
BOOK REVIEWS
Autobiography
No Limits
Ian Poutler
We Rate:
BOOK SYNOPSIS
Ian Poulter is one of golf's most charismatic figures, with an appeal extending way beyond his sport. Here he tells his inspirational story, from his early rejection as a Spurs youth player, right through to his match-winning contributions and successive European Ryder Cup triumphs. Poulter went from an Assistant Professional staffing the club shop to a global superstar, turning pro when he still had a handicap of 4 but the drive and self-belief to make it to the top. His infectious optimism, will-power and flair have ensured he remains one of the biggest names on tour. As well as insights into the crucial moments in his career, and the life of a professional golfer, Isn talks about his own passions outside the game, including his own riotous brand of clothing. Just as Poulter's appearance on the scene came as a refreshing antidote to a sport that was often staid and stuffy, so his own book is as forthright and passionate as the man himself.

OUR REVIEW
Over the last decade, the professional golf scene has taken a sharp turn from its stuffy uptight image to become one of the most intriguing sports to watch with its plethora of talent coming through the game, mixed in with many an 'Old Timer' who can still mix it with the best. When this book was written back in 2014, it can be argued that Poulter had yet to reach the 'Old Timer' stage of his career and whilst by today's golfing world, he is now in this category, the talent that served the charismatic Englishman so well, remains in place today. As a reader, this book is a fantastic look at how hard somebody can work to achieve their dreams and that hard work still rings true today for Poulter who by his own admission isn't the most talented golfer to play the game but one that has put the hard yards in to get to achieve a dream that so many who take up the game, are not able to realise.
The book takes a look at his early life and his aspirations to become a footballer, though by strange coincidence, his trials are with Tottenham Hotspur, bitter rivals to his own allegiance to his side Arsenal which he is well known for. Though those aspirations are not realised, his focus turned straight to golf and the endless hours put in on the course or on the driving range, which he looks into heavily and talks about and those that influenced him, particularly when working at local courses. There are some fascinating chapters in the book that give you a really good idea of the game of golf on the semi-pro to pro arena and his look at caddies and the role that they play is both interesting and informative about just how much they help. His family life is also explored which I often find one of the most important in any autobiography as it really shows where they have come from and those that have built him to be the character he is.
Obviously, the crux of the chapters are about his professional career up to that date and includes his rise up the rankings, and lets be honest, his record is fantastic and whilst he has yet to win a Major tournament, his WGC wins in particular show just how good he is, perhaps you could call him underrated. Reading about these victories (and his losses) are a brilliant read for any golf fan and the tone of his book, matches what you would expect from the character that he is. The highlights of the book are his chats about the Ryder Cup, of which he has played such an important part in over the last decade, way beyond when this book is written and who would put money against him being there again come September, when the next instalment of the bi-annual event is due to take place in the USA. His insight into his teammates, their opponents and the comings and goings of these global battles between Europe and the USA, make it an enjoyable read for all gold fans. Personally, I've never been the biggest fan of reading an autobiography of someone still in the prime of their career but without doubt, the book is enjoyable and I do hope that will actually be an updated version, when his career is over, though I don't believe that will be any time soon and then of course their is the little matter of a being a shoe-in for the Ryder Cup Captaincy at some point along the line.
All in all, a very enjoyable read, his wit and charm come across on his book and because of all the hard work that he has had to put in on the golf course, his story is one that is packed full of interest and we very much recommend you giving this your attention. Its definitely not Par, more of a Birdie.



