Paper Tiger: An Obsessed Golfer's Quest to Play with the Pros

Writing is excellent as is the story. This is is a must read for fellow golf 5luts Birdie birdie popsicle

Simple review: one of the best written, most exciting golf books I've ever read. A captivating story of an "every man" on a Don Quixote-esqe quest to slay the windmills of golf. Utterly relatable for any golfer who's ever wondered what it would take to get to scratch, especially so for all the swing-tinkerers of the world. But the true strength of this book is the wonderful human narrative which is the backdrop for Tom's journey into the world of aspiring golf professionals. It's full of funny tales from the course, and spot-on characterizations of the kinds of golfers you meet on the course. And without spoiling anything, an ending that's truly worth the read. Sincerely, A mid-handicapper about to head to the range (lowered my handicap index 2 strokes last month! Surely with more hard work I can get it to scratch, right? 🙂)

Coyne, a better than average golfer, sets out to see in one year if he can elevate his game to reach Q-school. He moves to Florida, gets an swing coach, a trainer, a nutritionist, etc. and dedicates himself 100% to becoming better. In doing so he gives insight to the golf culture, pro golf, and the many participants who make up the game. Written in the early 2000s, some of it is prescient, including how Tiger-inspired bombers will dominate the game and the banning of the long putter. His soon-to-be long-suffering GF Allyson is part of this. This was Coyne's first book, followed by the "A Course Called..." series. However, I read it after those. Coyne's personal changes are evident, particularly as he comes off in large part as a frat boy jerk in PT. Toward the very end with his dreams waning (did he think Q-school would admit him with no real playing record) he seems to realize what's more important than golf. Worth a read.

First things first, Tom can write. This book is an easy stroll and is often downright hilarious. It's really hard to put down once you start. In addition to his penchant for artful writing and hilarious anecdotes, he also offers up a good bit of insight and helpful hints should one be looking for tips on their game. -- slight spoiler alert -- However, like others, I found it a bit disappointing that he boasted such great handicaps while playing 80 golf. This isn't a knock on his game. He's still better than 99% of golfers in the world. But if you're consistently shooting 80, 85, etc, you're not ready for tournament golf. And to me, it over exaggerates the already tough perception of how hard it is to compete even on the lowest tournament levels. It's presented as "even I as a + golfer struggled in these middling tournaments." But I doubt he was a true + golfer. If every time you play a tournament you post a 10 over, you're not a + handicap. -- end spoiler -- In spite those critiques and the fact that some of the chapters about his personal relationships feel more like fillers, this is truly a riveting read. I couldn't put it down.

For anyone who has ever thought, "if I just had enough time, money, and coaching, I could become a world-class (fill in the blank), this book is for you. Join Tom Coyne's year-long quest to make it through the PGA Q-school and become a card-carrying professional golfer. This book is not just for those who like or love golf. Tom's writing is real, raw, and self-revelatory. I felt that I was living each moment right along with him. He brings all of his companions, coaches, and courses wonderfully to life. I know it's a cliche, but I did not want to stop reading. And then, in the end, you realize there was another story within the story that will bring a smile to your face.

Excellent

Tom Coyne allows the reader to live their life vicariously thru him for his yearlong journey. Any single digit handicap golfer who has wondered "If I could entirely devote one full year to golf, how good could I get". Well, Tom provides us with the answer. This book offers a great insight into one golfers dream, an insight to the love and devotion of one individual to a game called golf. It's more than a game, it's a way of life for many of us. There is a little bit of love story with a girl mixed in along with a love affair for the game of golf. This book is a must read for any golfer who wonders "How good could I get at golf? Would I stand a chance with the best golfers in the world?"

A very nice golf read. Shades of George Plimpton but with the pursuant more skilled at the pursuit. Nice play on words for the title as well also going back to Plimpton (look up his his most famous title). My only complaint is that the author’s extreme golf obsession ended somewhat abruptly.

Tom Coyne has written a wonderful book with Paper Tiger. It is well constructed and beautifully told and for any golfer out there who wondered what it would take to get to the top, this book makes it abundantly clear that it takes a lot! Highly recommended for anyone interested in golf.

A must read for anyone who once had the dream of " if I just practice a bit more.."

As golfers we have often ask ourselves questions such as what would have happened if I took this sport more serious, started a little younger, had access to all the facilities and could dedicate myself full time to this beautiful game? Coyne answers all of these questions and takes us on a riveting journey. I would recommend this book to any golf fan. Even though the book is a bit old and we now have access to all these documentaries and youtube videos showing life on tour. Coyne's book is the ultimate reveal of what it takes to play at the next level and showcases how difficult the grind really is. It's inspiring whilst at the same time light-hearted and relatable. Not something I can easily say about the pros currently on tour right now...

Great writing very funny and awesome story

Very funny read, well written and highly relatable.