WELL known Bridgnorth golfing professional David Thorp has released a book detailing the extreme high and low points of his distinguished career. Missing the Cut is an honest account of how Mr Thorp (pictured, right_ became the leading Midlands professional golfer, a British international player and one of the top British club professionals.
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It then details his equally fast drop into obscurity after learning he suffered from the disability dystonia.
“My wife Rosie encouraged me to list my tournament achievements, which I began to do and before long an interesting story emerged that developed into a book,” he said.
“There are a lot of mixed memories such as the highs of winning a tournament or setting a course record and the lows of realising the glory days were over so prematurely.
“My dystonia had a devastating effect on my tournament career and I like to think I would have sustained a high level of play for some years had I not been afflicted.”
Born in Leeds in 1953 where he spent most of his childhood before moving to Canada as teenager, Mr Thorp is well known to the area, being the professional at Bridgnorth Golf Club for a number of years. He is now a senior teaching professional at Horsehay Golf Centre in Telford.
“From typing the first word to the publication of the book it took about two years and it is an autobiographical golfing book with an unusual outcome,” he added.
“Yes, I am surprised how quickly I improved as a young golfer and disappointed that my best playing lasted such a short time, but I feel fortunate to have briefly experienced golf at the top level.
“It took me a few years before I could once again enjoy The Open as a spectator, having been a competitor four times, but this year I found it most entertaining, especially Greg Norman’s amazing form over the first three days. A real boost for senior golfers!
“I feel my book allows the reader to share the experience of an ordinary young professional suddenly finding himself competing with and sometimes beating the star players of the day. I tried to give an insight into how my rounds developed and I hope readers agree that I always gave it my best shot.”
David Thorp now lives in Bridgnorth with his wife Rosie and two grown-up children Emily and Christopher, and when not playing golf he says he enjoys coastal walking with his wife and is also proud to be one of the few remaining Leeds United supporters.
Copies of Mr Thorp’s book are available from his website thorpgolf.co.uk, authorhouse.co.uk and can be ordered in from most good bookshops.
