Legends Tour spot clinched by Horne at Q-School

Keith Weller Horne (50) secured his European Legends Senior Tour card for 2023 after he won the Senior Qualifier School held in Turkey in January.

He has been a resident of the south of Johannesburg for the past 21 years and lives in Alberton with his wife, Dr Karen Horne, and daughters, Carmen and Jemma.

We chatted about his love for golf, career highlights and future goals.

His gateway in life

“I have been playing golf most of my life. I started at a very early age and have been playing professionally for 28 years,” said Horne.

He grew up in a sporty, active family, and they played many ball sports such as tennis, cricket, golf, hockey and rugby.

“I took my first golf lesson when I was already a professional, one week before my first professional win, so I am basically self-taught, although I had a lot of lessons since being a professional golf player.”

In 2012, he won the South African PGA, and while it wasn’t his biggest cheque, at the time, it was regarded as one of the most prestigious events in South Africa.

“I would have to say that is my biggest accomplishment, along with keeping my playing rights in Asia for 21 years and my Sunshine Tour card for 28 years and counting. I shot 59 at the River Club in around 2015, the first time I played it, which is my best score.”

Horne won the Sunshine Tour Order of Merit events nine times and 10 non-orders of merit events.

“I’ve had nine hole in ones, but only four were at professional events.”

Horne said he can’t remember his worst score, “I must have blocked it out,” he laughed.

His best golf experience was playing at St Andrews for the first time.

“It is golf’s holy grail, and I played The Dunhill Links there and took my parents and wife to enjoy it with me.”

His three favourite golfers are Tiger Woods, Seve Ballesteros and Ernie Els.

“Because Woods is the best and most exciting player of my generation, and Els is South African. I used to watch him winning events into the early hours of the morning. Ballesteros was my childhood hero and inspired me to want to be a professional golfer with his skill and charisma,” Horne said.

Advice for others

“I think the best piece of equipment a pro golfer can have is right between his ears. A strong and determined mind is invaluable and what will separate him from the other golfers at this crucial time.

“I am not a fan of short events. I believe the longer the event, the more it determines the most skilled golfer as it requires skill and consistency over a few days rather than a lucky few holes where your nerve will not be tested the next day.”

Horne said he feels that golf technology is turning golf into a muscle game, where the biggest and strongest players who hit the ball far start to dominate.

“A lot of the skill has been taken away from the game, which used to make it an even playing ground,” he said.

His advice to others is never to give up and don’t let anyone tell you you are not good enough.

“If you are prepared to put in the hours and stay the course, anything is possible.”

Future goals

“My goal this season, my first on the European Seniors (Legends) Tour, is to finish top 10 on the order of merit and win a tournament on it.”

He practised for eight to nine hours a day when he was younger, but after many years on tour, it has become more about quality than quantity.

“I play a lot more rounds of golf to practice and focus on my short game rather than stand in the sun and beat balls.

“My future goals are all senior tour orientated and are ultimately to get onto the senior’s tour (Champions ) tour in America and compete there.”

On a personal note

Horne was born and raised in Durban with his brother and sister.

His fondest childhood memory is playing many sports and going on holiday with his family to the beach and the Drakensberg mountains.

He went to Atholl Heights Primary in Westville and then to Westville Boys High school.

“I am married to Karen, a homeopath and a born and bred Albertonian. We have been married for 23 years and have two beautiful daughters.”

His life motto is “Never give up.”

Horne said he is inspired by many people.

“People that push themselves out of their comfort zones to achieve more than they thought possible, and this ranges from children at school to someone climbing the corporate ladder or a professional sportsman, pushing himself to the limit.”

In his free time, he likes to be at home with his family.

“I travel so much that time at home is invaluable.”

He also enjoys playing golf with friends and the occasional fishing trip.

“I think my biggest strength is my determination not to fail. I generally perform best when my back is up against the wall, and I have to perform well, so I have a competitive and strong mind.”