How I play Golf, by Tiger Woods is a look at how the greatest player in the world approaches the game.

It’s part technique and part philosophy. The book was released in early 2001, a mere four seasons after Woods lit the PGA Tour on fire.

He’s undergone a couple of big swing changes since then and has also moved on to a new coach, switching from Butch Harmon to Hank Haney. The more things change, the more they stay the same. Tiger Woods is still the most dominant player in the world, and will probably be the most dominant player in history.

Chapter List

1. How to Start
2. How to Putt
3. How to Get it Down
4. How to Escape from Sand
5. How to Swing
6. How to Flag Your Irons
7. How to Nail Your Fairway Woods
8. How to Smoke Your Driver
9. How to Handle Problems
10. How to Stay in Control
11. How to Master the Mind
12. How to Get Strong
13. How to Play

The Good

• The book is a comprehensive look at how Tiger Woods approaches the game.
• It has an interesting style that’s simple to read and understand. There are lots of photographs that illustrate the various points.
• It’s not just swing theory. Mental game and preparation are included.
• It’s rare to get such a complete look at a player of his caliber.
• The hardcover edition is an attractive book that works well on a golfer’s coffee table for occasional reading.

The Bad

• While the book is comprehensive in terms of topics covered, there isn’t a ton of depth into each. Documenting Tiger Woods at great depth could fill several volumes.
• It would be nice to see what changes would be made to the book based on the highly publicized swing changes Tiger Woods has made over the years.
• I would have loved to see a deeper look into his fitness routine and how he prepares. He touches on it in the book, but I’d like more detail. However, it has been sort of kept under wraps over the years, so I can understand.

Conclusion

What can I say? I’m a huge fan of Tiger Woods. Getting to sit down and read about how he plays the game was a real treat in much the same way that Five Lessons: the Modern Fundamentals of Golf gives us an inside look at what made Ben Hogan great.

Five Lessons was a much more nuts and bolts book. How I Play Golf features technical information, but is more of an overview that can be understood by golfers of all skill levels.

I highly recommend this book, especially if you’re a Tiger Woods fan, or just someone who wants to understand what makes him tick.

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