Driven: Teen Phenoms, Mad Parents, Swing Science, and the Future of Golf

In this excellent survey of golf's new generation, author and former Golf magazine editor-in-chief Cook (Tommy's Honor) takes a spirited look at the talented junior golfers of David Leadbetter's prestigious (and pricey) Bradenton, Fla. golf academy. Cook, with 25 years of experience writing about golfers, offers an insightful but broad-minded picture of young would-be golf stars, as well as their trainers and parents (some moms and dads prove more fascinating than the players). The psychology of a developing hot-shot is sliced and diced, buttressed by discussion of older golfers coached by Leadbetter. Though grueling schedules and meticulously targeted programs are de rigueur-before long, according to Leadbetter, ""most of the best players will be, shall we say, factory-produced""-the heart of the book is the humanity and resilience of the kids meeting the challenge: ""The smallest kernel of self-doubt turns the mind to popcorn under pressure."" Taking up a number of diverse stories-including those of Michelle Wie, Isabelle Lendl, Ty Tryon, Sean O'Hair (and the inevitable comparisons: Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson, Nick Price)-Cook weaves a riveting chronology, perfect reading for golfers, parents and sports fans of all stripes.