Very Mixed Feelings

First let me say that I am an ex-professional golfer and totally understood everything Hank says. But, I seriously doubt that the average golfer will understand or comprehend the vast amount of technical swing comments made in this book.

Secondly, I do not agree with the fact that Hank felt the need to write this book. There is so much personal trust in the relationship between athletes and those that surround them that there is an unspoken code that must be respected. I feel that Hank shattered that code and I will never respect him for that... only time will tell how Hank's reputation is effected.

But, thirdly, for those out there who want to get a glimpse of the intense work and pressure that a world class athlete is under, Hank does a nice job of getting that across. Had there not been the stigma of "kiss and tell", I would have thoroughly enjoyed the book. And, of course, this was Hank's opinion and story... I'm sure Tiger's recollection would be much different.

Was the book fair... maybe. Should it have been written... absolutely not.

I would also like to make a technical comment about the narration. Hank did a great job which is unusual for a writer who chooses to narrate. But, there were times in the narration, that there seemed like another voice came in like a voice over... I'm not sure if it was Hank doing a voice over or some other narrator cleaning up mistakes. Whatever, it wasn't annoying.

38 people found this helpful

The Big Miss: Doesn't Miss!

I remember when this title came out. My first thought like everyone else was an opportunity for everyone to pile on Tiger's fall from grace but now I see that's a bit harsh. I was at Torrey Pines on the Monday, 2008 U.S. Open playoff rooting for Rocco Mediate, hoping, just hoping Tiger would lose and everyone would be able to see that he was mortal. As history shows, that didn't happen. Tiger won the 2008 U.S. Open, and his legend continued.

Hank Haney gives an inside look into what it takes to be the world's greatest golfer, and what it must be like to be Tiger Woods, and his swing coach. Remove the sex scandal, and the speculation of PED's (adequately outlined by Haney) and you'll find a very driven, complex individual that is difficult, if not impossible to figure out let alone beat after 72 holes. The guy is amazing!

I chose this title in preparation for the 2017 golf season and sort of a primer for my game this year. I've never been a big Tiger Woods fan though anyone can see that his golf game has elevated the demands, and expectations of the sport to a new level over the last 20 years. Everyone wants a game like Tiger even on his bad days. And he sets the standard even when he's not playing as confirmed by his fan base. After he missed the cut at the 2017 Farmers at Torrey Pines, the gallery was almost empty, and television coverage noted their absence on Saturday/Sunday.

If you're a golfer preparing for this season, or are simply looking to understand how one of Golf's greatest players became the games best for a period, add this title to your queue. Even though the narration is a bit unpolished, you won't be disappointed.

4 people found this helpful

Nothing like what I expected

So disappointed. Hank Haney spends the entire book making excuses for everything that went wrong and taking credit for everything that went right. Really embarrassed for Haney.

Almost as if he was thinking "I need to make sure the world knows that I'm a great coach."

Whether true or false, there are conversations which should never be shared and yet Hank has no issue doing just that as long as it makes him look better than Butch Harmon.

Haney needs therapy. Sad.

2 people found this helpful

insight into the mind of a phenomenon

You pretty much have to like golf to enjoy this book, but if you do, it is a good listen. Some of the technical aspects of the swing discussed are beyond my understanding, but it is nevertheless a fascinating look at the character of a golf genius, and a legend. Tiger isn't always a nice person, but in this book Tiger's tendency to be unsociable is forgivable, because it is seen as an integral part of his obsessive focus on just one thing - being a winner

2 people found this helpful

My Husband Made Me Read It! (But I'm Glad.)

It is so rare for him to want to read anything that I willingly obliged, plus I am fascinated by Tiger and Hank. This was remarkable insight into Tiger's character, even if only from a couple of peoples' perspectives. I would like to read the same story from his viewpoint, but know that is highly unlikely since Tiger is far from being an open book or the type of person to tell his (real) story. It's part of what makes him a champion, an addict, an icon. Even during the parts that were golf-technical, I remained interested and it produced good conversation.

2 people found this helpful

A Great Story About Tiger By His Whiny Coach

This is a great book. a little dry, but with great info about Tiger Woods behind the scenes. It is worth the time. the only really difficult part was the author trying to prove that he was important too. if you skip the chapter "Adding it up" it would make the book even better, unless you want to listen to Haney go through the process of going through various statistics until he proved he was good.

1 person found this helpful

Popsicle?

My take away from this book is Tiger didn't offer Hank a Popsicle. I'm not a Tiger fan but I get the impression that this was an insider hit piece /cash grab on Hanks part.

1 person found this helpful

Conflicted

The author’s willingness to disclose intimate details about a trusted relationship seem strangely at odds with his lack of candor about his own life during this time. For example, he mentions his own divorce in a single sentence, and doesn’t acknowledge how that may have played a role in his interactions with Tiger. While he shares some insights about coaching and golf, in the end this book felt like a gratuitous tell-all in defense of his coaching.

1 person found this helpful

Honest

It seems like Hank needed to get something of his chest. I did enjoy the book.

1 person found this helpful

Worth It!

What did you love best about The Big Miss?

I grew up watching Tiger during his prime, but fell out of love with golf during his scandal period. This book is perfect in detailing Tiger's life and the lessons he's had to learn throughout his life. Even if you're not an avid golf fan this story truly tells the story of what life as a famous sports icon is like and what it takes to compete at a high level.

What did you like best about this story?

How Hank doesn't leave anything out in his opinion. He didn't hold back in describing Tiger's personality and detailing the decisions that preludes many famous events of Tiger's career.

Which scene was your favorite?

One of the best parts is how Hank tells his story about his falling out with Tiger. How all the things he wished that could have been better in their friendship and partnership could have been improved upon.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The book didn't really have one particular moment that "moved" me. I'd say does a great job showing the parts of Tiger the public never really has gotten to see, and explained his inner circles story relating to the scandal that still follows him around.

Any additional comments?

Other reviewers have commented a lot about the voice overs and dub type parts. It didn't really bother me all that much, and I was far too invested in hearing Hank's telling of his relationship with Tiger and the challenges Tiger has faced to care.

1 person found this helpful