His gentle demeanor and timeless wisdom made Harvey Penick America's best-loved teacher of the game of golf. From his lesson tee at the Austin Country Club, he taught several generations of champions and high-handicappers, pros and amateurs alike. All who came in contact with him came away with their grips improved, their souls refreshed, and their hearts gladdened by his love of teaching and his eagerness to serve.At the time of his death in April 1995, Harvey was well along in the work on this, his fourth book of golf instruction. Like his classicLittle Red Book, The Game for a Lifetimeis filled not so much with swing tips and stance aids but with a timeless philosophy that seeks to improve your play by improving how you feel about your game. The secret of Harvey's teaching lies not in any techniques he prescribes but in how the stories and advice and parables he shares point the way for anyone to play better golf by being a better golfer.InThe Game for a Lifetime,Harvey tells us about the different methods he used to help his pupils find twenty more yards off the tee; about the incredible swing of Leaping Lucifer who did everything wrong when he stood over the ball, but whom Harvey helped to find contentment and joy both on and off the course; and about the sweet-swinging pupils whose swings he could remember and recognize without having seen them for thirty-odd years. He spends much of the book advising "the seasoned player" -- whose seasoning is measured not in years but in experience on the links and at the practice tee. His highest praise goes not to any of the champions he trained or Hall of Famers he worked with but to his wife, Helen, who stood by him in thick and thin during his seven decades of service to the game he loved. And the book concludes with the tribute his son, Tinsley, paid him at a gathering of the world's best golf teachers during the week of the 1995 Ryder Cup.Harvey always said he knew that the teachings in his books have stood the test of time. His was truly a lifetime spent pursuing the best the game has to offer us: physically, emotionally, spiritually.The Game for a Lifetimeis a fitting testament from this remarkable man.
A "must" for golfers, but others will want to read it too
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 17 years ago
I haven't played golf for many years, yet I remain a fan of the game . . . as such, I thoroughly enjoyed listening to THE GAME OF A LIFETIME by Harvey Penick with Bud Shrank. The book's subtitle says it all: MORE LESSONS AND TEACHINGS . . . though published in 1996, shortly after Penick's death, it is still surprisingly relevant . . . any fan of the sport will appreciate the many tidbits of useful life from one of America's best-loved teachers of the game. I especially liked hearing about how he helped develop the careers of two of his most famous pupils, Ben Crenshaw and Tom Kite . . . however, equally noteworthy was his account of seeing somebody with an unorthodox grip or swing who posted great scores--and tell that person not to let anybody fiddle with his game. Jack Whitaker's narration was excellent . . . I also liked hearing from Tinsley Penick, his son, at the end of the program. THE GAME FOR A LIFETIME is a "must" for any golfer, yet I'd recommend it to non-golfers as well if just for them to discover what their spouses and friends find so exciting.
A Classic Help From the Beginning
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 23 years ago
I was given this book by my dad when I made my high school golf team and I can honestly say it's the one thing that got my game on track. From the minute I read the first page, I was hooked. His lessons make so much sense, and his love for the game enlightens you as you read it. From the greenside bunker shots, to the "waggle" before a swing, this book has it all. The choice of words Penick uses and his approach to teaching are very unique, yet beautiful. He teaches the person, not the swing. I reccommend this book to anyone who wants to better their game as well as their life. A MUSTREAD FOR GOLFERS!
You must add this book to your Penick collection.
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 25 years ago
If you enjoyed Harvey's other books, you'll also enjoy this one. My wife ordered it for my birthday, and I couldn't put it down. There are more interesting anecdotes and golf wisdoms from golf's greatest all-time teacher. Like his other books, you feel as if you're sitting with him in his golf cart under the shade of a big old pecan tree at his beloved Austin Country Club. It's a quick read, and the stories he tells will stay with you on the golf course forever. Thanks, Harvey.
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