I Call the Shots: Straight Talk about the Game of Golf Today

By Johnny Miller and Guy Yocom

Book Overview

Johnny Miller?s brilliant golfing career, which includes winning the U.S. Open and the British Open, has been matched by his success as America?s most respected television golf analyst. Known for delivering both criticism and praise in a colorful tone matched by none, Johnny takes on such issues as: o The rise of Smackdown Golf? and the decline of manners in a game that was once a bastion of decorum o The truth about choking, and how to tell when pros are succumbing to pressure o How mega-long courses for horses? are driving everyday hackers?the heart and soul of golf?away from the game o Johnny?s Fields of Dreams?: the Top-10 courses he?s seen and played o The reason PGA players tremble when they see Tiger Woods step on the first tee?and how they?re now mustering the courage to take him on o The role of teaching gurus,? and why they sometimes hurt players more than help them o Johnny?s analyses of the game?s best players, from Nicklaus to Woods to Sorenstam, and why the 1970s was golf?s Golden Age Full of quips, anecdotes and ideas that will enrich every reader?s appreciation of the game, I Call the Shotspromises to be the most talked-about book on the links this year.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1592400655
• ISBN13: 9781592400652
• Release Date: May 2004
• Publisher: Gotham Books
• Length: 268 Pages
• Weight: 1.30 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.1" x 6.3" x 9.1"

Customer Reviews

Johnny shares candid opinions

Despite the factual errors, this book is great. Johnny Miller gives lots of great insight into the particular golfing style of many players of his generation, as well as the current group of top professionals. One thing I found odd, though, was Johnny's unusual praise for Billy Casper. Sure, Casper was good, but Johnny gushes over him like he was better than Arnold Palmer. If you enjoy golf, you will enjoy this easy to read book.

Passionate/Creative Read on Greatest Game

Miller exudes his passion for the game and his creative touch with it. I really enjoy his uncanniness to give titles and such that add such fun to golf advocates, e.g. calling Seve "Golf's Greatest High-Wire Act" or likening playing Faldo to a python slowly squeezing the life out of its victim. His passion pours forth in opinion after opinion about courses, players (notice Arnie not included), rules, junior golf, etc. His concern over such as Tiger's swearing after a bad shot is admirable, and his overall enthusiasm for other players is refreshing. He was a terrific champion, and relates much of the foundation coming from his father, and his thoughts on parents applying it to their children. A great read which is not diminished at all by a few overlooked editing mistakes.

Addresses the issues no else dares...

This is a great book! While acknowledging the greatness of Tiger Woods, he boldly states that Tiger will not beat Jack's records. He also covers topics every golf enthuist will love. Regardless of your handicap, you'll enjoy this book.

delightful golf read

love it or leave it, miller puts forth well argued positions and analysis on a wide variety of topics: tiger versus jack, individual tour players -- both current and former, the rules of golf, pga tour requirements, golf instruction, golf courses and announcing. just when you think he can't get any more candid or personal out pops another pointed passage about a specific individual. it's as close to a no-holds-barred discussion you can have with a golf insider, without actually having one. what really comes through is that miller loves the competitive side of golf and he sees the larger dimensions that surround it. his individual analyses of the players from his era (nicklaus, trevino, watson, player, etc) are especially good and you will come away with a strong sense of what competing against each one of them was like. a real page-turner and definite must-read for fans of golf.

Honest and Interesting

Johnny bring honesty in his broadcasting and in this book. For those of us who love golf, it is interesting on its own merit. Johnny entertains us and those who follow golf occasionally for a major event or tournament. The book will not win him any more friends but he probably has enough. And let's keep bring the human element into the game through great insights and stories.