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Drive: The Lasting Legacy of Tiger Woods
In April of 1997, the world of golf was forever changed. At the age of 21, a young Tiger Woods won the most prestigious golf tournament in the world, the Masters, by a record of 12 strokes. Woods became the youngest golfer ever to win the Masters and the first African or Asian-American player to win a major. History had been made - and would continue to be made over the next 15 years.
Woods transformed the game, turning golf geeks into keen observers, casual golf fans into ardent followers and even indifferent sports fans into curiosity mavens. He will undoubtedly be known for the raw numbers: 82 PGA Tour titles, 15 major championships, and according to Forbes, a billionaire who amassed more than $110-million in official PGA Tour earnings. Woods has proven to be a complicated figure through his decades in the spotlight. Plagued by marital scandal, a DUI arrest, and severe back injuries that resulted in what even he believed would be a career-ending spinal fusion surgery in 2017, Woods’ career finally seemed to be coming to an end. That all changed through 2018 and into 2019 as Woods returned slowly from the surgery. In 2019, on the same course where he won for the first time in 1997, Tiger Woods made history once again, winning the Masters one final time. The 2019 Masters brought together all the qualities that ultimately make up someone who has been an enduring figure for 30 years.
In this captivating and emotional portrait of one of the most famous figures in sports, Bob Harig brings readers the true story of the grit and perseverance of Tiger Woods in the final years of his career. Drive will show that Woods’ true legacy is one of resolve and redemption.
Woods transformed the game, turning golf geeks into keen observers, casual golf fans into ardent followers and even indifferent sports fans into curiosity mavens. He will undoubtedly be known for the raw numbers: 82 PGA Tour titles, 15 major championships, and according to Forbes, a billionaire who amassed more than $110-million in official PGA Tour earnings. Woods has proven to be a complicated figure through his decades in the spotlight. Plagued by marital scandal, a DUI arrest, and severe back injuries that resulted in what even he believed would be a career-ending spinal fusion surgery in 2017, Woods’ career finally seemed to be coming to an end. That all changed through 2018 and into 2019 as Woods returned slowly from the surgery. In 2019, on the same course where he won for the first time in 1997, Tiger Woods made history once again, winning the Masters one final time. The 2019 Masters brought together all the qualities that ultimately make up someone who has been an enduring figure for 30 years.
In this captivating and emotional portrait of one of the most famous figures in sports, Bob Harig brings readers the true story of the grit and perseverance of Tiger Woods in the final years of his career. Drive will show that Woods’ true legacy is one of resolve and redemption.
320 pages, Paperback
Published May 20, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
March 25, 2024
This is for serious golf fans only.
It 100% focuses entirely on his golf career and the set backs he experienced.
It walks through several of his more impactful tournaments/moments in his career and some of the records he has amassed over the years.
I enjoyed some of the bits here and would recommend it, but only to people who also enjoy watching and/or playing golf.
Much love to NetGalley, Macmillan Audio, St.Martin's Press & Goodreads for my ARCs.
It 100% focuses entirely on his golf career and the set backs he experienced.
It walks through several of his more impactful tournaments/moments in his career and some of the records he has amassed over the years.
I enjoyed some of the bits here and would recommend it, but only to people who also enjoy watching and/or playing golf.
Much love to NetGalley, Macmillan Audio, St.Martin's Press & Goodreads for my ARCs.
December 17, 2024
Finished Reading
Pre-Read notes:
I've always been a fan of Tiger Woods as an athlete, a champion, and a person. He has struggled, both personally and professionally, and we all watched it because his life was so public. He faced unfairness, and yet still achieved greatness.
So, when I was offered by St. Martin's to read this one, I felt lucky. And I was and am excited for this read. Sadly this is another arc that got away because I received an inaccessible copy from NetGalley. But Libby provided me an audiobook, which I appreciate; so happy to go back for this one!
Final Review
Well, you can't win the tournament if you miss the cut. (0:59:12)
Review summary and recommendations
This biography of Tiger Woods is a bit dry, when you get right down to it, despite a few well-placed curses. Despite that, I learned a lot about the career of the golfer that had me interested in golf for a couple decades. I even got the Tiger Woods golf video game. God, that dates me lol. I say "the career" because the author, Bob Harig, shies away from writing about Tiger Woods's personal life. A tell-all, this is not. But for what it is, i enjoyed my time learning more about a golfing GOAT like Tiger.
I recommend this one to Tiger Woods fans, golf fans, and readers who love sports biographies.
Reading Notes
Three (or more) things I loved:
1. He was one of only seven golfers in a field of 86 who broke par that day, and went and celebrated, after first practicing on the driving range, by heading to the Arby's on Washington Rd., just outside the gate, along with two of his friends from Stanford. (0:47:54) I love a great human who is still down-to-earth and approachable! Also, I love Arby's, too.
2. [...Ice] baths are part of his repertoire, to reduce swelling. (0:57:35) Dang, he was hurting. He must have been so focused to drive himself through such
3. I had no idea that Woods was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, that's amazing! He definitely deserved that honor.
Three (or less) things I didn't love:
This section isn't only for criticisms. It's merely for items that I felt something for other than "love" or some interpretation thereof.
1. [Tiger Woods's] skills undoubtedly would have carried him to numerous victories. Without that uncanny determination, a resiliency that saw him return from all manner of maladies and obstacles, the record inarguably would not be as great. (0:03:20). This is an interested point that highlights perhaps the greatest paradox of greatness. Great people push themselves to the ends of the earth to pursue and conquer, but they also ignore their own needs and instincts to do it.
2. In terms of injuries, Woods was a mess. He is venerated for his drive and ambition, his relentless pursuit of improving his record. But he did a great deal of damage to himself that wasn't necessary. If he had been more conscientiousness of his body when he got injured, he probably could have played for more years and would have improved quality of life. It's terrible to be in pain all the time.
3. The ending was very abrupt!
Rating: 🏌♂️🏌♂️🏌♂️ /5 golfing guys
Recommend? Yes
Finished: Dec 12 '24
Format: digital, NetGalley; audiobook, Libby
Read this book if you like:
✨️ inspiring stories
🏌♂️ golf
🏆 professional athletics
📖 biographies
Thank you to the author Bob Harig, publishers St. Martin's Press, and NetGalley for an advance digital copy of DRIVE. I found an accessible copy (audiobook) on Libby. Read by Adam Barr. All views are mine.
--------------
Pre-Read notes:
I've always been a fan of Tiger Woods as an athlete, a champion, and a person. He has struggled, both personally and professionally, and we all watched it because his life was so public. He faced unfairness, and yet still achieved greatness.
So, when I was offered by St. Martin's to read this one, I felt lucky. And I was and am excited for this read. Sadly this is another arc that got away because I received an inaccessible copy from NetGalley. But Libby provided me an audiobook, which I appreciate; so happy to go back for this one!
Final Review
Well, you can't win the tournament if you miss the cut. (0:59:12)
Review summary and recommendations
This biography of Tiger Woods is a bit dry, when you get right down to it, despite a few well-placed curses. Despite that, I learned a lot about the career of the golfer that had me interested in golf for a couple decades. I even got the Tiger Woods golf video game. God, that dates me lol. I say "the career" because the author, Bob Harig, shies away from writing about Tiger Woods's personal life. A tell-all, this is not. But for what it is, i enjoyed my time learning more about a golfing GOAT like Tiger.
I recommend this one to Tiger Woods fans, golf fans, and readers who love sports biographies.
Reading Notes
Three (or more) things I loved:
1. He was one of only seven golfers in a field of 86 who broke par that day, and went and celebrated, after first practicing on the driving range, by heading to the Arby's on Washington Rd., just outside the gate, along with two of his friends from Stanford. (0:47:54) I love a great human who is still down-to-earth and approachable! Also, I love Arby's, too.
2. [...Ice] baths are part of his repertoire, to reduce swelling. (0:57:35) Dang, he was hurting. He must have been so focused to drive himself through such
3. I had no idea that Woods was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, that's amazing! He definitely deserved that honor.
Three (or less) things I didn't love:
This section isn't only for criticisms. It's merely for items that I felt something for other than "love" or some interpretation thereof.
1. [Tiger Woods's] skills undoubtedly would have carried him to numerous victories. Without that uncanny determination, a resiliency that saw him return from all manner of maladies and obstacles, the record inarguably would not be as great. (0:03:20). This is an interested point that highlights perhaps the greatest paradox of greatness. Great people push themselves to the ends of the earth to pursue and conquer, but they also ignore their own needs and instincts to do it.
2. In terms of injuries, Woods was a mess. He is venerated for his drive and ambition, his relentless pursuit of improving his record. But he did a great deal of damage to himself that wasn't necessary. If he had been more conscientiousness of his body when he got injured, he probably could have played for more years and would have improved quality of life. It's terrible to be in pain all the time.
3. The ending was very abrupt!
Rating: 🏌♂️🏌♂️🏌♂️ /5 golfing guys
Recommend? Yes
Finished: Dec 12 '24
Format: digital, NetGalley; audiobook, Libby
Read this book if you like:
✨️ inspiring stories
🏌♂️ golf
🏆 professional athletics
📖 biographies
Thank you to the author Bob Harig, publishers St. Martin's Press, and NetGalley for an advance digital copy of DRIVE. I found an accessible copy (audiobook) on Libby. Read by Adam Barr. All views are mine.
--------------
June 27, 2025
This book is an in depth look into the determination, “drive” and dedication Tiger Woods has given to the sport as a professional for almost 30 years. The major setbacks and unexpected life lessons show how his game has evolved over the years. I loved reliving the tournaments I watched live as a child while reading this book. The author does a great job at breaking down the learning curve and jargon barriers that come with golf.
Thank you Goodreads, St. Martin’s Press and Bob Harig for the Giveaway!
Thank you Goodreads, St. Martin’s Press and Bob Harig for the Giveaway!
March 25, 2024
Am I a golfer? No. Do I live with a household of golfers? It appears so. Everyone in my house knows that Tiger is the GOAT. They also can tell you their favourite current golfers playing for both the PGA and LIV. And I am obsessed with the show Full Swing. So you could say I know a decent amount about golf for a non golfer.
So I was thrilled to get this book.
It was an interesting dive into Tiger’s comeback but it felt very repetitive and was non linear. We all know I am wildly partial to my non fiction being very linear so I found it a bit annoying at times as it jumped back and forth and I felt like I was reading the same sentiments over and over.
This is a quite technical book I would say and if you don’t know anything about golf it could be tedious as it breaks down each shot at times.
However, I enjoyed getting a deeper understanding of Tiger Woods and his drive. I have such respect for people that are internally motivated and can dedicate themselves to being the best despite physical setbacks. As a physical therapist I LOVED the shout outs to PT and watching his comebacks time and time again. The human body can do so much with good rehab.
I would say this is a very interesting read if you enjoy golf but might be a bit slow if you don’t have some background knowledge in the sport.
Thank you st martins press for the arc.
Pub date: March 26, 2024
March 24, 2024
Thank you #partner St. Martin’s Press for my #gifted copy of Drive: The Lasting Legacy of Tiger Woods! #Drive #BobHarig #SMPInfluencers #stmartinspress
𝐓𝐢𝐭𝐥𝐞: 𝐃𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐞: 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐋𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐋𝐞𝐠𝐚𝐜𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐓𝐢𝐠𝐞𝐫 𝐖𝐨𝐨𝐝𝐬
𝐀𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫: 𝐁𝐨𝐛 𝐇𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐠
𝐏𝐮𝐛 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞: 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝟐𝟔, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒
Some of my favorite memories growing up took place on Sunday afternoons when I sat on our back porch with the TV on watching golf with my dad. My dad and I had a few favorite golfers we loved to watch, but there was nothing better than watching Tiger Woods in red on a Sunday. We were always cheering for Tiger. We admired what he did for the sport, and how he was the youngest golfer to ever win the Masters. On top of that, he was the first male African or Asian-American player to win a major. We always felt like we were watching history be made when we were watching Tiger Woods. Unfortunately, Tiger was not always in the spotlight for his golf game. With marital issues, DUI arrests, and injuries, Tiger Woods has endured a lot in the public eye.
Drive: The Lasting Legacy of Tiger Woods, is an emotional portrait of one of the greatest golfers of all time. I so enjoyed my time reading this book. While many of the events documented are ones I remember, the way Harig provides an account of Woods and his life is truly unmatched. I feel like I was able to get a better look at the life of Tiger Woods, and better appreciate his legacy. I highly recommend this book for any golf or sports lover. I know that if my father was still living today, he would be grabbing a copy of this book to read and cherish. I’m glad I was given the opportunity to take a better look at one of the greatest athletes of my time.
𝐓𝐢𝐭𝐥𝐞: 𝐃𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐞: 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐋𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐋𝐞𝐠𝐚𝐜𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐓𝐢𝐠𝐞𝐫 𝐖𝐨𝐨𝐝𝐬
𝐀𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫: 𝐁𝐨𝐛 𝐇𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐠
𝐏𝐮𝐛 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞: 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝟐𝟔, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒
Some of my favorite memories growing up took place on Sunday afternoons when I sat on our back porch with the TV on watching golf with my dad. My dad and I had a few favorite golfers we loved to watch, but there was nothing better than watching Tiger Woods in red on a Sunday. We were always cheering for Tiger. We admired what he did for the sport, and how he was the youngest golfer to ever win the Masters. On top of that, he was the first male African or Asian-American player to win a major. We always felt like we were watching history be made when we were watching Tiger Woods. Unfortunately, Tiger was not always in the spotlight for his golf game. With marital issues, DUI arrests, and injuries, Tiger Woods has endured a lot in the public eye.
Drive: The Lasting Legacy of Tiger Woods, is an emotional portrait of one of the greatest golfers of all time. I so enjoyed my time reading this book. While many of the events documented are ones I remember, the way Harig provides an account of Woods and his life is truly unmatched. I feel like I was able to get a better look at the life of Tiger Woods, and better appreciate his legacy. I highly recommend this book for any golf or sports lover. I know that if my father was still living today, he would be grabbing a copy of this book to read and cherish. I’m glad I was given the opportunity to take a better look at one of the greatest athletes of my time.
April 5, 2024
I was fortunate to receive an ARC for "Drive: The Lasting Legacy of Tiger Woods" through NetGalley. Overall, I found the book to be captivating, despite not being deeply involved in golf. It provided valuable insights into Tiger Woods and the sport itself. However, I must admit that certain sections of the book felt repetitive, leading me to lose focus and drift off at times.
I recommend this book to anyone interested in exploring the lives of celebrities, athletes, or who simply enjoys golf.
I recommend this book to anyone interested in exploring the lives of celebrities, athletes, or who simply enjoys golf.
May 12, 2024
I usually love Harig’s stuff but this was his worst. Incredibly repetitive with somehow no real new insights. My recommendation is to skip it
May 23, 2024
I am a big supporter of Tiger Woods as a golfer. By reading this book it gives me a better understanding of him as a player and as a professional golfer.
December 9, 2023
Harig writes in good detail about the accomplishments and struggles that Tiger Woods has been through.
It was encouraging to read about Tiger's physical issues that made him turn those issues into being a champion in the golf world. Through Tiger's belief in himself and holding on to his stubbornness lead to an unbelievably brilliant career.
I would recommend to any sports fan, family and friends.
It was encouraging to read about Tiger's physical issues that made him turn those issues into being a champion in the golf world. Through Tiger's belief in himself and holding on to his stubbornness lead to an unbelievably brilliant career.
I would recommend to any sports fan, family and friends.
March 19, 2024
Thank you to St. Martins Press for my complimentary copy of Drive: The Lasting Legacy of Tiger Woods. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I used to roll my eyes every time Mr. would watch golf on tv, but after reading this book and attending a golf tournament in person, I am becoming a huge fan!
The book deals with Tiger’s career from the 2010’s to present day, the years when injuries and scandals, not other golfers, were the biggest obstacles for Tiger.
As I read this book, I realized the title wasn’t about putting a golf ball in play, but rather the one thing that Tiger possesses better than any other golfer is his inner drive to overcome. This includes multiple back surgeries, including a back fusion, and a devastating car crash where Tiger almost lost his right leg.
It was a treat to hear the behind the scenes story of how Tiger tries to overcome all of these obstacles not only so he can interact with his children, but so he can come back and play competitive golf and win!
I have always been a fan of Tiger Woods but after reading this book, I have a greater appreciation of what he’s accomplished.
I used to roll my eyes every time Mr. would watch golf on tv, but after reading this book and attending a golf tournament in person, I am becoming a huge fan!
The book deals with Tiger’s career from the 2010’s to present day, the years when injuries and scandals, not other golfers, were the biggest obstacles for Tiger.
As I read this book, I realized the title wasn’t about putting a golf ball in play, but rather the one thing that Tiger possesses better than any other golfer is his inner drive to overcome. This includes multiple back surgeries, including a back fusion, and a devastating car crash where Tiger almost lost his right leg.
It was a treat to hear the behind the scenes story of how Tiger tries to overcome all of these obstacles not only so he can interact with his children, but so he can come back and play competitive golf and win!
I have always been a fan of Tiger Woods but after reading this book, I have a greater appreciation of what he’s accomplished.
April 27, 2024
I would give this a 3.5. it was fine, but nothing I would read again. The way the chapters were setup made some of it feel very redundant. Didn't really get any new insight
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 10, 2024
Withholding my review until SMP meets the demands of the boycott
February 24, 2024
Bob Harig gives a refreshing look at the mental and physical grit and determination that Tiger Woods was able to summon at various points throughout his career. Having read a few Tiger Woods related biographies, this was a welcome change from your average read that focuses mainly on his upbringing and accomplishments. I really enjoyed how in detail Bob was able to go, citing all the physical and emotional struggles including multiple back surgeries, ACL repairs, and a car wreck that very well could have left Tiger as an amputee. He describes how much Tiger really was able to overcome both physically and mentally, things that would have left most down and out.
This was such an awesome and introspective read that was extremely well written! I would definitely recommend this book to anyone, golf fan or not, because I believe that even non-sports fans would find this book so interesting, giving us a view to a completely different side of Tiger Woods that is often overlooked.
Special thanks to St. Martins Press and NetGalley for providing an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest and fair opinion. This is a book that I will definitely be grabbing a physical copy of once it is released, as I could find myself reading this multiple times and discovering new reasons to enjoy about this book after each read.
This was such an awesome and introspective read that was extremely well written! I would definitely recommend this book to anyone, golf fan or not, because I believe that even non-sports fans would find this book so interesting, giving us a view to a completely different side of Tiger Woods that is often overlooked.
Special thanks to St. Martins Press and NetGalley for providing an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest and fair opinion. This is a book that I will definitely be grabbing a physical copy of once it is released, as I could find myself reading this multiple times and discovering new reasons to enjoy about this book after each read.
March 28, 2024
Everyone is always a bit surprised when I review a golf book. First off, I really like biographies and I enjoy sports, of all kinds. And my husband has always watched golf and we go to FedEx Golf Tournament every year. So, I am around this all the time. When this popped up, I jumped on it!
I have never seen Tiger play in person but I have watched him on TV since his career began. I love talent in all shapes and forms. And this man is full of talent. Not only is this book about his amazing genius on the course but it is about his drive to over come.
Reading about all his surgeries and his pain really took a toll on me. I cannot imagine having the strength this man has and overcoming all he has, to become one of the best golfers in the world.
The narrator, Adam Barr, could not have been better. He is very matter of fact and perfect for this audiobook.
Need a wonderful, well researched biography about one of the best talents in sports…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.
I received this audiobook from the publisher for a honest review.
I have never seen Tiger play in person but I have watched him on TV since his career began. I love talent in all shapes and forms. And this man is full of talent. Not only is this book about his amazing genius on the course but it is about his drive to over come.
Reading about all his surgeries and his pain really took a toll on me. I cannot imagine having the strength this man has and overcoming all he has, to become one of the best golfers in the world.
The narrator, Adam Barr, could not have been better. He is very matter of fact and perfect for this audiobook.
Need a wonderful, well researched biography about one of the best talents in sports…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.
I received this audiobook from the publisher for a honest review.
Read
May 4, 2024I am an avid sports follower so I was interested in what this new book about Tiger Woods had to say! There are some sports I follow all the time and some I follow sporadically. Golf is one that I follow sporadically but I do follow the major tournaments. The Masters Tournament was held a couple of weeks ago and I am invariably interested in that one. Of course Tiger Woods is quite often a big part of the story whenever one of the big tournaments is being held. This book details many of the events in Tiger’s life. Love him or hate him his story is compelling and I found this book very informative. I’m not a golfer but my family is and we have followed Tiger’s accomplishments and setbacks over the years and there have have been a lot of both. The thing about Tiger as shown in this book is his perseverance in overcoming daunting obstacles. The Masters this year proved once again that he has a lot more work to do to add more wins to his storied career and time will tell whether he can do it.
March 25, 2024
I've become a bit of a golf fan over the years thanks to my husband's love of the sport so I thought it would be fun to read this on our driving trips to the cabin and elsewhere. The second half of the book got very long as it's an extremely technical and thorough read - we definitely did some skimming. I'd recommend this book to serious golf fans maybe newer to the sport who want to learn more about Tiger because this provides a very in-depth look at his tournaments and setbacks. Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review - pub day is 3/26/24!
April 5, 2024
Rehash of commonly known stories and memories from Woods' career. The book focuses mainly on the last ten years of Tiger's career. Significant amount of time is spent on his back surgeries, his 2019 Masters win and his car crash and subsequent attempt to return. Countless details repeated multiple times throughout the book. Why did this book need to be written at this point in time?
December 12, 2024
I enjoyed this book about Tiger Woods! His mental and physical skills enabled him to be one of the top two golfers ever. Really good account of the health issues he had to overcome during his career. I hope he can win one more major. Most importantly, I think he influenced the game more then anyone.
June 11, 2025
I’m a huge golf/tiger fan, but this wasn’t the best Tiger Woods book that I’ve read. It was fun to walk back down memory lane on his career to this point, but can’t say I learned a lot if anything new about Tiger. Some of it seemed to be repetitive especially driving home the title Drive and how much drive he has.
August 7, 2024
Wanted a new perspective on the Tiger experience and, although the angle was somewhat unique (Tiger overcoming the odds again and again), the writing and reporting was so repetitive that it made me wonder why Harig wrote this as a book and not just a feature piece in a magazine.
February 4, 2025
A quick read that did just enough to carry my momentum forward as I continue my deep dive int0 the greatest athlete of my lifetime. Not much substance here, but a fun account by a reputable author. Would recommend for a quick two or three day read.
May 9, 2024
Got to read about tiger. But the book was messy. I think there were at least 15 times in the book that I had already read the words earlier.
May 21, 2024
Too repetitive
May 26, 2024
Insanity is reading yet another Tiger Woods book and expecting different results.
May 31, 2024
Awesome book!
June 17, 2024
This was an "interesting" read. I was reading along and all of a sudden the pages started with text from another book.
July 25, 2024
Nothing in here that ain’t already been written before.
August 5, 2024
Few things better than Bob Harig on Tiger.
January 9, 2025
Wild grit, and statistical winning legacy
February 17, 2025
The writing styles was frustrating and jumped around
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews