Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
Gentle giant who won’t just Peter out
PETER O’KEEFFE made a sensational return to amateur golf at the weekend.
His three shot win in the Flogas Irish Amateur Open championship at a blustery Royal County Down was fantastic viewing. The former professional from Douglas has really reignited his game after recently returning to the nonpaid ranks. The Cork powerhouse endured a fraught five years of sweat and tears. In six attempts, he twice made the final stage of the European Tour’s Q-school. Ultimately, the 35-year-old former Challenge Tour player missed out on the pro ranks, but I’ve nothing but admiration for the drive and desire he showed when times got tough. He had a real determination not to drift away from the sport and it’s pleasing to see that mental strength and resilience being rewarded. Playing on the Challenge Tour is a tough, cash-draining grind and the steep learning curve can take its toll. O’keeffe, a gentle giant standing 6’5” tall, had also tried the PGA route to stay in the game, but eventually opted to wait two years for his reinstatement to the amateur ranks. It was an inspired decision. A qualified personal trainer with discipline and a rock solid long game, he has slotted beautifully back in at the top of the amateur game. From his post tournament interviews on Sunday, it’s clear he is really enjoying his golf at the moment. There’s no doubt he has all the qualities to have a fruitful amateur career. His next target is to make the Home Internationals in August and his performance has surely given the Irish selectors food for thought. O’keeffe’s resurgence follows on the heels of Paul O’hanlon, who won last year’s East of Ireland Amateur as a reinstated amateur. It does beg the question if too many of our kids, who show rich promise as amateurs, are turning to the pro ranks too quickly. The professional game promises fame and fortune, but it can also be a scrapheap for frustrated players. I’ve always thought the protection of our young hopefuls is key to their success. Too many are being fast tracked and it is to the long-term detriment of their career. I would love to see stricter criteria introduced so we still produce the best pros but also protect the best amateurs from themselves. I’m just delighted O’keeffe and O’hanlon have found their way back to a game they love and a sport that can give them so much in return. It is particularly pleasing that O’keeffe’s talent has not been lost to the game. It is also great to see real amateurs winning amateur tournaments. A big thank you to Flogas for supporting such an important event at Newcastle.