Jim Thorpe returns to Outback Steakhouse Pro-Am after one year prison sentence
The unfortunate Jim Thorpe has returned to the Champions Tour, Outback Steakhouse Pro-Am after a one-year prison term and subsequent suspension from the PGA Tour which culminated on March 31.
Thorpe, who was pitched in a long court battle with the Internal Revenue Services (IRS) after failing to pay $1.6-million in taxes, was sentenced to a 1-year imprisonment on January 22, 2010, by the court in Orlando Florida. The court charged him of failing
to pay his taxes for the years 2002 and 2004.
“I did what I had to do there, and, no, you don't want to be there,” Thorpe said. “I had to make it work, and you'd be surprised what you can do when you have to do something. I don't want to see any of you guys go there, but I had to accept it. I apologize
to everyone for the mistakes that I made, and I blame no one else but myself. I did the things I had do to and just want to move forward.”
The 62-year-old golfer was released from prison on January 17th and is participating in the Outback Steakhouse after his last appearance in 2009. Born in Roxboro, North Carolina, Thorpe had an splendid golfing profile with three PGA Tour wins
to his account in the mid 80’s and he later went ahead to win ten Senior titles.
This is Thorpe’s 12th appearance in the Outback Steakhouse with his best performance in the tournament came in 2003 where he finished for a joint fourth. Thorpe had some memorable years in his career when he finished joint fourth in 1984 US Open,
joint 18th in 1985 Masters and joint seventh in PGA Championship in 1986.
Thorpe said he rarely thought of the sport during his time in prison as he was more often preoccupied with other more troubled thoughts than golf. He confessed though, of watching the tournaments on TV and expressed that he had a renewed sense of respect
for the sport and had a chance to be more clear-headed and focused at what he must do after serving his time.
Thorpe also disclosed that he started off with light chipping and putting since January and later went over to try his tee shots. Thorpe believes he is as good as he has ever felt.
Thorpe also expressed his gratitude to his fellow golfers who have lend amazing support during his time in the prison and afterwards.
“Certain people all realize we all make mistakes and those don't hold it against you. Life is a game of mistakes, but I feel it's behind me, that I did what I had to do, that I paid for my mistakes and my life is on the right track with the right people
in my corner,” he said.
Thorpe also disclosed the letters he received from Tom Watson in the prison when Watson actually gave him some tips of controlled shots and putting. He jokingly referred that he could have made good use of them some 30 years back.
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