Peter pictured at Dennehys Health & Fitness in Douglas.
Picture: Kestutis Anuzis

After several years as a professional golfer, Peter O’Keeffe is returning to the amateur ranks, but the Douglas man still intends to make a career from the sport, working as one of a few specialist golf fitness coaches.  O’Keeffe has recently completed his certification as a Titleist Performance Institute Fitness instructor and has started a new golf fitness business based in Dennehy’s Health & Fitness in  Douglas.

O’Keeffe’s interest in fitness and sports science started over a decade ago, when he attended Southeastern Louisiana University on a golf scholarship.  As well as playing golf at the highest collegiate level, Peter studied sports science in his years in Louisiana.  That gave him a solid foundation in the scientific end of the fitness and physiology, and his interest in the area was Continue reading →

Peter performing one of the stability and core strengthening exercises from the TPI training programme.
Picture: Kestutis Anuzis

For every Rory McIlroy there are hundreds if not thousands of professional golfers who try to make it on tour.  In Ireland alone around a dozen amateurs turn professional every year.  In addition to the European Challenge Tour, there are several mini-tours which offer aspiring professionals a chance to put a card in their pocket every week.  However the pro-tours are not cheap to compete in, as Peter explains:  “An average week on any of the pro tours
in Europe will cost €1,000 at least [entry fees, travel and accommodation], tour school entry is €2,000 and that’s before you buy yourself a sandwich.  At no point would I moan about my time as a tour player, I achieved quite a lot in my career and it has led me to meet all the people that are now closest to me so there are no sour grapes.  Professional golf is an amazing occupation provided the path is clear for your schedule but more importantly your mind.   I could never jump the financial hurdle that would have allowed me to forget everything and send the ball where it needed it to go.  Travelling the world with your clubs to play the best courses week after week is a great experience but the bank balance was always Continue reading →