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The Final Round: A Character-Driven Southern Novel
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.
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.
- GenresFiction
426 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 26, 2024
380 people are currently reading
610 people want to read
About the author
Ernest Dempsey
71 books476 followersErnest Dempsey is a huge fan of action/adventure thrillers and science fiction.
He has been creating stories since he was in high school but never published a book until 2010, long after the days of high school were gone.
His action & adventure books come from a lineage similar to Clive Cussler, Dan Brown, Steve Berry, and James Rollins. While his science fiction novels are full of influence from Suzanne Collins' The Hunger Games, The Matrix movie, and Gladiator directed by Ridley Scott.
He is quickly becoming one of the hottest fiction authors in the book world.
He has been creating stories since he was in high school but never published a book until 2010, long after the days of high school were gone.
His action & adventure books come from a lineage similar to Clive Cussler, Dan Brown, Steve Berry, and James Rollins. While his science fiction novels are full of influence from Suzanne Collins' The Hunger Games, The Matrix movie, and Gladiator directed by Ridley Scott.
He is quickly becoming one of the hottest fiction authors in the book world.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
July 28, 2024
You don't have to know golf to love this book
Really! The only golf I know is frisbee golf. Ernest Dempsey is my favorite action adventure writer and when he wrote a golf book I thought why not. Earnest Dempsey creates deep characters that you really come to care about with vivid descriptions of sites around the world. So with this book. Characters who go through trials and challenges just like we do that you become invested in. Descriptions of beautiful scenic golf courses where you can see the courses as well as the trees and flowers surrounding the courses. You can smell the roses, the pines and breezes. You will not be disappointed giving your time to this book. I read it all one Saturday. I couldn't stop until the last hole at 2:30 am. Take some time and enjoy this book even if you know nothing about golf.
And by the way if you like archaeological adventures his most recent Sean Wyatt - The Inventor's Tomb is his best yet.
Really! The only golf I know is frisbee golf. Ernest Dempsey is my favorite action adventure writer and when he wrote a golf book I thought why not. Earnest Dempsey creates deep characters that you really come to care about with vivid descriptions of sites around the world. So with this book. Characters who go through trials and challenges just like we do that you become invested in. Descriptions of beautiful scenic golf courses where you can see the courses as well as the trees and flowers surrounding the courses. You can smell the roses, the pines and breezes. You will not be disappointed giving your time to this book. I read it all one Saturday. I couldn't stop until the last hole at 2:30 am. Take some time and enjoy this book even if you know nothing about golf.
And by the way if you like archaeological adventures his most recent Sean Wyatt - The Inventor's Tomb is his best yet.
July 29, 2024
Outstanding a must read, more about life and it's challenges sad times goodtimes and loss and triumph the golf story entwined is just a part of this great book, it has to be made into a Movie, I couldn't put it down
June 28, 2025
Easy read that has you locked in the whole time. Little bit of a drama with a couple love stories tied in but it’s not overwhelming if you don’t like that stuff. The ending a little predictable but no other way to write it. If you love a good sports story with the challenges of life with two different paths you’ll love this book. Worth the read to find out yourself
December 13, 2024
The Final Round is a wonderful story about redemption and promise. Plenty of emotional moments will tug on your heartstrings while taking you on the proverbial "rollercoaster". As an avid golfer and PGA fan, I had to take one star off because the descriptions of the "tour" life and competition as elucidated by author Dempsey were unrealistic. There were too many little golf "gaffes" in protocol and procedure that were like fingernails on a blackboard for this golfer. Golf purists will know what I'm talking about.
That said, these misrepresentations didn't deter from a great story and memorable reading experience. You don't have to be a golfer to enjoy this touching story of an old pro's opportunity for redemption and a young caddie's chance at fame.
That said, these misrepresentations didn't deter from a great story and memorable reading experience. You don't have to be a golfer to enjoy this touching story of an old pro's opportunity for redemption and a young caddie's chance at fame.
August 28, 2025
I liked the story; however, there is far too much trivial detail in the writing that does not contribute to story developmentnor character development.
July 20, 2024
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.
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.
November 14, 2024
I've never golfed a day in my life and have no particular interest in golf, but that didn't stop this book from being one of the best that I have read this year. Golf is the vehicle that the author used to write a book that is much more than a story about golf. It is a gripping and uplifting story about adversity, self-discovery, believing in oneself, giving oneself grace, getting out of one's head, and redemption.
This story was one that I felt the need to savor and reflect upon as I read, and it brought about a whirlwind of feelings. I alternated between heartache, smiles, fist pumps and tears.
Tyler Knox is a 20-year-old amateur golfer who works as a caddie at a local golf club. He grew up enthralled with golf-studying it and watching the pros on TV at every opportunity. His favorite pro golfer, Graham Sullivan has recently announced his retirement from the game. Graham has won many tournaments and made millions from golf, but is unfulfilled because he has never won a 'major' tournament. He will golf in one last major at White Oak before his retirement is official.
How will Tyler and Grahams's paths cross? What lessons can they provide each other?
This story was one that I felt the need to savor and reflect upon as I read, and it brought about a whirlwind of feelings. I alternated between heartache, smiles, fist pumps and tears.
Tyler Knox is a 20-year-old amateur golfer who works as a caddie at a local golf club. He grew up enthralled with golf-studying it and watching the pros on TV at every opportunity. His favorite pro golfer, Graham Sullivan has recently announced his retirement from the game. Graham has won many tournaments and made millions from golf, but is unfulfilled because he has never won a 'major' tournament. He will golf in one last major at White Oak before his retirement is official.
How will Tyler and Grahams's paths cross? What lessons can they provide each other?
January 4, 2025
A novel about two golf players each at the opposite ends of the spectrum. One, a kid in college working as a caddy at a high end golf course in Chattanooga, Tennessee who's working on his game during club opportunities. The other an individual who's been on the tour and is about to retire. The story paints issues with both but also highlights the pluses and minuses that each has encountered along the way. The young wins a regional tournament that puts him into an Open tournament. The has allowed life to beat him over the years. In recent weeks leading to his last tournament he's met someone who has openned eyes and heart. In the tournament the kid ends up playing a great round the matches him with his hero. Playing head to head until the end the old pro and the kid have a great round. But I won't give the outcome as it would spoil the ending. I'm not a novel type reader but this was good.
August 1, 2024
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!
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!
March 26, 2025
Wow! What a captivating, enthralling, and poignant story!! I received this book as a Christmas gift, having never heard of the author, much less read any of his books. I am now a fan and plan to read many more of his stories.
A very easy read, the book touches many emotions: laughter, sadness, drama, excitement, anticipation, and happiness. I found it very difficult to put the book down. While the book centers around the game of golf, you don't have to be a fan of golf to enjoy the book. It draws many parallels to the challenges we face in our daily lives.
A very easy read, the book touches many emotions: laughter, sadness, drama, excitement, anticipation, and happiness. I found it very difficult to put the book down. While the book centers around the game of golf, you don't have to be a fan of golf to enjoy the book. It draws many parallels to the challenges we face in our daily lives.
July 26, 2024
This is a story about LIFE! That's right it's a story about golf but it's so much more than that. It's about an older golfer and a young and upcoming amateur. Not only their competition on the course but also the highs and lows and everything in between that life has thrown at them. Life they have had to learn to navigate in order to also become the best on the course. Who will succeed in this Final Round?
August 5, 2025
Wow!
What a golf story. I guess you have to be a golfer to appreciate it but I really enjoyed the way this golf story was written. It had a good story line and portrayed, while fiction, a very entertaining life story of two golfers, one a professional and the other a talented amateur. It was a “wow” golf story with a happy ending. A good read for me and…….many golfers.
Thank you.
What a golf story. I guess you have to be a golfer to appreciate it but I really enjoyed the way this golf story was written. It had a good story line and portrayed, while fiction, a very entertaining life story of two golfers, one a professional and the other a talented amateur. It was a “wow” golf story with a happy ending. A good read for me and…….many golfers.
Thank you.
August 23, 2025
An enjoyable experience
I decided to read this book because it was on Prime and because it was about golf, my favorite pastime. I really got into the characters and their back stories. It was as though I was living vicariously through them. I experienced their joys and their fears. Although I felt some of the writing was slow, I never got bored. I have recommended this book to my golf buddies. I’m glad to share it with my friends.
I decided to read this book because it was on Prime and because it was about golf, my favorite pastime. I really got into the characters and their back stories. It was as though I was living vicariously through them. I experienced their joys and their fears. Although I felt some of the writing was slow, I never got bored. I have recommended this book to my golf buddies. I’m glad to share it with my friends.
July 28, 2024
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.
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.
August 1, 2024
Heartwarming story!
The Final Round is a heartwarming story of love lost and love found, of life lessons, and of sweet redemption. Refreshing to read a book with no bad language too! It’s a great read and I highly recommend it. Hope there is more of the same to come from Mr Dempsey.
The Final Round is a heartwarming story of love lost and love found, of life lessons, and of sweet redemption. Refreshing to read a book with no bad language too! It’s a great read and I highly recommend it. Hope there is more of the same to come from Mr Dempsey.
November 10, 2024
an amazing book
What a story! I would have given it 5 stars but the beginning 1/4 was boring. The ending was amazing and made me cry. As a golfer myself, I absolutely loved the way the author followed the golfers during the tournaments. I felt like I was in the stands and watching them in real time.
What a story! I would have given it 5 stars but the beginning 1/4 was boring. The ending was amazing and made me cry. As a golfer myself, I absolutely loved the way the author followed the golfers during the tournaments. I felt like I was in the stands and watching them in real time.
October 21, 2025
Surprising novel
I read all Ernie's books so I bought The Final Round. Surprisingly I thoroughly enjoyed this book despite the fact I'm not a golf fan. The characters were rather simple sticky on one level but it did not detract from the storyline. Another Tyler book should be planned.
I read all Ernie's books so I bought The Final Round. Surprisingly I thoroughly enjoyed this book despite the fact I'm not a golf fan. The characters were rather simple sticky on one level but it did not detract from the storyline. Another Tyler book should be planned.
November 25, 2025
I am a 78 year old avid golfer. I expected this book to be right in my wheelhouse. I don't play as much golf anymore but I still follow professional golf very closely. I'm sorry to say that I was very disappointed with this book. It seemed very predictable and overly dramatic at times. I predicted the outcome after the third chapter. I seem to be in the minority as this book has very good reviews. I can only express my feelings about it.
July 28, 2024
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..
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..
August 20, 2024
a great summer read.
I love the game of golf. The philosophy and examples of life’s struggles are all in this silly game. Life is a series of lessons, learning about yourself, and finding what’s important in your life.
I love the game of golf. The philosophy and examples of life’s struggles are all in this silly game. Life is a series of lessons, learning about yourself, and finding what’s important in your life.
August 30, 2024
I hate golf-but
I have never liked golf it seems so slow and I hated when I found the book was about golf, the book changed my mind it was great. I think Earnest if he runs out of archaeology stories he can always write sports and love stories.
I have never liked golf it seems so slow and I hated when I found the book was about golf, the book changed my mind it was great. I think Earnest if he runs out of archaeology stories he can always write sports and love stories.
November 4, 2024
I just finished a great book it’s “the Final Round” by Ernest Dempsey. It’s a book about an old golfer playing his last major event and an amateur playing his first. I know very little about golf and find it boring to watch and even worse to read about but the book was amazing.
November 11, 2024
An amazing story! I loved the way the story unfolded and continued with a golf theme. You don’t have to be a golfer to love this story about two people finding their love of golf. I cried at the end!
April 3, 2025
Now, That was a Final Round for the ages!
He developed the characters very well and you end up pulling for both of them. Storyline was gripping leaving you wanted to just read one more chapter! Down to the wire and the last putt! Well done Mr. Dempsey.
He developed the characters very well and you end up pulling for both of them. Storyline was gripping leaving you wanted to just read one more chapter! Down to the wire and the last putt! Well done Mr. Dempsey.
May 20, 2025
Great golf book
One of the best golf books I have read. Character development was excellent. As a golfer and a fan I was able to identify with the characters and the irony of the tale.
One of the best golf books I have read. Character development was excellent. As a golfer and a fan I was able to identify with the characters and the irony of the tale.
February 1, 2026
Who To Cheer For
This was an outstanding read. Who to root for? The young amateur or the veteran in his last tournament. I found myself rooting for both. Highly recommend this book if you like golf.
This was an outstanding read. Who to root for? The young amateur or the veteran in his last tournament. I found myself rooting for both. Highly recommend this book if you like golf.
July 29, 2024
I really like Sean and Tommy but this is my favorite story, I’m so glad you wrote it!
September 2, 2024
More about life and how to TRY and live it then about golf. A book with a lot of "under lines" and things to think about.
September 9, 2024
Great story & message!
Loved this book! It should be made into a movie! Great life lessons from beginning to end! You don’t have to be a golfer to enjoy reading either!
Loved this book! It should be made into a movie! Great life lessons from beginning to end! You don’t have to be a golfer to enjoy reading either!
September 15, 2024
if you love golf
Well written, great plot. If you ever have been around the game it’s a dream. I only wish it were true
Well written, great plot. If you ever have been around the game it’s a dream. I only wish it were true
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews