Playing Through: Straight Talk on Hard Work, Big Dreams, and Adventures with Tiger

by Earl Woods

At the heart of Tiger Woods' accomplishments is the special bond he shares with his father, mentor and first goal coach, Earl Woods. In Playing Through,  Tiger's dad shares the never-before-told story of the Woods family. Part autobiography and part ultimate insider's biography of Tiger, Playing Through is Earl Woods' opportunity to have his say and pass on lessons he has learned along the way. For the first time, Earl faces the critics and cynics, addressing head-on the controversies and rumors that have grabbed headlines. In this brutally honest account of life with Tiger, Earl reveals how Tiger struggled to adapt to life as a pro, the racial attacks and hate mail, the painful sacrifices the family made throughout the years and the real reasons Tiger left Stanford after just two years. He also tells the untold story of what happened the night before Tiger's Masters' victory and the unique philosophy behind all of Tiger's actions, professional and personal. Earl also shares his own stunning story. Raised by his sister after losing both of his parents by the time he was 13, he chose the military over a promising baseball career. He reveals the racial barriers that tortured him throughout his Army days, how he found his calling in the Green Berets and shocking details about his two tours of duty in Vietnam, where he met and befriended the original "Tiger," for whom his famous son is named. Woven throughout his recollections is the legacy of his mother and the lessons she imparted to him about family, faith and hard work -- all of which helped Earl to nurture and guide his son's talent. A tribute to Tiger, to the powerful role of family and the bonds between fathers and sons and to the sport that has made so much possible for the Woods family, Earl's words will inspire all of us to work hard, dream big and "play through" life's challenges.

288 pages, Hardcover

First published May 13, 1998

Reviews

[Christine Le · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall, this book recieves a decent-great score to sports autobiography. My expectation was reading the life of Tiger Woods that led to the his influence and motivation to play golf. I really enjoyed the backstory to his name Tiger which played apart with the father and son relationship. Reading from a perspective as a Asian person I believe that our family upbringings in the household contribute to the astounding success leading to our dream job. From my interpretations I think his father wanted him to play golf not just for fun but on the competitive national level. In this autobiography I wanted to hear more of Tiger Wood's perspective on his experience living with a multicultural family in the 1990s how it has shaped him to pursue a unique career than his peers. That portion would give a fruitful view on how Asian/Visable minorites families make career decisions.

[Dylan Richer · Rating 2 out of 5]

I thought the book was good but not anything I really enjoyed. The book starts with Tiger Woods' dad and that part is boring. It talks a lot about parenting and it was kind of weird. Then when it gets to Tiger and about his struggles as a kid and throughout his life the book gets better. If you really love golf or Tiger Woods or maybe even parenting a superstar this would be a book I would recommend. I would not recommend this book if you are looking for an exciting story about the crazy ups and downs of a great athlete.

[Jesse Kelso · Rating 3 out of 5]

It’s a biography. Cool to hear the upbringing with knowing the fallout.

[Kalle Wescott · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read /Playing Through: Straight Talk on Hard Work, Big Dreams, and Adventures with Tiger/, by Earl Woods.

I was hoping for more Tiger backstory, but disappointed in that regard.