The Game for a Lifetime: More Lessons and Teachings [Paperback]

Harvey Penick (Author), Bud Shrake (Contributor)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 15, 1999

TIMELESS LESSONS FROM THE MASTER OF THE GAME

This, the fourth book by Harvey Penick, was nearly finished when he died in April 1995. A return to the timeless wisdom that has made his first bestseller, Harvey Penick's Little Red Book, a modern classic, The Game for a Lifetime does not contain the technical swing tips and stance aids of today's instructional guides, but dispenses a philosophy on golf, and on life.

Harvey Penick knew that the teachings in his book would stand the test of time, and he spent his lifetime pursuing and enjoying all that the game has to offer -- physically, emotionally, and spiritually. The Game for a Lifetime, the final book by Harvey Penick, stands as a wonderful testimonial to this legendary career, his celebrated teaching style, and his ability to affect the lives of the people who had the good fortune to know him.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

This is the last collaboration between Penick and Shrake (Little Red Book), since America's most famed golf coach died last year at age 90. Here, he restates the linchpin of his philosophy: namely, that golf is primarily a mental game and good shots are envisioned before they are made. But he also has valuable pointers on such matters as grip, stance, backswing and follow-through. However (and this may explain his greatness as a teacher), Penick has no hard-and-fast rules. On many occasions in this collection of anecdotes and bits of advice, he tells of encountering a beginner with unorthodox techniques who nonetheless posted great scores and advises such players never to let anyone fiddle with their games. Among Penick's favorite students in his last years were Tom Kite, Ben Crenshaw and Kathy Whitworth, so there seems no room for argument about his pedagogy, just as there is no disputing the love of the game conveyed in this memoir.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

From Library Journal

Your last shot at getting golf guidance from a pro (and Ben Crenshaw's mentor) who just died this year.
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 208 pages
• Publisher: Simon & Schuster; Fireside ed edition (October 15, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0684867354
• ISBN-13: 978-0684867359
• Product Dimensions: 7.4 x 5 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #301,443 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars You must add this book to your Penick collection., February 3, 1999

By 

Tommy Smith ([e-mail]) (Fredericksburg, VA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Game for a Lifetime: More Lessons and Teachings (Hardcover)

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.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Classic Help From the Beginning, March 7, 2001

By 

Michael Marine (Lafayette, LA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Game for a Lifetime: More Lessons and Teachings (Hardcover)

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!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A "must" for golfers, but others will want to read it too, May 23, 2007

By 

Blaine Greenfield "eclectic reader" (Belle Meade, NJ) - See all my reviews
(TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Game for a Lifetime: More Lessons and Teachings (Paperback)

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.