Camden Golf Club’s Col Hargraves and Joe Smuk are proving age is no barrier to good golf out at the Studley Park Layout.
Joe ‘matched’ his age in the December Medal Competition with a nice round of 69, while Col recorded his age-matching 79 in January’s Monthly Medal.
In recognition of the dual accomplishments, Bob Zelesco, the Club Captain, presented the two men with framed scorecards to recognise their feat.
“It’s a wonderful achievement for a couple of long-term members of our club, and it goes to prove that age isn’t a barrier to anyone from playing good golf,” said Camden Golf Club’s David Kidd.
Joe Smuk wasn’t aware of how close he was to shooting his age until one of his playing partners alerted him with a couple of holes to go.
“I knew I was having a good day,” Joe said.”Then one of my playing partners told me if I made two pars to finish I would do it.”??“My palms got a bit sweaty then,” he smiled.
Smuk, who has been playing golf at Camden for over 20 years, has represented the club at Major Pennant, Masters, and Super Senior Pennant level. Although he has shot lower scores, heis yet to officially ‘break’ his age.
?“I’ve shot lower scores, but I was much younger then. I really want to break my age before I turn 70 in September,” he laughed.
Despite his advancing years, Col Hargraves enjoys a couple of games a week. He was thrilled to shoot his age-matching score, despite the unintended problem of his club mates finally discovering how old he was.
“I didn’t want anyone to know my age,” he laughed.
Col has been determined to shoot the his age for a while. He has been taking lessons and practicing frequently.
“I said to the club pro; I’m going to do it this year. I had to birdie the last two holes to do it too,” he laughed.
The 79-year old, who has four Grandchildren and three great-grandchildren, believes golf helps keep him feeling young.
“It definitely helps keep me young, I walk the course every time I play,”
The pair hope that the low scores won’t be their last. Both are keen to tee it up in next month’s medal to see if they can defy their ‘age barrier’ and go a shot or two better.
"I turn 80 in July. I hope I can beat it then," Mr Hargraves added.
Picture: L to R Col Hargraves, Bob Zelesco (Club Captain) and Joe Smuk at Camden Golf Club with their momentos for matching their age.