Loose Leaf Notes

“You’re buying a book tonight from an independent book store in a solid family business. I really appreciate that,” said author Neil Sagebiel at the noteBooks local book launch of his new book, Draw in the Dunes: The 1969 Ryder Cup and the Finish that Shocked the World.

The book launch party spread out from the bookstore into the Red Rooster Coffee Roaster shop and The Black Water Loft, all part of the McCutchan family business, and was attended by Great Oaks Country Club golfers, booster club members, Sagebiel’s friends and family and a host of other lovers of good storytelling.  I was told by a Booster Club board member that 10% of the evening’s book sales were slated to go to the FloydCountyHigh School golf team.

Draw in the Dunes is Sagebiel’s second golf history book.  “I just kind of stumbled into this golf thing. I like golf.  I played it, but what I really like is telling great stories,” said Sagebiel who is also a blogger. The new book is a recounting of the 1969 Ryder Cup golf tournament that came down to one match and ended in a tie when Jack Nicklaus conceded a last putt to Britian’s Tony Jacklin.  (Nicklaus and Jacklin both wrote forwords to the book).

It was a gesture of sportsmanship that became “an iconic moment in golf and sports history,” Sagebiel told the crowd of book party attendees.   But it was also not without controversy.  “I didn’t think it was a big deal.  I just did what I thought was the right thing to do,” Nicklaus later told Sagebiel in an interview.  He thought a tie was okay. It was the first draw in Ryder Cup history and America kept The Cup, Sagebiel explained.

I could tell from Sagebiel’s reading that he knows how to build the drama of a story and put the reader in the middle of it. In the few paragraphs he shared, caddies threatened to boycott the games, country flags were raised, emotions and nerves ran high and players recounted their memories of the day.  

I was particularly interested in the cultural history aspect of the story and could vaguely remember the uproar because Nicklaus was the Tiger Woods of his day, and it was all over the news.  Vietnam was referenced early in the story.  A moon landing, Tiny Tim and popular music were all part of the book’s setting.  Sagebiel apologetically addressed the women in the crowd.  “There aren’t a lot of women in the story,” he admitted.  “There are a few and they’re wearing mini skirts.”

Right off the top, Sagebiel told us that the most important two words come at the start of the book, “For Sally.”  He thanked his wife, Sally, and their two daughters, saying, “They put up with me and know way too much about golf.” He recalled when he was setting up the book signing date with noteBooks owner Avis McCutchan and she pointed out that 9/18 a good date for a golf book.  You know, 9 holes, 18 holes.  Not only that, the 1969 Ryder Cup started on 9/18, Sagebeil told us.

Colorful cupcakes arranged like a golf course added a celebratory touch and the food and prizes made for an all around fun event.   “This isn’t my last book. I just don’t know what I’m going to do next,” Sagebiel said at the end of his reading.  “I’ve really enjoyed it.  It’s been a lot of fun.  It’s something I didn’t really see myself doing but it’s been a privilege to do.” – Colleen Redman

__________Our World Tuesday