Inside, Outside, and On the Ropes
Life Lessons from Q-School and The Majors
Foreword
By Fred Funk
Dreams. We all have them. Often our dreams seem out of reach, unattainable, beyond reality. Only the special few make dreams reality.
No matter what sport we play, dreams of making the big leagues float around in our fantasy world. Whether it’s football, baseball, basketball, or golf—the glamour sports create dreams of doing something extraordinary, defining moments that make us a part of history.
Testimonials
“An excellent job of capturing all that’s required to be successful on the Champions Tour . . . a huge commitment with a small window for success. It’s a wonderful read for those who dream to be part of the world of professional golf.”
4-time Winner on The PGA TOUR & ESPN/TNT Golf Analyst
“Keith’s story shows the importance of passion, patience and perseverance, not just for professional golfers but for anyone shooting for something that really matters to them.”
6-time Winner on the European Tour & 2004 Ryder Cup Vice Captain
“They say the Champions Tour is the toughest tour to qualify for in the world. This is a look, from the inside, on how tough it is.”
Excerpts
View some exceprts from “Inside, Outside, and On the Ropes”:
- Inside the Ropes with Peter Jacobsen, Chapter 6, Pages 63-68
- Patience, 2007 Q-School Regionals, Chapter 17, Pages 185-187
- These Guys Are Good, Chapter 2, Pages 14-16
About the Author
Keith grew up playing golf in Robinson, Illinois, where he was Club Champion at age 16 and reached the Illinois State High School Finals three times. The PGA Tour visited town for the Robinson Open while Keith was in high school, giving him the opportunity to caddy for Bob Goalby and other pros. Goalby shot a course record 62 in Keith’s first caddy round for the 1968 Masters Champion, and went on to win the 1969 Robinson Open with a first-hole playoff birdie.
Although he was a scratch golfer from age 16, Keith put serious golf on the back burner for 27 years as he enjoyed a successful career in the chemical industry. At age 48, the “itch” to play competitive golf became overwhelming, and Keith “retired” in 2004 to chase his dream of earning membership on the Champions Tour.
“Inside, Outside, and On the Ropes” details Keith’s five-year quest. Six Champions Tour Q-Schools, appearances in the 2006 U.S. Senior Open at Prairie Dunes and the 2007 Senior Open at Muirfield, and dozens of Monday Qualifiers and Mini-Tour events, provide elements of the storyline for Keith’s quest. The tournament backdrop, the ups and downs of competitive golf, the obstacles inherent in the Champions Tour and the mini-tours, and the daily lessons provided by life’s greatest game—together these ingredients blend together, yielding an interesting story seasoned with just the right touch of serious insight.
Edited by Diane O’Connell at WriteToSellYourBook.com
