Paper Tiger: An Obsessed Golfer's Quest to Play with the Pros Paperback – May 3, 2007

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? 🙂)

Every amateur golfer has though about dropping everything to focus solely on golf. Great story and easy read and really tells the woes of what every golfer, beginner or scratch will go through.

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.

Bought this for my father in law who doesn’t read. He raved about it and told me how much he enjoyed this!

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.

Wonderful read, superb writer. Every golfer will love the read.

I've become a huge fan of golf writer-adventurer Tom Coyne. After reading "A Course Called Ireland" and "A Course Called Scotland", I just had to follow up on his life saga before those two Celtic expeditions took place. "Paper Tiger" is well-written, and while not quite as emotionally-raw as the subsequent tales, provides a compelling insight into Mr. Coyne's attempt to gain a PGA Tour Card in his late 20s.While I don't possess a fraction of Tom Coyne's playing ability, I truly love the game, and since retirement have immersed myself in the sport. I work at a US Open venue as a Player Assistant and caddie (even looped for an LPGA Tour player at a local tournament), and have taken up playing with 100-year old hickory shaft golf clubs. So the "golf nerd" in me easily identified with Coyne's year-long attempt to become ready for competition at the highest level."Paper Tiger" really sets the stage for his later books; I highly recommend reading this one BEFORE virtually joining him in Ireland and Scotland.One more thing endeared this author to me; Tom is one of the most accessible writers ever, especially to fellow golfers who share his passion for the game and its history. He sponsors an annual golf trip to Ireland or Scotland, open to anyone captivated by the magic of golf's roots, and a fun time on the links.Tom Coyne has a special gift for communicating what drives him to play. Nothing phony or commercial about it. Check him out!p.s. The photo has nothing to do with this book, but illustrates just how much of a golf nerd I am...geeking out last December getting to hold the Open Championship's famous Claret Jug trophy! Yes, it's real...one of the benefits of working at the same course where Michael Greller (Jordan Spieth's caddie) used to loop.