The best instructional golf book by far

"How I Play Golf" is easily the best instructional golf book I've ever come across. As I read the book, I was amazed at both the amount of information and the level of detail. Yes, Tiger obviously covers the fundamentals (vital information!) but he also discusses numerous more advanced topics (like hitting stingers and chipping with a 3-wood). Golfers of all skill levels can benefit enormously from this book. However, if you're just starting out, buy this book. It could save you years of frustration on the course.

For what it's worth, the (mild) review/criticisms of this book are weak. I don't see why Tiger was supposed to exclude (or re-write and re-photograph) great pieces previously included in issues of Golf Digest (which probably represents less than 1% of the book). To say this book is a rehash of old Golf Digest articles is flat-out wrong (I also subscribe to Golf Digest).

I have both "How I Play Golf" and a couple of David Leadbetter's instructional books - including "The Fundamentals of Hogan". In my opinion, Tiger's book is more far more understandable and useful (but that's just my opinion). Is this Tiger's version of "Five Lessons"? No. Why re-invent the wheel. Besides, that was 1957. Different time, different equipment, different players, different courses, different approaches, different books. Both good, but different.

You have changed my game!

I don't have a lot of time to play golf but have tried to play the game since I was a kid (I'm now in my 50'sl. I enjoy playing a lot but, because I play so infrequently, I've never seen any improvement in my game. I have only taken a few lessons in my life but never could get the "swing" until I read this book. I have experienced a renewal in my love for the game and I am motivated to constantly improve my skills rather than to continue to be frustrated. This book is extremely well-written and the pictures make the game come alive. Tiger's grip has changed my game forever. I have already sent this book to other golfers in my family since I found it to be the best that I've seen. Thanks, Tiger, for this great book and for being such a terrific role model for all of us old duffers and for the kids in the world too!

Not as helpful as I had hoped

I first heard about this book in a golf magazine. It had excerpts of the book which seemed to imply that the book would be very helpful in explaining how to approach the game of golf. Basically I thought it would be Tiger's how-to manual for golf.

A how-to manual is what it's supposed to be, but at some times it fails in that regard. There are many instances when the explanation is not clear enough. For instance, Tiger says to grip your putter not too hard, but not too soft. Thanks, but that's not specific enough for me.

This failing does not ruin the book completely. There are great pictures, and you do get to look into how Tiger Woods approaches the game of golf. Just don't expect Tiger to teach you in great detail how you should play.

I should note that my review was in no way biased by the fact that I am an awful golfer.