Golfing News

Missing the Cut by David Thorp is the autobiography of one of Britain’s most promising golfers, follow the career of this aspiring tour pro who had the potential to go right to the top, share his highs and lows as David tells how the movement disorder Dystonia cut him down in his prime preventing him from competing at golf’s top level.

Missing the Cut is out now – RRP: £9.99 in Softback – ISBN: 9781 4343 93500 available from authorhouse.co.uk

We caught up with David a couple of days ago and he agreed to answer a few general questions to help give Golfing News readers an incite into the person behind the book.

Which is your favourite Golf Course?

My favourite golf course has to be Royal Birkdale, not because it has just hosted The Open, but due to my own playing in two Opens there, in 1976 and 1983, not to mention other tournaments. It always seems the fairest of links courses with flatter fairways than most and the most superb turf.
As a golf coach what is the most common mistake people make?

Who are your golfing hero’s?
From my era of playing the players I most admired would be firstly be Englishman Tony Jacklin, who came through the ranks from assistant pro to become both British and US Open champion within the space of twelve months. My other two choices are both Americans, Jack Nicklaus and Tom Watson, each the dominant player of his time.

Putter aside which club in your bag would you most miss?

I would miss the sand wedge greatly if it had to be omitted. Certain shots are very hard to play with any other club.

How has the game changed since your retirement from tournament play?

The main change to the game in recent years is, in my opinion, the distance good players now hit the ball. I would say tour players these days drive 50 yards farther than they did 30 years ago, making many great old courses obsolete for tournament play.

Of the current crop of young players who do you think has the potential to go to the top?

Of the more established players I feel sure Adam Scott and Justin Rose will both rise to the top. Among the younger ones Oliver Wilson and Ross Fisher look to have the right stuff!

Any advice for someone just starting to play golf?

Golf is such a hard game that you must start with lessons. Then after hard practice to develop some kind of reliable swing, you can think about venturing onto the course.

Books or films?

I have a large collection of golf books, and particularly enjoy the old instructional variety.

What music do you enjoy listening too?

My favourite music is old rock music such as Led Zeppelin or Pink Floyd.

Apart from golf which other sports do you enjoy, either playing or watching?

Other than golf, football would be my favourite sport. Must own up to being a life-long Leeds United supporter!

About the author

David Thorp, born in 1953, started life in Leeds, Yorkshire, where he spent most of his childhood, apart from a short, but influential spell in Canada as a young teenager.

Sport was always a major part of his life, but mostly football and cricket, rather than golf. Despite this non-golfing background, and starting the game relatively late, David made remarkable strides through the ranks to briefly experience the very top level of the game.

Combined with this roller-caster ride of a playing career, he was also Club Professional at several leading English golf clubs including Sutton Coldfield and Gog Magog. Latterly David has concentrated on teaching, using his wide experience to become a renowned golf coach in the Shropshire area.

Wife Rosie and David live in Bridgnorth and have two grown-up children, Emily
and Christopher.

Visit David’s website at www.thorpgolf.co.uk

More Golf Books

Popularity: 3% [?]

JOIN OUR MAILING LIST FOR LATEST OFFERS