The Big Miss: Update

So I am half way through Hank Haney’s book The Big Miss and I have really enjoyed it.  The level of detail that he goes into not only about Tiger’s swing but also the other people that he has worked with and been around on tour is truly appreciated by someone (like myself) who enjoys the game and works to make theirs that much better.  For someone who is truly a novice or someone who does not have a good basic knowledge of the golf swing and the fundamentals that must exist I think the detail that Hank goes into would be confusing and most likely go over their head. I feel that is a reason why some people are critical of the book, they just might not understand it and only see the behind the scenes info that Hank shares about Tiger.

About that behind the scenes info.. I love getting access to see or hear about something that I would never typically get the chance to, this book gives me some of that access and I appreciate it.  I feel that I can relate to some of the struggles, obviously on a different level, so I find myself very engaged in the technical sections of the book.  Before I began reading I had heard many of the reviews and many commentators on TV talk about how Hank was violating some unwritten rule of the teacher/coach relationship and my first assumption was that they hadn’t read the book and that if done correctly, Hank could share some sensitive stories while still being respectful of Tiger and their relationship.  At the halfway point of the book, I think Hank has done a good job of relating some personal accounts into a story that makes sense to the reader, however, I can definitely see why some people are in a semi-uproar over the contents of this book.  I feel that there are some subtle shots taken at Tiger (and some not so subtle) that just feel out of place and do not add any real value to the topics that he is discussing.  I’m sure some will argue that they provide context, to that I would say, what context does it provide to know that Tiger likes to drive fast and roll through stop signs?

 

That’s not to say I haven’t enjoyed the book, I honestly have to this point, it is simply to say that some of the criticisms of the book are not unfounded but may be blown out of proportion.  I don’t feel that the few “shots” Hank takes at Tiger overshadow the true content of the book, which has been honestly informational.  I am excited to finish the book and see if these initial feelings at the halfway point continue to develop or change entirely.

I have lots of opinions.  You may not agree with them, or may want to argue with me about them, and that is perfectly fine!  Even encouraged.  These are thoughts that are "just in my mind" that I have decided to put down in words as well.  Feel free to comment on any post or take it to twitter and follow @JustinRolfes.