Kevin Gockenbach, author of INSiDE, OUTSIDE AND ON THE ROPES

Keith Gockenbach grew up playing golf in Robinson, Illinois, where he was Club Champion at age 16 and reached the Illinois State High School Finals three times.

Keith had the opportunity to caddy for Bob Goalby and other pro when the PGA Tour visited town for the Robinson Open while Keith was in high school.

Goalby shot a course record 62 in Keith’s first caddy round for the 1968 Masters Champion, and went on to win the 1969 Robinson Open.

Although he was a scratch golfer from age 16, Keith put serious golf on the back burner for 27 years as he enjoyed a successful career in the chemical industry.

At age 48, the “itch” to play competitive golf became overwhelming, and Keith “retired” in 2004 from a successful career at Eastman Chemical to chase his dream of earning membership on the Champions Tour.