I Hate To Lose: Charlie Owens PGA Tour Memoir | iUniverse

I Hate To Lose chronicles the life of Charlie Owens, a golfer who rose from Depression‑era Florida to compete on the PGA Tour. He faced poverty, prejudice, and severe physical hardship, yet his drive, discipline, and stubborn focus kept him moving forward. This is not just a sports tale; it is a portrait of a man who learned to read greens, manage setbacks, and pursue excellence in the face of daunting odds. The narrative blends memory with the sensory feel of the course—the scent of damp turf at dawn, the creak of aging clubs, and the hush before a crucial tee shot—inviting readers to witness a rare blend of courage and character.

From hardship to the PGA Tour

Charlie Owens qualified for the PGA in 1972 amid mockery as the crippled, blind, cross‑handed player. He persisted, and his determination helped him carve out a place among golf’s elite. In a remarkable 1966 season, he won 18 of the 21 events he entered, a testament to skill and resolve that surprised fans and rivals alike.

Even after a Korean War injury and a stroke, Owens continued to compete. At 57, he joined the Senior PGA and carried two crutches in his bag to the first tee at the 1986 U.S. Open, driving a fairway‑centered shot before continuing on the course with the aid of those crutches. The USGA’s cart restriction underscores the barriers he faced while his spirit stayed relentlessly steady.

What you will experience

This memoir offers possibilities rather than guarantees, presenting a vivid, human story of perseverance. You’ll encounter historical context paired with intimate, sensory moments that bring the game to life and invite reflection on what resilience can look like in real life.

• Vivid scenes of tournament life, travel, and the discipline behind a lifetime of practice.
• A candid portrait of a person who turned setbacks into sustained effort and growth.

Readers will also discover themes beyond sport: the importance of community, family support, and the quiet power of consistent determination.

Why this book matters today

• Offers historical perspective on golf’s past and the players who shaped it.
• Provides inspiration for pursuing ambitious goals with limited resources.

Product details: Used Book in Good Condition.