A great outlet to remain fit and healthy

A relatively new form of golf competition is for older players at inter club level. Players in the 55 plus age bracket mightn’t be able to compete to the same level against younger competitors

But fortunately many remain healthy and fit and retain a desire and zeal to compete with less intensity and stress, in a more friendly way and not with the all out winning mentality.

They welcome the challenge to test their skills against players from other clubs that they are more unlikely to be afforded the opportunity in the normal range of inter club events for handicappers of different abilities from the elite golfer to the less accomplished.

Some clubs were quick to recognise the need and fill the void in the older player’s golfing sphere.

There is a very active seniors circuit in this area, which along with fulfilling golfers sporting needs also helped create a sense of normality in the years of the Northern Troubles, with players from this side and from the North crossing over and back across the border to play on each others courses. This still continues to this day until COVID-19 stopped play this year.

These contacts enabled links and friendships to be forged and foster generally close relationships between the different clubs. This demonstrated that those from different backgrounds and with different outlooks could get on and respect one and other while sharing a common love of golf and competing against each other.

Afterwards the players put aside their ‘rivalry’ and mix socially in their respective clubhouses to chat and talk. It was not unusual for the atmosphere to be enhanced by singing and music with those with the gift for playing instruments and with a voice to render a song sharing it for the enjoyment of all in the group.

The fact that over 60s were living longer and were healthier prompted Greenore earlier then other clubs to seek to serve the need for competition for this age category. With more retiring younger towards the latter end of the last century an increasing number were available to play golf in mid week.

Better equipment, buggies and electric trolleys facilitated this cohort of golfers to continue to play longer.