cover image I CALL THE SHOTS: Straight Talk About the Game of Golf Today

I CALL THE SHOTS: Straight Talk About the Game of Golf Today

Johnny Miller, , foreword by Jack Nicklaus. . Gotham, $26 (288pp) ISBN 978-1-59240-065-2

Miller, former golfer and golf analyst for NBC Sports, and Yocom, a senior writer for Golf Digest , offer commentary on acclaimed players; observations on the game, the players and the future of the sport; and discuss strategies, great courses and changes in the game. Perhaps most importantly, Miller speaks his mind, especially about poor sportsmanship. The first chapter is entitled "Welcome to Smackdown Golf : The decline of etiquette in today's game" and starts, "The best U.S. Open performance of all time was by Tiger Woods at Pebble Beach in 2000. The worst performance at a U.S. Open was also provided by Woods that year." Miller explains that Tiger Woods pulled off to the side after the second round and loudly cursed. Miller acknowledges that the microphones should not have been so close, but says that Woods should have restrained himself. In Miller's view, this incident is another example of how some of the unpleasant behavior of players in the NBA and NFL is now evident in golf. There's more than observations, here, though. Miller has strategies on form and technique that will benefit serious golfers. Fans of Miller, golf addicts and even weekend duffers will enjoy this lively book. Agent, Scott Waxman. (May)