Old men too enjoy golf, probably more

Old men too enjoy golf, probably more
Shona Manco

MARCh 3: Most of the humorous golf stories in PG Woodhouse's works were narrated by an old gentleman. ``The Oldest Member'', as he was referred to, would recline in his favourite chair and regale the audience in the bar or tea terrace with numerous anecdotes. Many would suddenly `remember' some other urgent work and try to wriggle out.

But once he had them listening to him, he would attempt to show golf had altered the lives of many and brought them happiness. Every golf club the world over is populated by such senior members for whom golf is more than just a sport, it is a way of life.

Drive past a golf course on any busy working day and you will see many soaking in the sun as they happily pull their trolleys and set off for a round of golf. Most senior citizens dream of such a life as they work towards a comfortable post-retirement life. Regular golf means many of the senior citizens are actually playing better than what they did when they were younger.

The Senior Tour is almost as important as the other golf tours the world over, with many tournaments and lots of prize money on offer. Ever wondered what happened to Lee Trevino, Hale Irwin, Chi Chi Rodriguez, Ray Floyd, Bob Charles, `The man in Black' Gary Player and the `Golden Bear' Jack Nicklaus? They're all still enjoying the game and life, traveling from event to event and earning their living on a pro tour.

When Nicklaus and Player felt age creeping up and failed to follow up two under par rounds with a third, they knew it was time to head elsewhere. At the Masters two years ago, Nicklaus, whose name figured on the leader board after two days, remarked that all he was worried about was being able to get out of bed the next day.

Therefore, this tour has its differences. There are fewer events and the tour is less hectic. Some of the courses for the Senior PGA Tour are specially designed and made shorter to suit them.

For most, it is like a family. When someone skips an event due to an illness or surgery, they're missed. They discuss their back problems, receding hairlines and boast about the achievements of their children and grandchildren.

For some like Hale Irwin, this is where new dreams have been fulfilled. After a successful but not too brilliant career on the PGA tour, he headed for the Senior Tour where he lead the Order of Merit in '98 and '99. His average earnings for the last three years has been a happy $ 2 million.

Last weeks results

PGA and EPGA: World Matchplay Championship.
Winner: Darren Clarke

PGA: Touchstone Energy Tucson Open.
Winner: Jim Carter

APGA: London Myanmar Open. Winner: James Kingston

PGAI: Sir Padampat Singhania Open.
Winner: Mukesh Kumar

Senior PGA tour: LiquidGolf.com.
Winner: Tom Wargo

LPGA: Australian Masters. Winner: Karrie Webb

Coming Up

PGA: Honda Classic

EPGA: Qatar Masters
Senior PGA: Audi Senior Classic
LPGA: Welch's/Circle K Championship
Golfer of the week: Darren Clarke

It took an Irishman to overcome Tiger Woods and turn his apparent disadvantage into an advantage -- since he hit the ball shorter than Tiger, he always went first and turned on the pressure.