to accomplish that feat. In 1996, on the day of Tiger’s third championship, Phil won the World Series of Golf for his ninth PGA Tour win. Tiger joined the PGA Tour after his Amateur victory and quickly surpassed Phil’s accomplishments, becoming the dominant professional golfer in the world.
There is no doubt that Tiger and Phil have been rivals throughout their careers, and even when they are occasional teammates, things have not gone well. In the 2004 Ryder Cup, they played together as partners in two matches as the United States battled Europe. Tiger and Phil were soundly thrashed, and the U.S. team was crushed by their European counterparts. The most recent Ryder Cup found both players absent from the tournament for the first time in decades. A new group of young Americans led the U.S. to victory. In team competition, Tiger and Phil seem to have lost their competitive edge.
Harig thoroughly details their personal difficulties, as well as the occasional flashes of friendship that have marked their careers. While they certainly are not close friends, there is a great deal of respect and admiration for all they have accomplished. TIGER & PHIL is the wonderful story of two men who will long be remembered for their contributions to professional golf.
Reviewed by Stuart Shiffman
May 13, 2022
If you're a golf fan, this is a good read. If you're looking for definition of the "rivalry" between Phil and Tiger, you may want to look elsewhere.
I'd give it a 3.5-star, but round it up to 4 because I am a golf fan and Bob Harig does write golf scenes well. The book, though, starts with the premise of the most "fascinating rivalry." But early on, Tiger Woods addresses the perception of a clash between the two, saying there isn't one. There are differing personalities and at a time when both were at the top of their game in the early 2000s, that may have been fueling any type of rivalry. Phil would sign autographs until his pen ran dry. Tiger would avoid that at times. Phil seemed to have fun. Tiger seemed to view golf as a business.
There are many parts that are repetitive. Scores of times, Harig referred to the number of majors Tiger won compared to Phil and the tournaments. There's the Ryder Cup references galore and the $500 bet that Tiger lost to Phil in a practice and the "Benjis" that Phil referred to.
And, glaringly, I thought, he skipped all but a scant reference to the "scandal" that rocked Tiger. You know what I mean, the sex scandal that wiped out his marriage. And I think it does play in any type of rivalry. Finally, Tiger showed some vulnerability and he came back a different person. He seemed more open with others and that in itself could reduce any tension or friction perceived among him and others.
This "rivalry" is a bit like the Palmer - Nicklaus rivalry of the 1960s and 1970s. Back then as a child, I loved Nicklaus and didn't care for Palmer. This time, I really like both golfers. I think Tiger is the greatest golfer who ever played and I think Phil would be one of the nicest golfers out there. No rivalry.
Bob Harig has written a well-researched, oft-repetitive, look at an era of golf. If you overlook the fact that the rivalry is not really that defined, it is a fun read, especially for golf fans.
I'd give it a 3.5-star, but round it up to 4 because I am a golf fan and Bob Harig does write golf scenes well. The book, though, starts with the premise of the most "fascinating rivalry." But early on, Tiger Woods addresses the perception of a clash between the two, saying there isn't one. There are differing personalities and at a time when both were at the top of their game in the early 2000s, that may have been fueling any type of rivalry. Phil would sign autographs until his pen ran dry. Tiger would avoid that at times. Phil seemed to have fun. Tiger seemed to view golf as a business.
There are many parts that are repetitive. Scores of times, Harig referred to the number of majors Tiger won compared to Phil and the tournaments. There's the Ryder Cup references galore and the $500 bet that Tiger lost to Phil in a practice and the "Benjis" that Phil referred to.
And, glaringly, I thought, he skipped all but a scant reference to the "scandal" that rocked Tiger. You know what I mean, the sex scandal that wiped out his marriage. And I think it does play in any type of rivalry. Finally, Tiger showed some vulnerability and he came back a different person. He seemed more open with others and that in itself could reduce any tension or friction perceived among him and others.
This "rivalry" is a bit like the Palmer - Nicklaus rivalry of the 1960s and 1970s. Back then as a child, I loved Nicklaus and didn't care for Palmer. This time, I really like both golfers. I think Tiger is the greatest golfer who ever played and I think Phil would be one of the nicest golfers out there. No rivalry.
Bob Harig has written a well-researched, oft-repetitive, look at an era of golf. If you overlook the fact that the rivalry is not really that defined, it is a fun read, especially for golf fans.
January 15, 2022
I received an ARC of this upcoming book through NetGalley.
This is a comprehensive and authentic account of how the careers of Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson juxtaposed, written by a well-known golf reporter who has covered them for 30+ years.
The seeds of this rivalry started becoming apparent in their amateur careers, where both were phenoms. Phil is 5 years older than Tiger, so they did not compete directly against each other until they were professionals. But each of their legacies begin with incredible records as amateurs.
The book does a great job of comparing and contrasting the two. Unquestionably, Tiger's accomplishments greatly exceeded Phil's. Tiger held the #1 ranking in the world for years at a time; Phil was never ranked #1 and spent many, many weeks ranked #2 to Tiger.
The author organized this story very intelligently. While basically chronological, he takes the reader through the years in themed phases. The phases are often defined by periods of time where Tiger dominated and where Tiger was battling frequent injuries and personal difficulties.
While the focus is on the rivalry on the golf course, the author lightly touches on the personal controversies each encountered: Tiger's driving incidents, Phil's insider trading investigation.
While Phil sort of played the role of the Washington Generals to Tiger's Harlem Globetrotters, Phil enjoyed significantly more success than anyone else during the Tiger era.
Excellent book!
This is a comprehensive and authentic account of how the careers of Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson juxtaposed, written by a well-known golf reporter who has covered them for 30+ years.
The seeds of this rivalry started becoming apparent in their amateur careers, where both were phenoms. Phil is 5 years older than Tiger, so they did not compete directly against each other until they were professionals. But each of their legacies begin with incredible records as amateurs.
The book does a great job of comparing and contrasting the two. Unquestionably, Tiger's accomplishments greatly exceeded Phil's. Tiger held the #1 ranking in the world for years at a time; Phil was never ranked #1 and spent many, many weeks ranked #2 to Tiger.
The author organized this story very intelligently. While basically chronological, he takes the reader through the years in themed phases. The phases are often defined by periods of time where Tiger dominated and where Tiger was battling frequent injuries and personal difficulties.
While the focus is on the rivalry on the golf course, the author lightly touches on the personal controversies each encountered: Tiger's driving incidents, Phil's insider trading investigation.
While Phil sort of played the role of the Washington Generals to Tiger's Harlem Globetrotters, Phil enjoyed significantly more success than anyone else during the Tiger era.
Excellent book!
May 1, 2022
I am not a golfer, my husband is though. I have spent a good amount of time watching golf tournaments with him(even one while in labor!). So, I have followed Tiger and Phil through a good bit of their careers. I recommend you have some knowledge of golf before you pick this book up. If not, you may be lost in a lot of places.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It is very well researched and very informative. This covers almost all of these two golfers’ careers and many of their interactions and various situations.
Now, I am team Phil. I always have been. So, take this with a grain of salt. I felt like there was a bit of favoritism toward Tiger in this. I thought it most of the way through the book. But, I thought…let me wait to form an opinion when the author gets to Tiger’s scandal about his marriage. Very little was said about the incident but Harig devoted paragraph after paragraph to Phil’s scandal about insider trading. Now, give the devil his due, there may have been a lot more information available about Phil’s incident. But, it did solidify my opinion in the matter.
Adam Barr narrated this book and did a superb job. He is steady and very smooth!
Need a good sports biography about two fantastic, talented golfers…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today
I received this novel from the publisher for a honest review.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It is very well researched and very informative. This covers almost all of these two golfers’ careers and many of their interactions and various situations.
Now, I am team Phil. I always have been. So, take this with a grain of salt. I felt like there was a bit of favoritism toward Tiger in this. I thought it most of the way through the book. But, I thought…let me wait to form an opinion when the author gets to Tiger’s scandal about his marriage. Very little was said about the incident but Harig devoted paragraph after paragraph to Phil’s scandal about insider trading. Now, give the devil his due, there may have been a lot more information available about Phil’s incident. But, it did solidify my opinion in the matter.
Adam Barr narrated this book and did a superb job. He is steady and very smooth!
Need a good sports biography about two fantastic, talented golfers…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today
I received this novel from the publisher for a honest review.
April 15, 2022
Tiger and Phil by Bob Harig is about two golf legends. As a person who has vaguely followed them over the years, I found it fascinating. Tiger Woods has done so much good publicity for the golf industry with all of his wins. Phil Mickelson has come across as such a likable guy. The rivalry to me is more contrived than actual. I enjoyed how the author followed their career paths of wins and upsets, and didn't get overly much into their scandals. I didn't want their images tarnished in my minds eye. The details put into this book were well researched and gave great insight. I loved how the two professionals have found common ground in their competitiveness. The book unfortunately ends before much of the 2022 season begins. I loved how the author was able to describe so many details of the shots and tournaments over the years that I could envision those. Adam Barr was great performing the book. His voice had expression and great inflection in it. I could tell exactly when he was quoting someone. I want to thank #NetGalley and #Macmillan Audio for allowing me to listen to this pre-release audiobook. I really enjoyed it and learned about those gentlemen.
February 8, 2022
Tiger and Phil is a look at the relationship and careers of two of the most well-known golfers in history. Bob Harig provides stats, behind-the-scenes moments, and well-researched info about both of their careers.
I am a golf enthusiast. When I was about 9, I picked up a golf club for the first time. I wasn't a fan of the game from the jump, but I slowly became captivated by the sport. I remember looking at Tiger and Phil growing up and I couldn't help but be fascinated by them. Two different men with different games. But they shared a passion for the game and that was apparent.
As I was reading this, I was in awe of the details. Every big moment of their career, no matter up or down was mentioned. It is cool to see the stats and see the breakdown of it all with the conversations and details from those closest to the superstars.
I give Tiger & Phil 4 stars. I think any golf fan will enjoy this book, especially if you are a fan of them. It's easy to read and gives a good insight into the lives of the biggest names in the game of golf.
I am a golf enthusiast. When I was about 9, I picked up a golf club for the first time. I wasn't a fan of the game from the jump, but I slowly became captivated by the sport. I remember looking at Tiger and Phil growing up and I couldn't help but be fascinated by them. Two different men with different games. But they shared a passion for the game and that was apparent.
As I was reading this, I was in awe of the details. Every big moment of their career, no matter up or down was mentioned. It is cool to see the stats and see the breakdown of it all with the conversations and details from those closest to the superstars.
I give Tiger & Phil 4 stars. I think any golf fan will enjoy this book, especially if you are a fan of them. It's easy to read and gives a good insight into the lives of the biggest names in the game of golf.
February 20, 2022
Tiger & Phil is wonderfully well written book which is great for those of use who lived through the entire period as well as those who are more recent friends/players/admirers/fans of the great game that is golf.
We are shown the characters of both men, both the more stoic Tiger and playful Phil. We can see how both made each other better. And, in doing so made the PGA Tour more enjoyable and profitable for all.
There is no doubt Phil may have been #1 for a long time if there were no Tiger but the question remains whether Phil (and many others) would have pushed themselves as hard as they did and do.
This book needs reading to remind us this wonderful time in golf. First there was the Hogan and Nelson years. Then the Palmer and Nicklaus years. Phil and Tiger was another major era in golf. The next one has yet to identify itself. Fun to argue but not clear cut.
Read and savor this book. There is much to be had inside the covers.
Thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the advance review copy.
We are shown the characters of both men, both the more stoic Tiger and playful Phil. We can see how both made each other better. And, in doing so made the PGA Tour more enjoyable and profitable for all.
There is no doubt Phil may have been #1 for a long time if there were no Tiger but the question remains whether Phil (and many others) would have pushed themselves as hard as they did and do.
This book needs reading to remind us this wonderful time in golf. First there was the Hogan and Nelson years. Then the Palmer and Nicklaus years. Phil and Tiger was another major era in golf. The next one has yet to identify itself. Fun to argue but not clear cut.
Read and savor this book. There is much to be had inside the covers.
Thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the advance review copy.
February 10, 2022
I recently received an advanced reader copy in the mail of Tiger & Phil: Golf's Most Fascinating Rivalry by Bob Harig. As I am not a golf enthusiast, I wasn't sure I was the appropriate audience for this book but I knew someone who would be. I passed the book along to my 70 year old father who closely follows the PGA and spends his retirement playing golf during every moment that the weather will allow. He absolutely loved the book. After asking him to rate it out of 5 stars, he texed me the following review:
Tiger & Phil- a must read for golf fans and players not only as a in depth look and history of Phil and Tiger but the game itself and everyone that surrounds it.
I hope to get around to reading it myself one day, as well, but in the meantime, I think my Dad's review holds more weight anyway.
Disclaimer: I received an advanced reader copy of this book from St.Martins Press and it did not affect my dad's honest review.
📚 Available in stores on April 26, 2022 📚
Tiger & Phil- a must read for golf fans and players not only as a in depth look and history of Phil and Tiger but the game itself and everyone that surrounds it.
I hope to get around to reading it myself one day, as well, but in the meantime, I think my Dad's review holds more weight anyway.
Disclaimer: I received an advanced reader copy of this book from St.Martins Press and it did not affect my dad's honest review.
📚 Available in stores on April 26, 2022 📚
April 25, 2022
thank you so much @stmartinspress & michelle cashman for sending me this fascinating advance reader copy of:
TIGER AND PHIL by bob harig (nonfiction) this detailed account of the rivalry between the two golf powerhouses tracks their parallel and intersecting careers from pre-junior play to the present + i found this read all the more enjoyable due to the absolutely EPIC return of @tigerwoods at the master’s earlier this month. watching golf and reading were two things i loved sharing with my dad, and man am i sad i couldn’t share that or this book with him
⛳️
“Year after year, decade after decade, Woods had Mickelson, and Mickelson had Woods. They pursued championships and No. 1 rankings, but they also pursued each other. Their battles have an iconic quality to them…And the hope is that it is not complete.”
⛳️
you can get your copy TOMORROW, april 26!
⛳️
instagram book reviews @brettlikesbooks
TIGER AND PHIL by bob harig (nonfiction) this detailed account of the rivalry between the two golf powerhouses tracks their parallel and intersecting careers from pre-junior play to the present + i found this read all the more enjoyable due to the absolutely EPIC return of @tigerwoods at the master’s earlier this month. watching golf and reading were two things i loved sharing with my dad, and man am i sad i couldn’t share that or this book with him
⛳️
“Year after year, decade after decade, Woods had Mickelson, and Mickelson had Woods. They pursued championships and No. 1 rankings, but they also pursued each other. Their battles have an iconic quality to them…And the hope is that it is not complete.”
⛳️
you can get your copy TOMORROW, april 26!
⛳️
instagram book reviews @brettlikesbooks
January 20, 2022
This book was definitely written by someone who enjoys facts and stats! It’s not what I was expecting, at all. I was looking forward to a reader-friendly recap of the relationship between two of golf’s greatest players and two of my all time favorite golfers. And I was looking forward to a heavy dose of the background of each telling me the inside story of what impelled them and to the peaks and valleys of their personal lives the past 25+ years and to how they intersected.
I’m sure this will be read an enjoyed by a wide range of golf enthusiasts because of the wealth of golfing history and statistics it employs.
I appreciate this ARC from NetGalley and the publisher, St. Martin's Press, in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
I’m sure this will be read an enjoyed by a wide range of golf enthusiasts because of the wealth of golfing history and statistics it employs.
I appreciate this ARC from NetGalley and the publisher, St. Martin's Press, in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
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