How I Play Golf

by Tiger Woods

For the first time, champion Tiger Woods reveals the five secrets to his amazing success - a combination of physical, metaphysical and psychological practices he uses daily to keep his game in top shape.

Genres: Sports, Nonfiction, Reference, Biography, Audiobook

320 pages, Hardcover

First published October 1, 2001

About the author

Tiger Woods (born Eldrick Tiger Woods is an American professional golfer whose achievements to date rank him among the most successful golfers of all time. Currently the World No. 1, he was the highest-paid professional athlete in 2007, having earned an estimated $122 million from winnings and endorsements. According to Golf Digest, Woods made $769,440,709 from 1996 to 2007, and the magazine predicts that by 2010, Woods will become the world's first athlete to pass one billion dollars in earnings.

Woods has won fourteen professional major golf championships, the second highest of any male player, and 65 PGA Tour events, third all time. He has more career major wins and career PGA Tour wins than any other active golfer. He is the youngest player to achieve the career Grand Slam, and the youngest and fastest to win 50 tournaments on tour.

Woods has held the number one position in the world rankings for the most consecutive weeks and for the greatest total number of weeks. He has been awarded PGA Player of the Year a record nine times, the Byron Nelson Award for lowest adjusted scoring average a record eight times, and has tied Jack Nicklaus' record of leading the money list in eight different seasons. He has been named Associated Press Male Athlete of the Year a record-tying four times, and is the only person to be named Sports Illustrated's Sportsman of the Year more than once.

Woods, who is multiracial, is credited with prompting a major surge of interest in the game of golf. He dramatically increased attendance and TV ratings and generated interest among a multicultural audience in a game that used to be considered insular and elitist.

After winning the 2008 U.S. Open, Woods is sitting out the rest of the 2008 PGA Tour, missing two major championships and the 2008 Ryder Cup, in order to concentrate on the rehabilitation of his injured left knee.

Reviews

[AJ Gress · Rating 4 out of 5]

A solid golf instruction book authored by the GOAT himself. Others complained about it reading like a bunch of golf digest articles pieced together but I didn’t think that. There were nice illustrations throughout the book. However I read this on my kindle and I would imagine the hard copy is easier to read with regard to the photos. There was some advice I learned, but this may be geared more towards a beginner.

Ben Hogans 5 fundamentals will always be the grail of golf instruction books, but I would highly recommend this one as well.

[Alan Livingston · Rating 4 out of 5]

For most of this book, I was ready to give it a solid 3-star rating: I liked it just fine. It was tooling along as "OK" as I had expected it to be. I found the title to be perfect, since Tiger (circa early 2000's) pretty much is telling us how HE plays golf. Not many can play, nor should they play, like Tiger does or did. Golf Digest obviously put a lot into this book's writing and their terrific photography is a huge plus. What pumped it up from a 3 to a 4-star for me was the final two sections and particularly the last. We don't see a lot of golf books proclaimed as "instructional" that spend an appropriate amount of time on fitness and nutrition like Tiger's does. The best thing perhaps was the end, where he talks about how to keep golf FUN. He has some nice anecdotes, but especially spells out some games to play on the course with your buddies that are nice to see defined and recommended by this great player when he was in his prime. I bought the hardcover just because I felt it was "missing" from my shelf. I'm glad I read it, and suggest it a good thing for any golfer to read, but especially young ones. I would add that I don't think any one golf instructional book is the way to go, but along with those from other golfing greats, this is a good one.

[Jeff Goldenberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Overall, an interesting, informative and entertaining book that every golfer could benefit from. The world's greatest golfer is a pretty decent writer who manages to share some useful, easy to understand tips mixed in with a healthy dose of reflection and storytelling. The book abounds with large, clear photographs from some of Tiger's memorable tournament wins as well as his practice sessions, which he uses to illustrate the concepts he is trying to impart upon the reader. Tiger covers every aspect of the game, from the fundamentals of each shot and swing type, to all the things unrelated to the swing that a golfer needs to be aware of.

[Craig LeVasseur · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5. Ben Hogan's Five Lessons is my new standard to compare any golf instruction book to. Whereas that book focuses on just a few areas of the swing and goes deep, this book covers a myriad of topics, but with little depth. I've seen it described as reading like a bunch of Golf Digest articles, and I can't say I disagree. If you're a visual learner, the best thing going for the book is the large format and quality photography. The goofy cartoon drawings add absolutely nothing to the book, though.

[J · Rating 3 out of 5]

Just like your great aunt who won't give you all the ingredients to her famous pie, Tiger withholds the key to his golf game. There was not one mention of women or drugs. Just a review of golf fundamentals with a healthy dose of Tiger's ego. What a disappointment.

[Malone · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read the Book How I Play The Game by Tiger Woods. The genre is an autobiography, but also says how he plays the game. This book is not part of a series. I thought this book was okay. Some facts were cool and some i already knew. This book might help me some in my golf game. It was a decent book.

[Robert DuPrau · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great visuals and so much content. I coach golf and use things out of this book in my instruction.

[Lordoftaipo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked up the sports associated with multimillionaires, only to realise I am multi-maladroit, to each joint their own thinking. The first session at the ranges rewarded a weeklong numbing sensation to my thumb, the right one, which is…the wrong one for injury. (It’s the auxiliary hand that golfers don’t care to put on gloves) I changed my grip the next day. After many effective tweaks on the posture and arms, I had seen some progress. Little did I know the big revelation was still on its way—my grip was ever worse than day 1. Within split seconds of straightening my right thumb with trepidation, here came the reward. With better control, my irons gained consistency.

It goes to show one thing: golf is a forever work in progress. Tiger Woods has said similar things in the book first. Whether he wrote it—I had thought it impossible—I was not able to find any traces of ghostwriting, despite the noticeable Golf Digest Editors credits. It still feels strange to have heard the man himself teach firsthand, and witness an athlete who writes. Two oddities combined coalesced into a beginner’s bible. Terrible memories that I practised a wrong swing at home in the first week of training no longer haunted me. The fact that I can’t recall the absurd form shows that new muscle memories replace the old ones. Some things I read in the book would fall into place when the moment came, like how I learned today you unwind the legs first thing first, outwitting a lot of hurdles: no hip bump, no follow through, downswing plane, etc. Oops, Woods said it first (P.172).

All sports require coordination but golf is the one in which bad forms strip you the fun of even making the ball depart. Unlike, say, tennis, where the compromise is the distance of a serve. Naturally, golf clubs have a much smaller area for impact than tennis rackets. My wishful thinking implies that mastering the techniques in a golf swing gets you a long way in other ball games. So, I am grateful Woods had signed on this deal to write a book for beginners and amateurs. There were a good number of pages where I had the slightest idea what he was talking about, to which I will come back, stronger and smarter.

[Avanti Agarwal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Firstly I would recommend this book to golfers, not only Tiger Woods fans but anyone interested in golf as it includes a lot of tips, jokes, Tiger's journey and some of his pictures of his finest swing. This book is a really good tool for holders who want to lower their handicaps or improve their game in general. He explains his pre-shot routine, course management that will help you improve your game even if you're an amateur. The book is written in great detail and has very intriguing models and visuals to go with. This book is for all ages with all handicaps. This book includes details teaching points of the 3 dimensions of golf- chipping, putting, and long game. Overall I like this book and the fact that Tiger wrote this book makes this book a resourceful guide. As a golfer, I can use this book, and one key thing this book talks about it how golf is a mental game and how you need to stay focused and that is the key thing I took from this book. I would definitely recommend this book :)

[Frank Calberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Takeaways from reading the book:

Putting
- Page 25: The lighter you hold the putter, the better you will be able to feel the weight of the putterhead at the other end of the shaft.
- Page 26: Standing fairly tall when putting allows the arms to hang from the shoulder sockets in a loose, comfortable manner. That reduces tension. It also gives arms more room to swing back and through during the stroke.
- Page 27: The width of the stance is a matter of comfort and stability. What feels better is what is right for you.
- Page 28: Put your ideas directly over the ball.
- Page 30: Walk to the hole to determine the slope.
- Page 30: Examine the area around the hole.
- Page 33: Stroke the ball from start to finish with a sense of rhythm.
- Page 35: Swing the putter straight back and straight through along the same path.
- Page 36: Make backstroke and forwardstroke the same length.
- Page 36: The main source of movement is in the shoulders and arms. They act together.
- Page 36: Keep hands quiet during the entire stroke.
- Page 37: Keep the head still from start to finish - including after hitting the ball.
- Page 38: The stroke should be easy, smooth and natural.
- Page 38: Keep the putter face square to the target line at impact.
- Page 40: The goal of the first put is to get it as close as possible to the hole.
- Page 40: It is important that the putter is gaining speed as it strikes the ball.

Chipping
- Page 47: Set your hands slightly ahead of the ball.
- Page 47: Lean a little towards the target.
- Page 47: Flex the knees a little bit.
- Page 47: Grip the club like gripping the putter.
- Page 48: Hold the club lightly.
- Page 49: Control the chipping stroke more with the shoulders than with the arms and hands.
- Page 49: Use little force.
- Page 49: Do not try to help the ball into the air. The loft of the club will take care of that.
- Page 49: Keep eyes focused on the back of the ball - also after hitting the ball.

Mental golf tips
Page 3: Do not rush. Play slowly and patiently.

Who is Tiger Woods?
- Page 3: Tiger Woods was an only child. The golf club and golf ball became his playmates.
- Page 3: The feeling of solitude and self reliance enhanced the game's attractiveness for Tiger Woods. The game affords a player independence. The player plays against himself or herself. A key question is how well you know and believe in yourself.

To updated.

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

A book to add to my yearly golf reads at the start of each season, giving us a glimpse into the strongest mind golf will ever know. For amateurs like me, many of his teachings are not applicable, but I am reminded of the infamous Bruce Lee quote: Absorb what is useful. Discard what is not. Add what is uniquely your own.

I took away a few putting tips, the need to be able to chip with all of your clubs, generating force and extra distance with the driver, hitting knockdown shots, and building mental toughness (which is the most important skill of all).

[PeytonS · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tiger Woods How I Play is a instructional book. It gives different tips to how to play better. It is also filled with his life story's and how he learned different things. It is a very good book if you want to get better or learn how to play golf. It is a pretty good book for golfers.

[Jacob Ponce · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tiger Woods tells about his own past life and gives tips to readers on how to get better at golf. Throughout the book he gives specific tips for accuracy and distance. A fact I learned from this book is to snap your left knee at impact in order to create more distance.

[Lynsae · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this read. Very well written and sincere. You mostly get a feel for Tiger’s thoughts behind the game, but there are some very enjoyable personal elements included as well. I can’t wait to read this one again when I have a better understanding of the game.

[Henry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow…It’s honestly difficult to put into words how informative, well written, and helpful this book was. I put a few tips in here to use at the range and I hit the ball significantly better. Would love to get an updated version of Tiger’s approach to the game today. Must read for any golfer.

[John Hartert · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book not only taught me the game of golf, but it taught me how to be a dreamer. This book inspired me to be the man I am on the course off the course.

[Scott L · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wish Tiger read the whole thing.

[Iskreads · Rating 5 out of 5]

TIGER WOODS
How I Play Golf
BY Tiger Woods
Genre: Non Fiction

How I Play Golf by Tiger Woods is a five star books by a five star man. Tiger Woods has written an amazing books to help you learn the game. He mentions and teaches you every aspect of the game. Putting, driving and even chipping. This book has helped me with my game, it has taught me useful tricks and important styles. I think it is a great learning tool for golfers and lovers of the game everywhere.

Tiger wrote about the game, about his love for the game. The worlds greatest golfer wrote this book showing all the different strokes, all the different strokes and how to play them. He explains every little detail of these shots as well. This book basically covers everything you will need to know about golf. Tiger carefully explains his life and his golf. He tries to teach the readers every trick her ever learnt and every tip in his arsenal. He shows you how to solve all the problems you may have, correct your swing and make you game perfect, just like his.

A book that anyone can read, a book directed to players of the game but a piece that is purely informational. I would suggest this book to every golfer, it will improve you game by a lot, it has improved mine....Surely a good read

NIRAJ MULJI

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tiger Woods is undoubtedly the best player to ever play the game of golf. The books title kinda says it all "How I Play Golf". Tiger talks about in the book the ways he looks at the game of golf and how he plays it and how the game should be played. It brings an insightful eye on how the worlds best player plays the game of golf. It looks at what he thinks about from shot to shot, tough putts and how he trains and eats to keep his body in tip top shape. He also talks about the mental aspect of the game and what it takes to be the best you can be. He talks about how you shouldn't just go out and try mimicking him, but to look at players of similar build and try to mimic them. This book I think is great and is a book people should read not only to help in golf but has some life lessons as well.

[Alexander Max · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good golf book

[Jean-Sebastien -B- · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoy my self on a 18 holes course in the nature, relax and listings the wild talking to me....

This book is very interesting to teach from the basic to the most expert swing. I do recommend this book to everyone that want a good base of golfing but remember..... to become a pro its practicing :D

[Mason Zimmerer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this book was very helpful to my game. I liked reading this book because there is a lot of information that would help me learn the golf game more than i already know. It is very helpful there are easy lessons and steps that will help my game dramatically if i had to suggest this book to anyone wanting to get better or learn the game of golf.

[Jordan Bowden · Rating 4 out of 5]

About the book, "How I Play Golf" is what the the title is about how Tiger Woods plays and how he started playing. Tiger Woods dominated the Golf game. He won the Masters in 1997 and 2001, also Tiger Woods has written books about how he plays golf of course. Views of both his game, mental and physical and his unique personality on and off the golf course.

[Brady Grafton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tiger Woods as many know is one of the greatest if not the greatest golfer of all time. In his book How I Play Golf, he gives us great advice on simple fundamentals of the game anywhere from putting to driving. This book I recommend to anyone who is wanting to figure out the little things that may be wrong with their game.

[Jeff · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mostly personal anecdotes of his golf career, splashed with some pointers on improving your game. The book starts with putting technique and finishes with the driving swing, covering everything in between from short to long game.

[Chris Strecker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great instructional book

this book brought some flaws in my swing to light that I would have never thought to fix and in turn has taken five strokes already off my score and I was a 9 handicap and I still have plenty of work to do but this book made me trust my swing.

[Paul · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great reference swing sequences when Tiger was at the height of his golfing powers. What must it have been like to hit a golf ball as well if not better than anybody on the planet. Unfortunately, I'll never know :(

[Jordan B Blanzy · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was decent and gave some good tips

[Sean Gray · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book is in the title. It's honestly the way he plays golf. Which is helpful for golfers. Tiger's the number one golfer in the world, why not try to pick up some tips?

[Kevin Meehan · Rating 2 out of 5]

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