Once called "The Most Powerful Person in Golf," former PGA Tour commissioner Deane Beman transformed the Tour into the success story it is today. The book offers an intimate portrait of Beman's shift from hardened golf competitor to an executive of change. In a never-before-told story, Schupak reveals how Beman survived a coup attempt led by Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer and a Hall of Fame roll call of the era, who thought the Tour had no business being in the marketing and licensing business. Had that been successful, players today would not enjoy the most lucrative pension program in sports, and the Senior Tour and the Nationwide Tour probably would not exist. Pro golf arguably would be a second tier sport. The book also details how Beman got 415 acres for $1 and built TPC Sawgrass, home of the most photographed hole in golf, “without spending a nickel of the Tour’s money,” and built a network of courses with net cash flow north of $250 million. “Golf’s Driving Force” forces a reassessment of Beman and puts in broader context the magnitude of his accomplishments. TESTIMONIALS "Deane Beman considered finding the future of the PGA Tour his highest calling. He invented the model for televised golf, which made it a financial winner for all parties. Simply put, he is the architect of the Tour today. Adam Schupak treats us to a masterful account of why Beman should be celebrated for doing more to shape the direction of the professional game than anyone in modern times." — Jim Nantz, CBS Sports “Deane Beman has had more influence on professional golf than any man in history. Among sports commissioners, he rates ahead of Landis and Rozelle. They built it; he invented it. If you care about the game, you'll want to read this book.” — Jerry Tarde, editor-in-chief Golf Digest "It's as much a business narrative as a sports book, and the more fascinating for it." — John Paul Newport, The Wall Street Journal “I call him ‘Coach.’ That’s what he was in every sense of the word. Golf was his game and we, the players, were his ‘guys.’ Deane’s vision and relentless determination were the driving forces in elevating professional golf to the major league status it enjoys today. If you really want to know how the professional game evolved, this book’s for you." — PGA Tour champion and NBC Sports golf commentator Roger Maltbie "No one can doubt that Deane Beman was a visionary. But what is too often overlooked is how much he loves the game. Beman decided a taciturn leadership style was what best served the PGA Tour when he was transforming it into a major sports league, but the public was mostly denied the best part of the man. In “Golf’s Driving Force, ”Adam Schupak brings us the Deane Beman we missed. The result is a fascinating and diligently reported narrative that reveals important history. If you care about golf – and especially if you love it – read this book." — Jaime Diaz, senior writer at Golf Digest/Golf World "Without Deane Beman, there wouldn’t be a PGA Tour, a Players Championship, or a TPC Sawgrass as we know it. This is an inside read on how it all came together – where the bodies are buried, so to speak. This isn't just Deane's memoirs; the reporting and writing of Adam Schupak make it a history lesson about a pioneer and game changer." — Tim Rosaforte, Golf World/Golf Digest, Golf Channel and NBC Sports "Deane Golf's Driving Force" is full of insider information, lively storytelling and a rare look into the mind of a shrewd negotiator and those he dealt with...I can't recommend this book enough." — Geoff Shackelford, GeoffShackelford.com