April 28, 1997
Strege (Off the Record) introduced himself to the Woods family when son Tiger was 14, in 1989, and he has closely followed the star golfer's career since. And quite a career it has been, beginning with domination of the junior game, followed by three straight U.S. Amateur titles starting at age 18 and then his impressive debut as a professional, with three victories in his first nine tournaments--and now a Masters victory. While not de-emphasizing Tiger's life as a golfer, his obsession with the sport and his drive to improve his game, Strege reveals much about his family and his home life, with his supportive African American father and Thai mother, both dedicated to helping their son do what he wants in life but not playing stage parents. There are also passages about his three years at Stanford and his taking to heart his father's dictum that he give back as much as he has received. Accordingly, Tiger often holds golf clinics for youngsters, especially in minority neighborhoods. Now, with more than $60 million in endorsement money and greatly respected, Tiger seems on his way to superstardom. This is a well-balanced, inspiring book. Photos not seen by PW. $40,000 ad/promo. (June) FYI: Readers of Training a Tiger (Forecasts, Mar. 17) will find this a fuller, less technical portrait of the athlete.