Think Like Tiger: An Analysis of Tiger Woods's Mental Game

By John Andrisani

Book Overview

As a young boy, Tiger Woods dominated the junior ranks, winning a record three U.S. Junior Championships in a row. As an amateur, he triumphed again, winning three consecutive U.S. Amateur Championships. And as a pro, he continues to dominate the world of golf, recently becoming the only man in the history of the game to hold four major championship trophies at one time: the Masters, U.S. Open, British Open, and PGA. With insightful and intelligent analysis, golf writer John Andrisani reveals for the first time the secrets that Tiger Woods has learned from family, fellow competitors, and teachers about the all-important mental game of golf. Andrisani shows how Earl Woods's lessons on course-management skills and the art of mental toughness have given his son an important edge over more experienced competitors time and time again; how Tida Woods taught her son the Buddhist values of patience, tenacity, and self-reliance. As well, Andrisani offers insights into the roles of former teachers Rudy Duran and John Anselmo in helping Tiger make the vital connection between mental awareness and good scoring, and how his present teacher, Butch Harmon, is passing on what he learned about the mental side of golf from legends such as Ben Hogan. Additionally, Andrisani shows how Dr. Jay Brunza, a clinical psychologist, has shown Tiger how to enter an intense "cocoon of concentration" while playing competitive golf. Think Like Tigergives golf fans a deeper appreciation of Woods's remarkable mastery of the inner game and shows how these same techniques can be applied to anyone's game for lasting improvement.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0399148434
• ISBN13: 9780399148439
• Release Date: April 2002
• Publisher: Putnam Adult
• Length: 240 Pages
• Weight: 0.74 lbs.
• Dimensions: 8.7" x 0.8" x 5.8"
• Age Range: 18 years and up
• Grade Range: Grade 12 and higher

Customer Reviews

An outstanding look into what makes Tiger tick!

As anyone who is serious about golf knows, the game is 90% mental. Renowned teaching professional John Andrisani draws on interviews with Tiger's Mom, Dad, ex-coaches, and current one Butch Harmon to piece together what tips have made him into perhaps the greatest player the game will ever know. That being said, anyone who wants to improve at golf NEEDS to read this book. Lessons with pros are fine, IF you have unlimited time and money to pursue them. Save yourself both strokes on the course, grief, and money by getting a hold of this book! One of the most impressive aspects of 'Think Like Tiger' is the tips Butch Harmon learned from one of golf's other all-time legends--- Ben Hogan which are passed on here. Additionally, it is interesting to learn that Tiger's mother Tida introduced him to Buddism which he uses to relax, calm his mind, and meditate. His father Earl also tells how he prepped Tiger on the need for ignoring all distractions etc by rattling golf clubs during his back swing and other tricks to build his total focus. There is even a claim made that Tiger saw a hypno-therapist named Dr. Jay Brunza, a former navy man to help him with his pre-shot routine. This may be speculation, but then again, it may not. After all, who could possibly completely explain Tiger's total domination of a game so fickle and capricious? In short, it's fair to warn the reader that 'The Man' himself DID NOT collaborate with Andrisani on the writing of this book. However, Adrisani's keen insigts into all aspects of the game and his other reliable sources, more than make up for this short-coming. I found this to be a short, and incredibly insightful read. If you really want to play better golf, do yourself a favor and get your hands on a copy of this book A.S.A.P!