4 comments about The Chosen One: Tiger Woods and the Dilemma of Greatness.

1. that is the only way to describe Tiger Woods.it seems He continues to Pave New Ground on the Golf Course.with Him Winning&holding many trophys ...Tiger Woods is the Jackie Robinson of the Golf World.He May Be the Most Important Athlete of this Century time will only tell.but He has made a Helluva Impact.He made the Golf Game Hip.Before Him only Rodney Dangerfield in CaddyShack was Appealing to Me.He has truly Opened up some Closed Gates.



2. Over the past century golf has produced some of the greatest players of all times. None, however, have reached the caliber of skill and magnitude of Eldrick "Tiger" Woods. In such a short time and at an early age Tiger has raised the sport of golf to a higher level. Who is this young man who has broken golf records, establishes new ones and inspires a new generation to seriously take up the sport of golf?

   David Owen deals with that question in this well written and concise book about Tiger Woods and his impact upon golf. He examines Woods' training, his place in history, his impact on the sport and the public's fascination with him. As a contributing editor of Golf Digest, our author doesn't inundate you with Woods' golf statistics. Nor does he give you an in depth expose of Tiger's life. Owen gives a positive even handed treatment of Woods life and career. He is just as fascinated with this young phenomenon of golf as we are but doesn't worship Woods. He respects and admires this young sportsman.

   I enjoyed this book because it enlighten me about the development of Woods' career. Tiger comes across as a disciplined young man who is highly competitive, focused and has high expectations of himself and for those around him. His aura and the way he has carried himself forces his opponents to improve their game. Tiger's impact upon golf is immense as Owen has shown throughout the story.

   This is an excellent book for fans of Woods, golf enthusiasts and those who love sports in general. I am not a sports fan but I picked up this book in passing. I was impressed by Woods' character, discipline and commitment. I highly recommend this book which has given us a snap shot of a true sportsman that adults and young people can admire and emulate. Woods has made himself one of the greatest golf players of all time but he has transcended the game. He serves as an example of excellence for life whose lessons we can certainly take to heart.




3. A collection of few chapters with the authors own ideas and thoughts thrown in too liberally, it is more of the author's view of Tiger Woods. Does not qualify as an biography, just a bunch of articles. Does has a few gems which make it worthwhile.



4. The Chosen one was a very interesting book . But it only told about Tiger Wood's career and his life when he was older , getting into golf tornments and training . But otherwise it is a very good book if you were just wanting to know how he won tournments and becomeing famous . Also it told about how Tiger Woods was ridiculed by his race and how young he was , which was a problem towards his career due to reporters and newspapers.Tiger was also known as one of the multicultrual icons . Also what was interesting to people is Tiger was guided by his father rather than being pushed on.

No comments about The Greatest of Them All.

No comments about Seve Ballesteros: A Biography of Severiano Ballesteros.

5 comments about Just a Range Ball in a Box of Titleists.

1. I have always enjoyed the light humor and spontaneous comments that McCord brings to television commentary. However, this is a boring, and disappointing book. Gary would do well to have someone else edit his transcripts for literary flow. The choppy sentences and introduction of too many characters in each chapter, makes the book difficult to read. I got through the first two chapters then tossed it back on the shelf to collect all the dust it deserves.



2. This is an entertaining and somewhat peculiar collection of essays from Gary McCord. I say somewhat peculiar, because I'm never sure whether they are truthful or tall tales. Probably somewhere in between. But what does it matter whether they're literally true or not--it's not as if I have some kind of personal reference what life on the PGA TOUR is like.

   McCord has been funnier and is funnier when he's speaking. This book has a weird, atmospheric style. More deadpan than you'd expect. It's as if he's speaking parables to you and you're never quite sure which parts are supposed to be funny. There's something else about the style ... as if he is trying to stay one notion ahead of the reader, which he accomplishes by leaving out a thought or two from time to time. I can't say it's bad, but it's not what one would expect.

   I'd rate this 3-1/2 stars but I'm stuck with whole numbers. It's definitely better than average ... but not great. If you want side-splitting, colorful tales, you'll want to check out Peter Dobereiner's work. This book provides a stranger, more meditative experience.




3. If you are familiar with Gary McCord then you should know that he is a little off the wall. Therefore, it wasn't a surprise that this book was off the wall. As a golfer, reading this book helped me to relax and enjoy the game more. It also helped in putting a smile on my face. This is not a book that should be taken seriously. Rather, it is a book that can help you find joy in the little things you do.



4. As someone who has read a lot of inane sports book (if you took out all the f-words in Lenny Dykstra's book, it wouldn't even make for a pamphlet) but this clearly is the worst book ever published by someone who can seems to be able to speak English.
   
   He is entertaining and witty holding a microphone and in the forward, he pretty much admits he just took the money but clearly so did the "editor" and publisher - nothing wrong with that - we don't expect most sport bios or sport commentary books to be very substantial in tone or language but to be pointless, dull and pointless and dull - yes, it's that's pointless and dull.
   
   The premise seems pretty simple - basically give us a rundown on the year on the PGA Tour - give us insights or take us there? Doesn't sound too difficult. Can't write - not a problem - why not just talk into a recorder and someone can type it up, an editor can move things and so forth but to fail on every level?
   
   Nearly every sentence starts out with one idea and wanders off to another completely.
   
   After being a golfer and a commentator for nearly 20 years, you'd think he'd offer some insights - any insights? Except that golf is hard and sometimes unfair ... really? Is it saving it all for the TV?
   
   Funny stories? Nope. Says some stories are funny but can't them to us or writes it in such a manner, it's not funny.
   
   He's infamous as an announcer for being banned from the Masters Tournament - how about setting the record straight? Nope. Gives us some general info everyone knows and then goes into another subject IN THE SAME CHAPTER.
   
   On TV, he is a raconteur and witty but gives ZERO evidence here. Unless you just want it on your shelf to own every golf book or if you intend to hollow it out and store valuables, there's no real point to owning this book as reading material.
   
   For golf fans, this this clear a whiff, the grip slips off, the driver goes flying and knocks us loopy. Even in that condition, we could've written two coherent sentences that McCord is clearly incapable of ...
   
   In contention for the worst book ever published.



5. McCord's story about the annual ex-wives' golf day at his home course is, by itself, worth the price of admission. It is the funniest, most wicked thing I have ever read.
   I don't make a habit of reading Pro golfers' memoirs (except Jack's,big John's and, of course, our Greg's), but I am glad i made this book another exception to the rule. It is a collection of very short stories about his life on the Tour and his golfing adventures with his club mates. You couldn't invent the profiles of some of his mates. Birds of a feather....?
   Gary throws a lot of adjectives and adverbs into some of his sentences and sometimes get tangled up amongst them. As you would expect he doesn't take himself too seriously and is often the butt of his own jokes. No doubt this is why we don't get his account of his famous conversation with Hogan, and the low down on his eviction from Augusta.
   Buy, Buy, Buy.

5 comments about Babe: The Life and Legend of Babe Didrikson Zaharias (Sport and Society).

1. Cayleff has thoroughly researched and documented Babe's life and times. She conducted extensive interviews with surviving members of Babe's family, friends, and partner (Betty Dodd). Cayleff also incorporated massive amounts of journalistic accounts--sports writers, magazines accounts, etc. This is not a fluff biography--the book will teach you about what it meant to be a woman in Babe's time, what it meant to be a female athlete, and how Babe managed--and manipulated--these things. Babe fans will learn more about her, and scholars will be able to follow up on Cayleff's work through her extensive endnotes. This is the first book to tell of Babe's relationship with Betty Dodd, but Cayleff does not label it "lesbian." That is because Babe herself never did. Remember that this was the 1950s. They were life partners, spouses. The loved each other. Cayleff's book is important for bringing this relationship to light, as well as many other hidden realities of Didrikson's life--her heroism as an "out" cancer patient (when it was taboo to talk about it), as well as how Babe manipulated the press. As dozens of published book review has stated (see quotes above at this cite), this is absolutely THE most extensive research ever done on Babe. I've seen rave reviews of the book in SOJOURNER, WEST COAST WOMAN, WOMEN'S REVIEW OF BOOKS, and SPORTS HISTORY REVIEW, among many others.



2. As a former student of Dr. Susan Cayleff, I found the book to be a wonderful and informative read. Knowing Dr. Cayleff and her constant search for truth and knowledge of women and their accomplishments, this book is one more testament to her thoroughness, her brilliance as an academic, and the passions that she imbues in her students - - the fire of wanting to know more about women,who and what they are, who and what they have been, and who and what they can become. Anything that Dr. Cayleff writes stands as witness to her intellect, her love of the written word, and her desire to spread the joyous news of women's feats and accomplishments. Is it any wonder that this book was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize? Keep them coming Susan. The next one will be terrific too, after all, I had the opportunity to be one of your research assistants for the next book. Thank you for all of it, the books, the awareness that you instilled and inspired in so many of your students and readers, for your caring about humanity in general, and women in particular.



3. Since I am from Beaumont, Texas (South Park) and a fan of the BABE, I found the book a very interesting read. I was unaware of the Babe's relationship with Betty Dodd; however, I feel that an individual's sexual life is their own business. I can't help but wonder how the author could have been sure of their special relationship without ever being in the same bedroom with them??? Changing her colostomy bag is hardly a sexual act, but the type of action from a nurse, close relative or friend.



4. Amazing champion this lady was. Her accomplishments in a short life are dazzling. Like many others naturally gifted with athleticism and a burning desire to compete and win, Babe did just that.

   This is well written, but suffers from my own perspective with an underlying desire to document how cruel and unmodern Babe's cultural times were to not allow lesbian relationships to be openly exposed and women to be subjected to conformity.

   We live in just the reversal, where abnormality shines brightly as acceptable or even desirable, and where has this sexual revolution gotten our society?

   Babe loved the game of golf, and my interest was primarily in this achievement area of her career. She should deserve more recognition as one of the game's truly greats!




5. THis is one of the best sports biographies I have read.Its very well written, very unbiased,sensitive and portrays an accurate picture of this amazing human being. Its also a fun read and reveals a side of the Babe,her pranks,egocentric often annoying style, that few knew.In my mind she surely was the greatest woman,s athlete and this book truly does her justice.You won,t be disappointed

1 comments about The New Encyclopedia of Golf: The Definitive Guide to the World of Golf--Courses, Champions, Characters, Traditions.

1. This is not a guide to technique, it is more of a reference book. This newly updated and expanded version also includes the latest international tournaments and elebrated names as well as new championship courses.
   
   I'll let you guess who's picture is on the first page.
   
   The Contents Include:
   
   The Early Game
   The Modern Game
   Championship Courses of the World
   The Hall of Fame
   Records and Reference
   
   If you want to know about the history of golf, where championships are held and who is famous in the game of golf, there is absolutely nothing like this book!
   
   Some of the great features include:
   
   Modern Club Design
   Women in Golf
   The evolution of the Golf Ball (Featheries and Gutties)
   How Clubs are manufactured
   Championship Records
   
   ~The Rebecca Review

1 comments about Buried Lies: True Tales and Tall Stories from the PGA Tour.

1. Jake is such a popular player and very versatile. Not only does he play golf very well at the pro level, but his lead singing is legendary. Buy the Jake Trout and the Flounder album if you haven't already.

   The guy's imitations on the practice range are classics. Now, in this book he tells some stories of himself and others. Remember Fluff?

   Great golf read from one of the most respected guys on tour. Win a couple more Jake.

2 comments about In the Women's Clubhouse: The Greatest Women Golfers in Their Own Words.

1. Information and Books on, or about, Great Women in Sport is diffcult to find. It was refreshing to have the opportunity to read a collection of essay's by great women golfers (founders and trailblazers) of the now LPGA. The history of Women in Golf is not so old that we aren't still in the midst of living it and most of the mentioned greats are still alive.

   As a now avid woman golfer, this book held my interest from essay to essay. Each golfer has a story to tell that shows the bumpy road, and their determination has gotten us to today. There has been a tremendous surge in the interest of golf by women in the last 10 years....thanks to the women in this book for blazing our trail...and thanks to Terri Leonard for consolidating their story.




2. When I first bought this book - I was not too sure what to expect, I mean how much can there be to say about the history of womens golf? But this book has been an absolute find. The essays from the early 1900's are enlightening and extremely entertaining. It is a book about people and feelings as opposed to all the technical 'stuff' us golfers get caught up in. It reconfirmed the reasons why I play golf, besides just trying to lower my handicap. I would recommend it to all those passionate about any sport - not just golf.

1 comments about The Bobby Jones Story: The Authorized Biography.

1. Bobby Jones is one of the most revered names in the rich history of golf. However, beyond the fact that all golf fans, and many casual observers, know that Jones won what was golf's Grand Slam in 1930 (U.S. Open, British Open, U.S. Amateur, British Amateur) and created Augusta National Golf Club and the Master's tournament, little is known about the man beyond a few blurbs. What better way to really learn about the man than to read the authorized biography penned by Jones' personal confidante, journalist O.B. Keeler. Unfortunately, a great opportunity seems to have been missed here. While "The Bobby Jones Story" does capture the amazing feats of golf career, it gives very little insight into the man himself. Keeler writes this biography less as a study of Bobby Jones and more as just an excited observer who was present for much of Jones' accomplishments.
   
   Let it not be said that there isn't anything of worth in this book, though. The three-star rating obviously means that there are enough redeeming qualities to recommend it. The reader is able to get some insight into the pressures golf placed upon Jones. Pressure so great that he had decided to retire from competitive play following the 1930 season, Grand Slam or not. It also shows that earlier in his career, before he started winning majors, Jones could be considered by the Phil Mickelson of his era. He was gambler with his game who often went for too much with tournaments on the line and was frequently the victim of just horrible luck in tournaments, not unlike Mickelson today.
   
   This book also benefits from detailing the amazing golf accomplishments of Jones. The seven-year run of success Jones had between 1923-1930 is unmatched in the annals of golf, even with Tiger Wood's modern mastery (13 major wins, including 7 straight U.S. titles). That success is made all the more remarkable by the fact that the only competitve golf Jones played during that period was at the majors. "The Bobby Jones Story" covers these matches and their key moments in great detail.
   
   Alas, that three-star rating also indicates that this book suffers in many areas. Most of the problems center around Keeler's literary style and choices. One such problem may just be symptomatic of time period in which the book was written. Keeler has a tendency to use certain antiquated words when describing the action on the golf course. He uses words like 'niblick', 'mashie', and 'mashie-niblick' to describe types of clubs being used without ever explaining what exactly those clubs are. While that could just be indicative of the language of the time, it is distracting to the contemporary reader who has no idea what those are.
   
   Another area where Keeler makes a mistake is with his tendency to use hyperbole to describe Jones' accomplishments. Far too many times Keeler refers to a shot made by Jones, or a round or tournament played by Jones as the 'best he's ever seen' or 'best Jones ever played'. This happens too much and leads the reader to believe that there are far too many occasions of Jones' best ever accomplishments.
   
   Keeler seems to also be writing in a 'stream of consciousness' style. He skips around too much with stories he's telling. One moment, the 1925 U.S. Open is being discussed and the next line or paragraph, Keeler is talking about events in 1926 Open without using any sort of segue or transition statements to indicate to the reader that such a change has occurred. The readers will often find themselves having to backtrack just to make sure they have sequence of events understood correctly. Keeler also focuses on too short a period of Jones' life, from the start of his golfing career as a young teen until his retirement at age 28 in 1930. Keeler, himself, died in 1953 and this book was released just prior to his death. There was plenty opportunity to go into detail about Jones' creation of Augusta National and The Masters. There also should have been mention of Jones' remarkable war record in World War II. Not of that makes its way into this book and that's a shame.
   
   This is not a bad read, though. Though incomplete and wordy, "The Bobby Jones Story" is still an interesting look at a portion of the life of Bobby Jones from a close, first-person observer.

5 comments about My Usual Game.

1. This was one of the most enjoyable books I've read all year! Very funny and full of interesting information. The guy is a hoot! I especially loved the chapter about his trip to Myrtle Beach



2. Wonderful book...easily the best book I read all last year. I've read it twice thru now and its still great. I laughed out loud many times--mainly because I saw myself or others I know in Owen's stories. A must-have for anyone who enjoys golf.



3. This book is laugh out loud funny for any hacker who enjoys the frustration of this game. David Owen is obviously in love with the game and gives us many a humorous note as well as useful tips. He takes the edge off those momentary urges to throw our clubs into the nearest lake. L.J. Skeie



4. If you think of golf while at the office, in the car, on the can; if you perform practice swings whenever you are sure you will not hit a wall, furniture or another person; if you dream of playing every course that has been mentioned just barely favorably in print, you will love this book. I saw myself and every golfer I have ever met in this book. And I couldn't help but laugh at most of those golfers that Owen met including himself sometimes. I also felt much envy for the courses he was able to play especially in the UK. He moves from subject to subject as smoothly as a putt on the number 1 green on the first day of the Masters. This book brings an understanding to the game for hackers that you don't get from watching pros. Loved it.



5. I laughed (Myrtle chapter).. I cried (Top Ten chapter).. A roller coaster of action and suspense (Disney Pro-Am Chapter).. a Thriller (Ireland Chapter- or more specifically, Irish cuisine)...Humorously captures the emotions of anyone who suddenly (and dramatically) becomes smitten with this game. Only true golf lovers need apply.