The Final Round: A Character-Driven Southern Novel by Ernest Dempsey


The Final Round: A Character-Driven Southern Novel
Title : The Final Round: A Character-Driven Southern Novel
Author :
Rating :
ISBN : 1960237144
ISBN-10 : 9781960237149
Language : English
Format Type : Kindle Edition
Number of Pages : 424
Publication : Published July 26, 2024

AN OLD PRO'S LAST CHANCE AT REDEMPTION. A YOUNG AMATEUR'S SHOT TO MAKE HISTORY. Tyler Knox knows heartbreak. So does his hero, Graham Sullivan.

Tyler found his love of golf by watching "Sully" from an early age. But the only son of a working-class, blue-collar family, money was always scarce. Through the kindness of a friend at a driving range, and with some second-hand clubs, he taught himself how to play.

As a caddy at a local country club, he honed his skills, developing into one of the best golfers in the region.

But no matter how low his scores, Tyler was still an outsider in an elite world.

Graham Sullivan is 58 years old, and had a series of near misses, both in life, and in golf. Ten years ago, his son died in a car accident. Blaming him for her grief, his wife left him shortly after.

Entrenched in the shadows of mistrust, doubt, and insecurity, Graham has spent the years immersing himself in the only thing he knows. The game of golf.

Without a major title to his name, and age creeping up on him, he shocks the golf world by announcing that the upcoming Open will be his final major tournament.

Through an Open qualifier, Tyler has a chance to rewrite his story, and claim a future for himself and his mother that he could only dream about as a teenager. But he faces his own demons from the past, and doubts weigh on him with every swing.

The two men from opposite ends of the spectrum find themselves on a collision course for an epic showdown that will test their mettle, and their fabric of their souls.

The Final Round is a story about hope, perseverance, desire, and the human struggle to overcome obstacles in the face of adversity.

It's a story about life. Golf is just the vehicle.


The Final Round: A Character-Driven Southern Novel Reviews


  • David Taylor

    A wonderfully emotional story of two unforgettable characters.

    Not being a golf fan, ten days ago, if anyone had said I would be reading a book about two golfers at opposite ends of their careers I would have replied “I doubt it.” If that same anyone said not only, would I be reading it, but I would be fully immersed in the story and the characters, my response would have been one of disbelief and most likely would have included a question about their sanity. Well, after spending the last five days reading The Final Round, I’m here to say my preconceived notion about a book about two golfers was not only misplaced, but short sighted.

    The Final Round is not close to what Mr. Ernest Dempsey normal writes but having read all his books in each of his series I honestly believe this is his best book to date. I got so immersed in Tyler and Sully’s lives that I could not just sit, and speed read though this story. I felt I had to take my time and savor every moment of their journeys, all the highs and lows – and believe me there are plenty of both to keep your emotions on a razor’s edge. I found myself vacillating between fist pumping and wiping tears from my eyes. I honestly believe this is the best book I’ve read this year and probably in the past couple of years. While I received an Advance Reader Copy of the book from Mr. Dempsey, I preordered the book immediately after finishing the last page.

    If you enjoy stories that provide a deep dive into the very human characters who inhabit them, I would strongly suggest getting a copy of The Final Round and settling in for an emotional rollercoaster ride with Tyler, Sully and a cast of characters who are not only unforgettable but so easy to identify with.

  • Rosemary

    The Final Round - a review by Rosemary Kenny.

    Two golf caddies work with two very different pros; all are ambitious to a certain degree, but two of the disparate four are counting on winning a particular tournament.
    Caddy Tyler, is hoping to win and go pro and old pro-player Graham Sullivan wants to retire with a title that's always eluded him.
    Who will triumph on the day?

    A profoundly heart-warming story from Ernest Dempsey with true-to-life characters and emotions that draw you right to the thrilling heart of the action, The Final Round is a must read for any golf fan's collection.
    Bag your copy today and tell all your friends!

  • Allison Valentine

    Firstly this is my top read of the year by far!

    This book isn't just about the game of golf. It's a story that gives you so much more than just the game.
    It's a story of self-discovery no matter what age you are.
    We all have hopes and dreams at whichever crossroads we find ourselves in.

    It's been a long time since I have been so emotionally involved in a book.
    The Final round has brought me to tears on several occasions, made me fist bump the air with excitement but also made me feel heartache.
    The raw emotion of the characters involved is a testament of how the author has excelled in writing each and everyone of them.

    Tyler's dream to becoming a professional golfer started at an early age, watching his hero Graham Sullivan a pro that unfortunately never won a master.
    But that didn't stop him from wanting to be just like him and now at the age of twenty and working on one of the most prestigious golf courses in Chattanooga, Tennessee he finally has a chance to show how good he is as an amateur to win the White Oak National.

    Graham Sullivan has just announced his retirement from the game, shocking news for most people, but Sully feels it's time to give up on professional golf.
    His life hasn't dealt him the best of cards on the course, but he is determined to win his last pro performance that will take place on the green at White Oak National.

    A battle against all the odds.
    But more importantly than anything else, who has the final round?

    Loved, loved this book. I do hope that there is more to come.

  • Sherry McCormick

    A Truly Great Story!!

    I've never been that interested in golf before, but , after reading this book I've learned alot. Now I really understand why these men and women play the game..Thankyou Mr. Dempsey. I think you must like the game yourself, just a little bit..

  • David G Halford

    I really like Sean and Tommy but this is my favorite story, I’m so glad you wrote it!